It’s no secret that software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology is transforming enterprise networks. The market for SD-WAN solutions is estimated to be worth over $13 billion by 2026. It’s just another piece in the software revolution of networking inspired by the cloud.
Traditionally, WANs relied on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) for linking different locations to a central data center. However, even with optimization, WAN solutions were often too customized as traffic requirements and configurations constrained enterprises. Naturally, WAN deployment and maintenance were time-consuming and expensive.
Then came SD-WAN, especially as networks grew to accommodate more applications. As SD-WAN uses software for the control plane, it can better manage and optimize transport links without limitations from the underlying hardware. In other words, SD-WAN answered the problems faced by data centers using traditional WANs for connectivity.
SD-WAN is still being adopted by data centers, and there can be a learning curve. Knowing how to optimize the deployment and performance of an SD-WAN can allow you to leverage the technology for success.
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- Understanding what SD-WAN is.
- What some of the best practices are to optimize it.
- A look into the future of SD-WAN.
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Understanding SD-WAN
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What makes SD-WAN so efficient is the software’s abstraction from the underlying hardware. The hardware does not define the software’s capabilities, so it’s not tied to the network's actual components (devices).
As software runs the control plane and is distinct from the hardware, it’s essentially separate from the equipment, which, in turn, offers more flexibility. The so-called control plane includes configuration, routing, and switching functions. On the other hand, the data plane involves the actual movement of data.
The control plane layer communicates with the data plane and makes decisions that optimize network performance. There’s a standard protocol for this communication. The common protocol used today is OpenFlow.
Conversely, an application programming interface (API) facilitates communication between the control plane and the application layer. This communication essentially programs the control plane to use the hardware efficiently and cost-effectively. It also allows more diverse applications to use existing equipment without elaborate configuration requirements, unlike in the past.
Another essential part of SD-WAN is the security overlay.
This layer is independent of the data plane. The software uses standard encryption to authenticate and authorize devices from the data plane. This allows the control plane to implement security policy across the data plane. So not only does it optimize the delivery of the packets, it does so while prioritizing security.
This separation of the control plane, the software running things, allows for a broader range of services and applications to be deployed.
Further up in the hierarchy are management and network monitoring on top of the control plane. This ensures that the overall network performance and security are optimized.
Will SD-WAN Replace MPLS?
The widespread use of the cloud, applications with artificial intelligence and machine learning, and work from home becoming the new normal has led to the massive adoption of SD-WAN. Back in 2019, the SD-WAN adoption rate grew by 54 percent, according to one report.
While SD-WAN has multiple benefits vis-a-vis performance improvements, it’s not necessarily the end of MPLS. SD-WAN can complement traditional WAN technology and may co-exist in certain scenarios.
MPLS may still be efficient for specific high-performance or real-time applications. That said, MPLS can be pretty costly for long-distance connections, making SD-WAN a much better option.
The decision to upgrade to SD-WAN comes down to your specific network needs. If you’re faced with the common problems and limitations caused by MPLS, especially over networks spread across different regions, investing in SD-WAN is a step in the right direction.
4 Best Practices for Optimizing SD-WAN Deployment
SD-WAN has a lot of potential for enterprises with large networks. However, adopting it and using it to your advantage may take some time and learning. Here are some of the ways you can optimize SD-WAN deployment within your enterprise:
Analyze Existing Infrastructure
Deploying any new technology solution for your network can run into problems. But your efforts should be to avoid them as much as possible. And one problem you may come across is unaccounted or poor-performing devices.
It’s important first to take a step back and analyze existing devices in both the central data center and any branch locations. There should be complete visibility of the infrastructure for the SD-WAN solution you’re deploying. Similarly, your existing equipment should be reliable.
SD-WAN’s job is to manage traffic, but that traffic runs through the devices. If those are beyond the end of service life, refreshing them before deploying new network protocols may be better.
Educate and Train Employees
You can deploy SD-WAN whether you have the on-premise infrastructure or rely on the cloud. However, it’s an addition to the existing infrastructure. And that addition may complicate things for stakeholders used to doing things the old way.
Although SD-WAN may reduce many of the day-to-day tasks administrators or engineers would have to take on, there’s still a lot of human involvement. So it’s imperative to train and educate the stakeholders to utilize this technology fully.
Regular Testing
Regardless of your chosen SD-WAN solution, it must align with your organization’s needs to perform well. To ensure that, you should test SD-WAN deployment. Is it meeting the performance needs regarding bandwidth, latency, or other key metrics?
Even after the deployment, it’s a good idea to test the SD-WAN solution and make any necessary adjustments to help meet the performance or business-specific requirements. This is particularly important for data centers scaling up constantly.
Heighten Security
Most SD-WAN solutions offer encryption and some level of firewalling. However, you should consider investing in advanced security for critical operations, such as next-generation firewalls. For on-premise infrastructure, these can be deployed on-site.
Although SD-WAN is secure by design, it shouldn’t be the only layer of defense. Ideally, you want a full security stack for each end-point in the SD-WAN.
However, that’s an expensive undertaking. But cost-effective solutions are already being developed to improve the security of SD-WANs without necessarily introducing extra costs or complexity.
Don’t Ignore Hardware When Embracing SD-WAN!
It’s easier to forget about the underlying hardware among all the hype of software-defined solutions for networking. It’s essential to move with the times and adapt. Solutions like SD-WAN can only offer real benefits if the underlying hardware or data plane is sound.
As you take your enterprise forward with software, invest in hardware too. If your equipment is too old or incompatible, spending money on modern software solutions for your network is futile.
With a standing inventory worth tens of millions, PivIT has the latest and/or one-generation prior equipment ready to be shipped. Whether looking for servers, routers, or switches, you can find reliable equipment from major OEMs like Cisco, Juniper, and Palo Alto. If you’re looking for SD-WAN-ready network equipment for your enterprise, PivIT can be your procurement partner!
