Monday, May 20, 2019

Benefits of SDWAN from a Network Professional

Benefits of a Software-defined Wide Area Network from a Network Professional

Software-defined Wide Area Network or SD-WAN has been a hot topic in networking and security circles recently.  There’s a good chance you’ve heard of it even if you’re not in the technology field.  But what is SD-WAN?  SD-WAN provides control and flexibility with multiple types of connections including MPLS, broadband, and LTE.  Policies are put in place based on metrics (bandwidth, latency, jitter, etc.) to load-balance or provide redundancy for services on the WAN.  WAN traffic can be shaped or routed across specific WAN links based on configured policies.  Once policies are defined, the software can re-route and/or prioritize traffic automatically based on those policies.

Multiple broadband circuits can be used in combination to increase bandwidth by sending traffic out all healthy links.  In the event of a circuit outage, traffic is automatically shifted to remaining healthy circuits for seamless redundancy to the end user and no manual configuration from system admins.  When the down circuit is once again healthy, SD-WAN technology detects the change and makes the resource available for use.

Mixing circuit types allows lower-priority traffic to be routed over less expensive broadband services while sending business-critical traffic over higher-SLA connections.  This flexibility allows companies to save money in communications costs while continuing to maintain a high level of service.

Security is arguably the primary benefit of SD-WAN.  Being able to segment out traffic based on business policy, visibility into branch network connectivity and problem-solving, and end-to-end encryption of data transmissions can help tighten up security deficiencies.

If you’re not already taking advantage of SD-WAN, it’s certainly a technology to investigate and see how it could benefit your company.  CTG can assist with designing and installing an SD-WAN solution for you today.  Call your CTG Sales Representative for more information.


About Convergent Technologies Group

Convergent Technologies Group, an HPE Platinum Partner, has been helping clients improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase profits since its founding in 2005. A full-service solutions-based IT company headquartered in Midlothian, Va., CTG provides businesses and organizations with the best in class solutions by partnering with the most innovative companies in the industry. CTG designs, manages, and deploys cost-effective solutions specifically aimed to address clients’ unique technology needs.


About the Author

Jeff Joyner has 25+ years of experience working in the technology field.  Jeff came to CTG after spending 20 years in the corporate IT arena and brings an additional perspective on the inner workings of corporate IT operations.  His corporate career includes working at a national printing company as well as one of the oldest brokerage firms in America.  During his career, he has architected large and diverse Data Center, Local and Wide Area Networks as well as being a leader in the security field.
Master ASE – FlexFabric Solutions
Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional (ACCP) V6.5
Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP) V6.4