{"id":16873,"date":"2022-10-25T10:30:24","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T08:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/best-practices-for-sd-wan-implementation\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T09:38:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T07:38:42","slug":"best-practices-for-sd-wan-implementation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/en\/best-practices-for-sd-wan-implementation\/","title":{"rendered":"Best practices for SD-WAN implementation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Best practices for SD-WAN implementation<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Trusted Advisor for IT & Telecommunications Sourcing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Successful implementation of SD-WAN: From planning to go-live<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Efficient implementation of complex network projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best practices for SD-WAN implementation: from choosing a provider to a smooth international rollout.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
The introduction of SD-WAN<\/a> is more than just a technical upgrade, it is a strategic step towards making global networks more secure, agile and scalable. Careful planning helps to avoid downtime and ensure a smooth rollout across international locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In a nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Flexibility & control:<\/strong> SD-WAN separates underlay and overlay networks and makes companies independent of individual providers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fast deployment:<\/strong> Existing Internet connections can be used, this significantly shortens rollout times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Centralized control:<\/strong> Transparent management and monitoring across all locations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
High reliability:<\/strong> Automatic switching to stable lines ensures constant performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Global scalability:<\/strong> Standardized billing, support and logistics for international branches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
The solution:<\/strong> Managed or unmanaged: companies that want to retain control but reduce operational costs benefit from managed SD-WAN services. SAVECALL provides support with planning, integration and operation, individually tailored to your infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What this article covers:<\/strong> This article answers the most common questions about SD-WAN implementation, from the advantages over MPLS through time planning and avoiding downtime to international rollout. The core question: How can you modernize your global network without increasing complexity and downtime risks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Table of contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why switch to SD-WAN?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Adapt SD-WAN to your network requirements<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Setting up SD-WAN: how much time is needed?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Avoid network outages during the changeover<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Coordinate SD-WAN across international branches<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Managed or unmanaged SD-WAN: which is better?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
How SAVECALL supports<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Telecommunications as a whole is a complex business, the provision of lines has always had its specific obstacles. So it is with SD-WAN<\/a>. SD-WAN includes many components that contribute to overall corporate network performance, such as national policy, security, hardware delivery, installation and cloud applications. Each element can significantly impact a successful SD-WAN conversion. Below, we address the most common questions that arise when implementing SD-WAN and how you can make the process as easy as possible for your organization<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Why switch to SD-WAN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN offers a number of advantages that traditional MPLS<\/a> cannot. It allows customers to become vendor agnostic, meaning they are not tied to a single ISP or carrier. In addition, it is possible to procure MPLS, Internet lines and SD-WAN components from different providers in order to adapt the services to the needs of a company. This separates the underlay and overlay network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The typical benefits of switching to SD-WAN include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Centralized management and complete transparency across all locations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Greater flexibility, as several access technologies can be combined<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fast deployment, especially if Internet access is already available<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Increased security through encryption of WAN traffic<\/li>\n\n\n\n
High site availability as SD-WAN automatically redirects to the most powerful connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Improved performance for SaaS and cloud-based services, resulting in higher user productivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Adapt SD-WAN to your network requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every industry is different, as is every country in terms of the regulations that affect network architecture. It makes sense for your network to be adapted accordingly, and SD-WAN offers this flexibility. This flexibility then ideally ends in a single invoice, a single contract, a single currency, a single technical support, a single performance review and a single logistics setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Setting up SD-WAN: how much time is needed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There is no standard timeframe for the implementation of SD-WAN. It depends heavily on how many locations are served in which countries. Logistics and shipping are often difficult to predict: is the power ready? Do you have cables ready? Do you have MPLS ready? Is the internet ready? The better prepared you are, the less time your SD-WAN migration will take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Avoid network outages during the changeover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Downtime occurs when an organization attempts to implement SD-WAN without guidance or experience. It’s not enough to plug in the SD-WAN box if the cabling, software and other components don’t work together. If you educate yourself thoroughly and plan every component of the implementation, you should have no downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Coordinate SD-WAN across international branches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If companies send an SD-WAN box from the USA to Africa without first completing the necessary paperwork, it will inevitably get stuck at customs. To avoid such delays, they need to familiarize themselves with the country-specific network systems in advance. Any self-respecting network solution provider should be able to provide the appropriate advice for global implementation, the laws, paperwork and network designs required for each country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Managed or unmanaged SD-WAN: which is better?