SD-Wan: Defining a Software-Defined Wide Area Network

An SD-WAN uses software to both define and manage an area network. Once it's activated, this system should allow for high performance, low cost, and tight security. 

What Is an SD-WAN?

Your network of employees, clients, and users is vast. In fact, your system could pull in traffic from all across the country or even all across the world. How should you handle all of that work? And how can you keep every bit of data secure?

Enter an SD-WAN, or software-defined wide area network.

A wide-area network (WAN) helps to connect far-flung users to key assets within your servers. When that approach just isn't enough, companies reach for software to help. 

SD-WAN involves applying software-defined networking concepts to your WAN. You'll deploy devices that enforce the rules you've designed to push traffic to its destination safely and securely. 

A prepackaged SD-WAN solution might include routers and switches you already own, or you might use virtual equipment. Everything within the system runs on software that can handle security, networking functions, and management. 

You'll install this appliance on your network edge to serve branch offices, remote workers, and data centers. 

When IP packets hit your SD-WAN service, they're analyzed and classified per your rules. They're then forwarded along according to the configurations you've set.

What Makes an SD-WAN Different?

Plenty of systems help organizations like yours to handle traffic from outsiders and branches. But an SD-WAN is quite different from the solutions you’ve likely used in the past. 

SD-WAN vs. WAN

A WAN also helps manage traffic, but a traditional system is limited to enterprises, branches, and data centers. If you adopt any kind of cloud technology and your traffic jumps accordingly, you could overwhelm your delicate systems and encounter catastrophic failures. 

An SD-WAN is specifically designed to handle traffic moving into and out of the cloud. It can also be configured on the fly so new issues that stem from the cloud can be addressed almost immediately. 

SD-WAN vs. MLPS

Multi-protocol label switching (MLPS) uses predetermined routes to handle traffic. It delivers guaranteed performance, and it's ideal for time-sensitive data. But it's difficult to program. If something about your traffic changes, you'll need time to fix the problem. 

SD-WAN may never replace MLPS. Both serve unique functions. But an SD-WAN can help you manage issues that are constantly changing and hard to react to. 

SD-WAN vs. SDN

Software-defined networking (SDN) has its origins in 2008, and IT managers have used it ever since. If you've ever used programming language to help define communication paths, you've used SDN.

SD-WAN is a form of SDN. People who take on SD-WAN use computing principles to define infrastructure elements and control how they communicate and pass data to one another.

SD-WAN Security Issues 

Programming embedded within your SD-WAN should keep your system secure. But plenty of traps exist, and it pays to proceed carefully and cautiously. 

The traditional security systems you've been using may not have the flexibility, interconnectivity, or speed that your SD-WAN system requires. You must ensure that each packet of data passes through your security tools. Programming routes makes that possible. 

If your SD-WAN vendor offers security protections bundled into the product, ask about:

• Components. Does it include a firewall? Is unified threat management available?
• Features. Are secure local breakouts available? 
• Integration. Does the package include a router and firewall? 
• Analytics. Will you be able to view data moving through network ports inside the SD-WAN?

Make sure you