{"id":16924,"date":"2022-03-03T09:43:06","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T08:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/sd-wan-at-a-glance\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T09:01:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T07:01:49","slug":"sd-wan-at-a-glance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/en\/sd-wan-at-a-glance\/","title":{"rendered":"SD-WAN – At a glance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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SD-WAN: At a glance<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Trusted Advisor for IT & Telecommunications Sourcing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Flexible. Secure. Smartly networked.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Modern network technology for agile corporate structures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN: At a glance<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Decentralized IT, cloud usage and increasing bandwidth requirements are changing corporate networks. SD-WAN is the answer to this development: flexible, secure and cost-efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In a nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Flexible architecture:<\/strong> Bundles Internet, MPLS and LTE into a high-performance overall network<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Integrated security:<\/strong> Encrypted tunnels and centrally controlled policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fast deployment:<\/strong> Zero-touch deployment and centralized cloud management<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cost reduction:<\/strong> Use of existing lines instead of expensive MPLS structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Provider diversity:<\/strong> Solutions from Cisco Meraki to Viptela depending on complexity and requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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The solution:<\/strong> SAVECALL helps companies to select, implement and optimize SD-WAN solutions for their site connectivity<\/a>, for maximum availability, security and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What this article covers:<\/strong> This article explains the overlay\/underlay principle behind SD-WAN, its key advantages, the provider landscape of system houses and carriers, and typical basic and premium service tiers. The key question: are you already using SD-WAN to make your cloud connections efficient and secure?<\/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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What is behind SD-WAN as an overlay network?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of SD-WAN at a glance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Provider landscape: system houses and carriers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Typical service tiers: basic and premium<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
How SAVECALL supports you<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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What is behind SD-WAN as an overlay network?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Due to the development from centralized IT to decentralized, agile structures and the increased use of local cloud services, company networks are being redesigned. The requirements have changed, and SD-WAN is the technological answer to this shift toward more flexible, future-proof network models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN networks are typically based on local internet lines and offer short paths to local clouds. As an overlay network, they can bundle a wide variety of locally available lines and access technologies (underlay) and operate them actively, for example an MPLS, Internet and LTE line<\/a>. This is an ideal and cost-effective way of providing the necessary bandwidth at the location while increasing reliability at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN is an overlay network technology. Encrypted tunneling enables routing and the implementation of security standards, even without touching the underlying underlay WAN configurations. By bundling several internet-based broadband connections, plus 4G\/5G, MPLS-comparable performance and availability can be achieved, though only ever on a best-effort basis and not with clearly defined SLAs. As long as the underlay network is based on the internet, this cannot be avoided. However, several connection types can be bundled at one location, which is one approach to achieving higher performance and reliability. Unlike conventional WAN solutions, where network security is ensured via multiple appliances, an SD-WAN can typically offer all the relevant functions already integrated in the service or a single appliance, correspondingly cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of SD-WAN at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Central management and reporting web console for the customer, cloud-based management<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Lower costs thanks to improved transport options<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Security via tunneling and encryption options<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fast deployment through simple, standardized zero-touch deployment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Intelligent path control: performance assurance thanks to standardized policies and application-aware networking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Provider landscape: system houses and carriers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN solutions are available from a wide range of providers: system houses and carriers. The latter can also offer the management of the line infrastructure that most customers want. In the event of a fault or poor performance, you have a responsible contact person at the carrier, and there is no finger-pointing between SD-WAN providers, local line suppliers and subcontractors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is not easy to find a suitable and reliable managed SD-WAN provider<\/a> among many others. There are considerable technological, price and, above all, architectural differences. In most cases, you will receive a basic or premium product from each provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typical service tiers: basic and premium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Basic: Managed SD-WAN Core (e.g. Cisco Meraki<\/a>) includes wireless, switching, security, intelligent network insights, endpoint management and surveillance cameras. Fully integrated hardware, software and cloud services, ideal for companies with a need for uncomplicated WAN, LAN and WLAN networks. Premium: Managed SD-WAN Premium (Cisco Viptela) serves both as a network termination for the MPLS and internet access lines and as an SD-WAN router and firewall. Network elements in series are avoided and reliability is significantly increased, ideal for companies with complex network requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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How SAVECALL supports your SD-WAN provider choice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In addition to deciding on a provider, buying software and appliances is not enough. You need to carefully consider how to set up and manage your access network to ensure its performance. In practice, this is usually neither as easy nor as quick as SD-WAN providers promise. Purchasing a managed SD-WAN through large telcos is an option, but not all carriers are equally agile and responsive in their management. This is exactly where SAVECALL supports you vendor-neutrally with selection and comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN changes WAN management through more agility, automation in deployment, control, greater visibility and lower costs for access lines. It can make sense to replace existing MPLS networks with an SD-WAN or to integrate them as an underlay, depending on requirements. Do you want to restructure or digitize your IT, or do you need an SD-WAN solution for your company? Contact us free of charge and without obligation, our experts will be happy to support you.<\/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\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 more than 20 years in selecting and optimising their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and finding the right solution strategically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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$\"SAVECALL$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Kostenloser<\/span> Expertentermin<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Buchen<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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SAVECALL: Managed SD-WAN service provider guide, savecall.de\/en\/managed-sd-wan-service-provider<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL: MPLS for businesses, providers & cost, savecall.de\/en\/mpls<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL: SD-WAN for businesses, providers & cost, savecall.de\/en\/sd-wan<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions about SD-WAN at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What does overlay network mean in SD-WAN?<\/strong>
An overlay network is a virtual network layer that sits on top of existing physical lines, known as the underlay. As an overlay, SD-WAN bundles various locally available connections such as MPLS, Internet and LTE and operates them active\/active. This creates cost-effective and reliable bandwidth at the location without changing the underlying lines.<\/p> <\/div>
Are fixed SLAs possible with SD-WAN?<\/strong>
As long as the underlay is based purely on internet lines, SD-WAN operates on a best-effort principle rather than clearly defined SLAs like MPLS. Bundling several connection types at one location still significantly increases performance and reliability. When MPLS is integrated as part of the underlay, guaranteed bandwidth for critical applications becomes possible too.<\/p> <\/div>
What advantages does SD-WAN offer over classic WAN solutions?<\/strong>
SD-WAN offers a central, cloud-based management console, lower costs through improved transport options, and security via tunneling and encryption. It also brings fast deployment through zero-touch deployment and intelligent path control through application-aware networking. Unlike classic solutions, many of these functions are already integrated in a single appliance.<\/p> <\/div>
Should SD-WAN be sourced from a system house or a carrier?<\/strong>
Both provider types are possible, but they differ in management. Carriers often additionally offer line infrastructure management, meaning a single responsible contact in the event of a fault instead of finger-pointing between multiple suppliers. The choice depends on the company’s technological, price and architectural requirements.<\/p> <\/div>
What is the difference between basic and premium SD-WAN solutions?<\/strong>
A basic solution like Managed SD-WAN Core covers wireless, switching, security and endpoint management in fully integrated hardware and software, ideal for uncomplicated WAN, LAN and WLAN needs. A premium solution like Managed SD-WAN Premium additionally serves as network termination for MPLS and internet access lines as well as router and firewall, significantly increasing reliability for complex network requirements.<\/p> <\/div>
How does SAVECALL support the choice of the right SD-WAN provider?<\/strong>
SAVECALL advises vendor-neutrally on selecting, implementing and optimizing SD-WAN solutions for maximum availability, security and performance. Since providers differ significantly in technology, price and architecture, SAVECALL helps find the right and reliable managed service provider instead of evaluating software and appliances in isolation.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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