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most organizations want to be in control of their network, but don’t want the headaches that can come with monitoring connectivity and performance. Finding a middle ground is becoming increasingly popular. There are a variety of SD-WAN support options<\/a>, from simple hardware suppliers to fully managed services.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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How SAVECALL supports your SD-WAN implementation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Are you considering switching to SD-WAN? SAVECALL is happy to help you choose the right SD-WAN provider, vendor-neutral and with access to more than 80 carrier and manufacturer partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion: ready to switch to SD-WAN<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
A successful SD-WAN implementation stands and falls with good preparation: from choosing between managed and unmanaged operation to realistic time planning and country-specific logistics for international rollouts. Companies that plan every component in advance avoid downtime and benefit from the full flexibility SD-WAN offers over classic MPLS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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$\"Frank$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Written by<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frank Frommknecht<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Account Consultant, SAVECALL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Has supported companies for over 20 years in selecting and optimizing their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and strategically finding the right solution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Telecom & IT sourcing. Worldwide. Carrier-independent.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Selection & operation of worldwide connectivity & cloud infrastructure. Without vendor risk & unnecessary costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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80+ carriers worldwide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One point of contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One SLA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One portal: mySAVECALL<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Min. 20% savings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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25+
years of experience<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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40+
Employees<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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80+
Partner<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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1400+ Clients<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
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Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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SAVECALL, “SD-WAN for Businesses: Providers, Cost & Benefits”, savecall.de\/sd-wan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL, “MPLS vs SD-WAN: Difference, Cost & Migration”, savecall.de\/mpls-vs-sd-wan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL, “SD-WAN: Cisco vs Fortinet vs VeloCloud”, savecall.de\/sd-wan-cisco-fortinet-velocloud<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions about SD-WAN implementation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What makes SD-WAN attractive compared to classic MPLS?<\/strong>
SD-WAN separates the underlay and overlay network, making companies vendor agnostic so they are no longer tied to a single ISP or carrier. MPLS, internet lines and SD-WAN components can be sourced from different providers and flexibly adapted to the company’s needs. Typical benefits include centralized management, faster deployment, encrypted WAN traffic and automatic rerouting to the most powerful connection.<\/p> <\/div>
How long does SD-WAN implementation take?<\/strong>
There is no standard timeframe for SD-WAN implementation, the duration depends heavily on how many locations are served in which countries. Logistics and shipping are often difficult to predict: is the power ready, are cables and MPLS ready, is internet available on site? The better prepared a company is, the less time the changeover will take.<\/p> <\/div>
How can network outages be avoided during the SD-WAN changeover?<\/strong>
Downtime typically occurs when an organization implements SD-WAN without sufficient guidance or experience. It is not enough to plug in the SD-WAN box if the cabling, software and other components do not work together. If you educate yourself thoroughly and plan every component of the implementation in advance, you should experience no downtime.<\/p> <\/div>
What should you watch out for with international SD-WAN rollouts?<\/strong>
Every country has its own regulations that affect network architecture, customs and logistics. If, for example, an SD-WAN box is shipped without the necessary paperwork, it will get stuck at customs. A good network solution provider knows the laws, paperwork and network designs required for each country and advises accordingly before the rollout.<\/p> <\/div>
Managed or unmanaged SD-WAN: which fits better?<\/strong>
Most organizations want to keep control of their network but don’t want the full operational burden of monitoring connectivity and performance. That is why a middle ground between self-operation and managed service is becoming increasingly popular. Options range from simple hardware suppliers to fully managed services, and SAVECALL helps find the right fit.<\/p> <\/div>
How does SD-WAN adapt to different countries and industries?<\/strong>
Every industry and every country has its own regulatory requirements that affect network architecture. SD-WAN offers the flexibility needed to adapt networks accordingly. Ideally, this results in a single invoice, a single contract, a single currency, a single technical support and a single logistics setup across all locations.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n
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