What Problems Do SD-WAN and Secure SD-WAN Solve in the Company?
In the current context of digital transformation, companies face significant challenges in network management and security, especially with the increased use of the cloud, remote work, and business-critical applications taking top priority on company agendas.
When looking for alternatives, technologies like SD-WAN and Secure SD-WAN emerge as key solutions to optimize connectivity, ensure optimal performance, and strengthen cybersecurity. Below, we explore the main problems these technologies solve and why they are essential for today’s businesses.
Connectivity and Performance in Distributed Networks
One of the most important challenges for companies with multiple branches or sites is ensuring stable connectivity and consistent performance across their network. Traditional WANs are often expensive, inflexible, and, in many cases, inefficient at handling current data traffic, especially with the growing demand for cloud applications and real-time communications.
Common Problems:
- Low efficiency in resource usage: Traditional WANs rely on dedicated connections, such as MPLS, which may not optimize the use of other network resources, such as the public internet.
- Inconsistent performance: Network traffic is not always prioritized properly, which affects the performance of critical applications.
- Limited scalability: Expanding traditional WANs can be complex and costly, which affects growing businesses.
How Does SD-WAN Solve Them?
The SD-WAN architecture allows for intelligent management of network traffic, optimizing the use of various links, such as the internet and LTE, instead of relying exclusively on MPLS. This not only reduces costs but also prioritizes critical application traffic, thereby improving performance and user experience. SD-WAN also facilitates scalability, allowing companies to add new branches quickly and easily without the need to implement expensive additional equipment.
Security in Distributed Networks
The increasing adoption of cloud solutions and remote work has expanded the cyberattack surface of companies, exposing their networks to a greater number of threats. Traditional WAN solutions, while offering some security, are not agile or advanced enough to face current cyberattacks, such as malware, ransomware, and denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Common Problems:
- Lack of visibility: Traditional networks lack the necessary visibility to detect and mitigate threats in real-time.
- Dependence on external security solutions: Many companies rely on external firewalls and security systems, which increases complexity and cost.
- Vulnerable access points: With mobility and remote work, it is more difficult to secure a company’s distributed access points.
How Does Secure SD-WAN Solve Them?
Secure SD-WAN natively integrates advanced security capabilities, such as next-generation firewalls, network segmentation, intrusion prevention (IPS), and end-to-end encryption. This provides companies with robust protection without the need to resort to external solutions. Segmentation allows for the isolation of different types of traffic or users, minimizing risks in the event of an intrusion. In addition, real-time visibility and monitoring tools allow for the proactive identification and mitigation of threats.
Complexity in Network Management
Managing a distributed network through a traditional WAN architecture is a complex and time-consuming process. The manual configuration of each link, the monitoring of multiple access points, and the administration of different service providers can generate operational inefficiencies, in addition to increasing costs.
Common Problems:
- Decentralized management: Network administration requires multiple interfaces and tools, which increases complexity.
- Slow configuration: Manually configuring new sites or connections often leads to errors and is time-consuming.
- Difficulty integrating new technologies: Integrating new technologies or applications into a traditional WAN can be costly and time-consuming.
How Does SD-WAN Solve Them?
SD-WAN simplifies network management by providing a centralized platform from which all network traffic can be managed. Network policies can be defined and applied automatically across all network points, eliminating the need for manual configurations. This not only speeds up the configuration of new branches but also allows for easier integration of new technologies, such as cloud solutions and collaborative tools.
Traffic Optimization for Cloud Applications
With the growing use of SaaS applications and cloud services, such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and CRM platforms, companies need a network that can manage traffic efficiently, without generating latency that affects productivity.
Common Problems:
- Latency in critical applications: Traditional WANs are not designed to prioritize cloud application traffic, which causes delays.
- Inefficient connectivity: Cloud application traffic is often routed inefficiently, which increases response times.
- Security risks in the cloud: Cloud applications can be exposed to attacks if traffic to them is not adequately secured.
How Do SD-WAN and Secure SD-WAN Solve Them?
SD-WAN optimizes network traffic for cloud applications, routing traffic efficiently and prioritizing critical applications. Companies can establish policies to ensure that cloud applications receive the necessary bandwidth, reducing latency and improving user experience. In turn, Secure SD-WAN goes a step further, protecting traffic to and from the cloud through advanced encryption and segmentation techniques.
H2: Reduction of Operating Costs
The operating cost of maintaining a traditional WAN, especially with dedicated links like MPLS, can be significant. Companies not only have to pay for connectivity service but also for the additional infrastructure and manual management that these networks require.
Common Problems:
- High infrastructure costs: Dedicated links are expensive and not always necessary for all applications.
- Maintenance costs: Managing traditional WANs requires specialized teams and dedicated resources.
- Expenses on security tools: Implementing additional security solutions increases operating costs.
How Does SD-WAN Solve Them?
SD-WAN allows companies to use lower-cost internet connections instead of relying solely on MPLS. This significantly reduces operating costs without sacrificing performance. In addition, the centralized management and integrated security capabilities of Secure SD-WAN eliminate the need for multiple dedicated tools and resources, further optimizing expenses.
Conclusion
SD-WAN and Secure SD-WAN not only solve traditional connectivity, performance, and security problems in companies but also provide a flexible and scalable platform to face the challenges of the digital age. Companies that adopt these technologies not only optimize their IT infrastructure but also prepare for a more agile, secure, and connected future.
