For several decades, wide area networks (WAN) served as the business standard for sharing information and connecting the different components of an organisation, even those in remote locations. These legacy networks were able to fulfil these functions by relying on fixed infrastructure like multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and centralised data centres.
Unfortunately, the hardware-based routing that enabled WANs has now become their chief impediment. Relying on a central hub when the volume of internet traffic and the demand for higher transmission rates are continuously rising often means dealing with problems like network congestion, higher costs, and limited flexibility. This can especially impact businesses that use cloud-based applications.
Unlike legacy networks, software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs) use software-driven traffic management—in other words, an SD-WAN is configured without using hardware. This cloud-first WAN architecture uses real-time network performance to dynamically route data over multiple connections, such as broadband, LTE, and MPLS. As such, an SD-WAN solution can typically offer better scalability and improved network security at lower costs. Let’s take a closer look at why more businesses are upgrading their traditional networks to the SD-WAN model:
Modern businesses are increasingly relying on cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and other software as a service (SaaS) platforms. Legacy WANs, however, cannot keep up with the bandwidth that these services require. WANs route all cloud traffic through a central data centre, making them prone to network congestion and higher latency and thus slowing down cloud application performance. This can lead to poor user experience, especially for remote and branch office employees.
In contrast, SD-WANs use intelligent traffic routing, which factors in network conditions to automatically decide the best path for cloud applications. Through the use of local breakouts, the network enables direct internet access at branch locations without forcing traffic through a central hub. SD-WANs can also be programmed to ensure that mission-critical apps, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video conferencing, always get priority bandwidth. These capabilities ensure that businesses can both effectively and efficiently utilise their digital resources.
Traditional WANs rely heavily on MPLS circuits, which are not flexible enough to accommodate fluctuating bandwidth needs. MPLS circuits can also be expensive and difficult to scale, and they are vulnerable to single points of failure. A critical issue affecting even just one of these can lead to downtime.
It makes sense for businesses to address such a vulnerable point before it costs them. SD-WAN solutions do so by aggregating multiple connection types, such as MPLS, broadband, LTE, and satellite, and dynamically switching between them based on the performance of the network and the needs of its users.
Distributing the traffic across multiple connections makes it possible to balance the load. At the same time, in case one connection fails, the traffic can be automatically rerouted to other connections, thus preserving business continuity. To maximise these benefits, businesses should have multiple connections to ensure redundancy. A real-time monitoring solution can also automatically adjust traffic based on network conditions.
Aside from being inflexible, MPLS can be quite costly. It takes a significant investment to upgrade them to scale, and they have a high recurring cost per location.
That being said, in case businesses scale down their internet traffic, they still have to overpay for the capacity that they are not using. SD-WANs can help reduce this cost by making it possible for businesses to replace MPLS with more cost-effective and flexible connections like broadband and LTE.
Should businesses choose to integrate MPLS circuits into their upgraded network, SD-WAN solutions can be programmed to send critical traffic over MPLS and less critical traffic over broadband. No matter if they choose to replace or retain MPLS, however, businesses can still cut on costs by switching to SD-WAN solutions and using virtualised network functions.
It’s important for businesses to protect themselves from digital threats and disruptions. Doing so not only allows them to retain the trust of their customers; it also helps them comply with the strict requirements of regulatory bodies.
Legacy networks might not offer them enough support as they work towards these endeavours. WANs typically rely on centralised firewalls and data centres, a setup that can create vulnerabilities for remote users and branch offices.
The SD-WAN model solves this issue with its built-in security features that protect data and users across all locations. It features end-to-end encryption to protect data travelling between branches, cloud, and HQ, and it has integrated firewalls and threat detection capabilities that can block suspicious activities in real time.
Businesses can complement these heightened security measures by implementing zero-trust security policies to limit access based on user roles. This will further deter bad actors from targeting their network and help control issues in case a breach does occur.
More and more businesses are employing remote workforces, and they’re finding that WANs struggle to provide these employees with consistent and secure connectivity. To simplify their network expansion, these organisations turn to SD-WANs.
Upgrading allows client businesses to benefit from zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), which lets new branch locations connect remotely with pre-configured settings, and cloud-based management, which allows IT teams to monitor and adjust network settings centrally. Plus, because SD-WANs are highly scalable, they can support thousands of locations without requiring additional physical infrastructure.
Are you ready to reap the full benefits of the SD-WAN model and see exactly how it can benefit your Australia- or New Zealand-based organisation? Our team can offer you expert assistance that will match your particular business needs. Get in touch with us today so that your modern enterprise can start enjoying better network performance, cost savings, security, and scalability.
