What Is SD-WAN? A Complete Guide to How It Works & Why Businesses Need It

If you’re a business who relies on cloud-based applications and data-heavy services, you need a network solution that can handle the heightened traffic without compromising security. Many businesses are turning to Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) to optimize their network infrastructure and maintain seamless connectivity with guaranteed security. To help you understand what an SD-WAN is, how it compares to the alternative, and how it can help your business, we’ve compiled a basic guide.

How SD-WAN Works

Wide-area networks (WANs) were designed to connect smaller networks (called local area networks or LANs) across a large geographical area. This gave businesses and government agencies the ability to communicate and share information and resources. For decades, businesses have relied on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) circuits to power private connectivity and maintain security. But with much of the internet becoming cloud-based, WAN traffic has begun to skyrocket. This means that businesses need a new network model that can manage performance while maintaining a secure and stable performance. 

A Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) provides a virtual approach to managing secure connectivity. Depending on the requirements of each application or data transfer, SD-WAN allows businesses to use a combination of internet connections from fiber to coax to wireless (LTE). This ensures connectivity while keeping data safe and secure. 

Here is a breakdown of how it works: 

1. It offers centralized control. With one centralized, cloud-based dashboard, IT can manage and configure traffic, prioritizing the most important applications and ensuring security all from one place.
2. It intelligently routes traffic. SD-WAN analyzes network conditions in real time to automatically choose the best available path for all internet traffic.
3. It boosts security. With built-in security features like firewalls, encryption, and end-to-end segmentation, SD-WAN keeps data secure both in the cloud and across broadband internet.

SD-WAN Vs MPLS

MPLS has been the standard for private, secure networking for years, but SD-WAN offers a more flexible and cost-effective alternative, especially for cloud applications. Here’s how the two compare:

• Performance: MPLS struggles with cloud-based applications, while SD-WAN can handle both cloud and SaaS applications with ease.
• Flexibility: With MPLS, adding new locations or scaling bandwidth can be slow and costly. SD-WAN allows you to quickly deploy and scale new applications as needed.
• Security: MPLS offers privacy by using dedicated lines, while SD-WAN maintains security by using advanced features like encryption and end-to-end segmentation.
• Cost: MPLS is usually more expensive because it requires dedicated infrastructure. SD-WAN, on the other hand, allows businesses to use more affordable broadband connections where possible.

Making the Switch to SD-WAN

If you’re looking to transition to a more flexible, secure, and cost-friendly networking solution, there’s only one clear option. SD-WAN is easy to deploy with the help of one of Maverick Networks’ trusted specialists. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you navigate a new, more powerful networking solution. Talk to one of our technology advisors today to get started on upgrading your network to SD-WAN!