SD-WAN: A killer way to improve network flexibility and efficiency

Wide area networks are generally used to connect multiple business locations, such as headquarters and branch offices, to provide point-to-point private networks that enable these locations to share applications and data. The management of wide area networks is very complicated if the traditional method is used, that is, the WAN endpoints are managed individually. At present, everyone tends to use software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) technology, where a centralized controller and some software applications can cover the entire WAN. SD-WAN architecture is an attractive option because the deployment, configuration and management of remote links can be greatly improved, and some even provide zero-touch configuration.

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Initially, most enterprises will simply add a software overlay to their WAN connections. However, over time, enterprises will begin to adopt more sophisticated features of SD-WAN due to the easy configuration capabilities of the SD-WAN architecture.

In the past, WAN connections were built on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), which is an expensive technology with limited bandwidth but excellent quality of service (QoS). However, there are many links that do not actually need to carry high QoS traffic, such as web content, file sharing, and email. In addition, under this mechanism, all branch office data needs to be backhauled in each direction of the WAN, which increases costs and latency. Therefore, removing this data from the MPLS link reduces the transmission cost of data and frees up bandwidth for more critical applications. A lot can be done to optimize WAN connections using SD-WAN architecture.

Analyzing different SD-WAN architectures

SD-WAN is not designed to carry or route data. Its main responsibility is to maintain the configuration and management of WAN points. Enterprises will enjoy many benefits of SD-WAN when deploying SD-WAN, such as higher connection efficiency than MPLS, greater flexibility in remote deployment of new services, and better redundancy, all without increasing costs.

Traditional WANs typically use point-to-point MPLS connections to connect remote offices to headquarters. SD-WAN deployment is a software overlay of the existing WAN, providing centralized management and configuration capabilities.

Different WAN and SD-WAN configurations

SD-WAN can use a variety of transmission methods, with great flexibility, and can configure remote endpoints, such as MPLS, broadband Ethernet, 3G/4G cellular, etc. This transmission flexibility makes it easier to connect branches without being restricted by physical location or any operator.

SD-WAN also makes it easier to connect multiple transports over a single WAN for redundancy. If the primary transport path fails, all traffic can be automatically moved to the other path, enabling continuous connectivity. The second path can be active while load balancing, or it can be dormant as a backup awaiting a primary failure.

Manage transmission costs more effectively

With path control, administrators can determine which traffic will be handled by which transport. For example, high-priority application traffic can be routed through MPLS to get the best quality connection. Low-priority network traffic can be transported through broadband Internet for the most cost-effective treatment. By controlling the path, administrators can manage overall transportation costs more effectively.

With a point-to-point configuration, all inbound and outbound Internet requests from the branch office must first pass through the headquarters before being backhauled. This enables the enterprise to manage the security and access of all Internet traffic.

SD-WAN makes it easier to add a second connection that allows direct Internet routing for Internet traffic while internal applications still need to be routed to the headquarters.

Cloud-enabled SD-WAN configuration

So far, all configurations have relied on HQ managing the connectivity of remote branches, via the HQ SD-WAN controller. But there is another connectivity option available.

Some companies offer cloud-based SD-WANs that maintain data and management policies through a cloud-based controller. By eliminating point-to-point connections, enterprises can achieve more flexible connections to meet their needs and reduce overall costs. Cloud-based SD-WANs provide a cloud-centric access model rather than a headquarters-centric access model, making it more in line with the direction many enterprises are heading now.

These configurations, as detailed in the diagram, only scratch the surface of some of the capabilities of SD-WAN. As SD-WAN architectures become more popular in business, we will see more interesting configurations.

Original link:

https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/tip/How-SD-WAN-architectures-improve-network-flexibility-and-efficiency