Why Enterprise WANs are out and SD-WANs Are In

The data center has always been the focus of SD-WAN networking. The utilization of software versions of WAN has allowed the integration of automated systems. What this does for the business is allow them to build networks that are virtual. They can also provide micro-segmentation and their service chaining can be integrated. What the SDN does is not only shows the value of networking, but also brings the technological world a few steps closer to automation. Automation has already been relished by those who specialize in virtualization for some time now.

While the data center is important, it is not the only part of IT that needs to have help from software definition. Before the prominent option was Enterprise WANs. But, this was costly and complex. There have been more complaints and a need for a solution was imminent. Those who had remote offices had to try to stitch things together from the provider’s MPLS network. Sure, they were using L2 or L3 connections that do guarantee their privacy and the overall quality of their services, but this was a costly option for companies who may not have had the extra. Then there are the options considered with Broadband. The real problem with Broadband is that it lacks functionality in the provider’s MPLS cloud. They do allow bandwidth but again it is a lot of money spent.

Preferably, a business would use broadband for most network traffic. However, they would still have the option of passing quality-sensitive traffic through the private MPLS links to increase their accessibility. It is possible to configure the routers so as to do the hybrid WAN manually, but the configuration is quite complex. However, the SD-WAN changed everything and made it possible for even the biggest companies to facilitate the traffic properly and pay less. How can a company pay less and have better services? To make cost-effective cuts, software-based WAN will reduce the channels the traffic must use to be routed properly.

SD-WAN handles the current challenges presented by those using an Enterprise WAN. What they can do is offer to systematize the configuration of WAN routers, by routing the traffic over public broadband, or putting it over onto private MPLS links. The final result would be an enterprise network edge with is lower in cost, reduced in complexity, and increased flexibility.