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
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