Benefits Of Incorporating SD-WAN In Your Company

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More and more businesses are switching to SD-WAN, and for a good reason. While the technology is still relatively new, it offers several advantages over traditional WAN solutions. 

These advantages make it so businesses who switch to SD-WAN can see improved performance in several areas. First, let’s look at how SD-WAN works and how you can incorporate it into your business. 

What Does SD-WAN Stand For?

Before discussing the benefits of SD-WAN, it’s essential to understand precisely what it is and how SD-WAN works. SD-WAN is short for “software-defined wide area network.” Whereas a traditional WAN uses hardware components to connect different locations, SD-WAN uses software, which has many advantages.

In addition, SD-WAN can work with any internet connection, whereas a traditional WAN typically only works with private IP networks.

Increased Agility and Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of SD-WAN is that it offers increased agility and flexibility. Because SD-WAN uses a software-defined approach, it’s much easier to add new locations and scale the network as needed.

Adding a new location can be a complex and time-consuming process with traditional WAN solutions. However, with SD-WAN, businesses can quickly and easily add new locations without significantly impacting the network.

Improved Performance

Another advantage of SD-WAN is improved performance. The software-defined nature of SD-WAN allows businesses to dynamically route traffic based on real-time conditions. So doing this means that traffic can be quickly rerouted if there is congestion or a problem with one of the links.

As a result, businesses using SD-WAN can see improved performance and decreased latency. However, it’s important to note that the performance benefits will vary depending on the internet connection.

Reduced Costs

In addition to improved performance, businesses using SD-WAN can also experience reduced costs. 

For many companies, the most significant advantage of SD-WAN is that it can help them save money. Companies can save money with SD-WAN by using lower-cost internet links. For example, companies can use a combination of broadband and cellular links instead of more expensive MPLS links.

Additionally, companies can save money on hardware costs with SD-WAN. For example, companies typically need to purchase and maintain costly routers and other hardware components with traditional WAN solutions. However, with SD-WAN, much of this hardware is not required.

Increased Security

Security is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Fortunately, SD-WAN can help companies improve their security posture, another significant advantage of the technology. 

Because SD-WAN uses a software-defined approach, businesses can quickly and easily implement security policies. Additionally, companies can take advantage of advanced security features, including the following:

  • encryption
  • firewalls
  • intrusion detection
  • prevention systems

These security features can help businesses protect their network from various threats, including malware, viruses, and hackers.

Greater Network Visibility and Control

Greater network visibility and control means businesses can more easily monitor and manage their network. With traditional WAN solutions, businesses typically rely on manual processes to monitor and manage the network.

However, with the real power of SD-WAN, companies can take advantage of features that provide greater visibility and control. For example, many SD-WAN solutions include a centralized management console.

This console provides businesses with real-time insights into network activity. Additionally, companies can use the console to quickly and easily make changes to the network.

Improved Collaboration

Another advantage of SD-WAN is improved collaboration. Because SD-WAN can connect different locations, businesses can more easily collaborate with employees at various locations. 

For example, companies can use SD-WAN to connect their headquarters with remote offices. Additionally, companies can use SD-WAN to connect employees working from home. By connecting these employees, businesses can improve communication and collaboration.

Faster Deployment

One of the benefits of SD-WAN is that companies can quickly deploy the solution. In many cases, businesses can deploy SD-WAN in just a few weeks. This deployment time is much faster than traditional WAN solutions, which can take months or even years to deploy. 

Additionally, businesses can often deploy SD-WAN without disrupting the network. Doing this is especially useful for companies that need to deploy SD-WAN quickly but cannot afford to disrupt their network.

Highly Scalable

Another significant advantage of SD-WAN is that it is highly scalable. As businesses grow, they can quickly and easily scale their SD-WAN solution. Additionally, companies can scale their SD-WAN solution to meet their specific needs.

For example, companies can add more links or locations as needed. When doing so, businesses can maintain the same level of performance and reliability and avoid disruptions.

Reduced Complexity

Traditional WAN solutions can be complex, making them difficult to manage and troubleshoot. Fortunately, SD-WAN can help businesses reduce the complexity of their network. This reduction in complexity means companies can more easily manage and troubleshoot their network.

Additionally, businesses can save money on training and support costs. These costs, which can be significant with traditional WAN solutions, can be reduced with SD-WAN.

Increased Bandwidth Capacity

One of the significant problems with traditional WAN solutions is that they often do not have enough bandwidth to meet the needs of businesses. As a result, companies can experience slow network speeds and poor performance. Fortunately, SD-WAN can help enterprises to increase their bandwidth capacity.

SD-WAN uses multiple links to connect to the internet. These links can be broadband, 4G LTE, or even satellite. By using multiple links, businesses can increase their bandwidth capacity, which can help companies avoid slow network speeds and poor performance.

Seamless Integration

Finally, another significant advantage of SD-WAN solutions is that it can seamlessly integrate into the network. With traditional WAN, businesses often have to replace their existing equipment.

However, companies can keep their existing equipment and add the SD-WAN solution. This integration can help companies to save money and avoid disruptions. When done correctly, businesses can have a seamless SD-WAN solution that integrates easily into the network.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to how SD-WAN works and incorporating it into your business. These benefits include improved performance, increased bandwidth capacity, reduced complexity, and seamless integration.

Additionally, businesses can use SD-WAN to deploy the solution and scale their network as needed quickly. As a result, companies can improve their operations and compete more effectively by taking advantage of these benefits.