The Top Network and Security Benefits of SD-WAN

The network and security benefits of SD-WAN clearly show how businesses have escalated their overall performance by adopting this new technology. The IT solution provides a unified system of interconnected devices with security protocols keeping data safe from potential malware attacks. 

One of the most significant factors of networking evolution is adopting a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) for the modernized workforce that has become increasingly mobile. With all the network and security benefits of SD-WAN, there’s the integration of a full range of security protocols future-proofing the network from malicious malware over the internet. 

The growing web of interconnected devices has formulated a unified communication system with easy data transfer amongst different people and devices separated via geographical locations. The new cloud-based IT solution provides organizations the flexibility and scalability to adjust to fluctuating network requirements of today’s highly competitive marketplace.  

How is the integration of SD-WAN adding security to networking?

Numerous reports online state how the SD-WAN market size is estimated to reach US$ 5220 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 26.2% from 2022-2028. The growth rate depicts how this trend is gaining momentum and increasing awareness about the SD-WAN market. 

The advanced routing, WAN optimization, and security-driven WAN-based edge solution is an all-in-one package deal for IT specialists. The advanced network needs and business demands of the enterprise business models should be kept in mind while developing a secure SD-WAN solution. 

When networks change, security remapping aligns to adjust with the new configurations creating network security gaps. These openings are exploited by malware attacks waiting for a chance to seep into your network infrastructure. Therefore, enterprises should bypass network overlays and deploy a fully integrated solution like SD-WAN. 

What are the network and security benefits of SD-WAN over traditional networking?

An SD-WAN is a massive network for various types of connections used for data transfer. They may include private internet lines, multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), virtual private networks (VPN), and broadband internet. SD-WANs can find the most efficient routes, unlike the traditional WAN network that connects with data centers, making the data path less effective. 

Enterprises can incorporate three different types of SD-WAN architecture depending on their requirements. These include the on-premises SD-WAN, cloud-enabled SD-WAN, and cloud-enabled plus backbone SD-WAN. 

The degree to which it is kept on the cloud by the enterprise is how one differentiates from another. The network and security benefits of SD-WAN for all three types are a lot more than the older networking solutions because of being cloud-native in nature. 

What are the top most network and security benefits of SD-WAN?

With SaaS and IaaS applications gaining traction, the need to deploy a software-based approach has increased. The design of conventional methodologies was to function within a specific campus. Therefore, they don’t meet the requirements of the cloud-based architectures of today. 

The advanced SD-WAN configurations help upgrade the current network implementations by expanding businesses over numerous geographical locations. Below are the top most network and security benefits of SD-WAN:

Upgrade connectivity and prioritize traffic

SD-WANs create common infrastructures to accommodate connections like MPLS, LTE, or broadband. The users can then allot critical apps to stable networks and less crucial datasets to the public network. The tech utilizes connectivity and services from the cloud, thus eliminating the need to integrate routing hardware and equipment. 

Enhanced end-to-end security

Employees often need to access business-critical information, which can pose risks, especially from a remote location. SD-WANs have built-in security protocols and encryption capabilities, ensuring only authorized personnel are allowed access.

Bandwidth flexibility and network agility

SD-WANs have the flexibility to change the bandwidth using the local internet for managing websites. Users can increase site speeds based on their needs by adding another connection and upgrading the site licenses.

Higher reliability and responsiveness

Site links and speeds play a crucial role in data transfer. Cloud-based apps use direct internet connectivity for simpler and stable cloud performance. Constantly monitored links ensure that sites stay connected and that all incoming and outgoing activities run smoothly.

Decreased expenditure

Automated SD-WAN protocols lessen the IT burden and overall costs. Businesses can accomplish more in less time by combining the efficiency of a centrally-managed network with automation. 

Improved application performance

Many business-critical apps run on the cloud and hence they need more security and focus. SD-WAN separates apps from services via policy-based virtual overlay. The overlay provides real-time stats and based on configurations, it chooses the optimal network for each application.  

Conclusion

SD-WAN is a new entity in the networking interface but has gained a lot of momentum in recent years. The numerous network and security benefits of SD-WAN have pushed enterprises to integrate this solution into their network infrastructure. 

If you wish to build a strong and protected online presence for all your enterprise-critical needs, reach out to our team who is willing to take up this initiative for you.

Rob Rattray

Rob Rattray is the Sales Director of A1 Technologies, a Microsoft consultancy based in Australia. Rob's focus is settings the strategic and cultural direction for A1 Technologies, while also overseeing Sales and Marketing. Rob is passionate about business and helping good people do good things through technology.