Do you really need SD-WAN technology?

SD-WAN has quickly become a key tool for simplifying network infrastructure management and reducing the risks of its use. According to TelecomDaily, almost every second company with a branch network in Russia implements SD-WAN technology. But does the technology really live up to expectations? Can SD-WAN completely replace traditional solutions?

Let's figure it out together: how SD-WAN works, what tasks it solves, and for whom this technology is relevant.

Landscape: network infrastructure

Problems with internet access can negatively affect productivity. These include high latency, packet loss, or sudden fluctuations in connection parameters (jitter). These factors are especially critical for real-time applications (e.g., VoIP or video conferencing).

The key feature of software-defined networking in a wide area network (SD-WAN) is the ability to use inexpensive data transmission channels while maintaining the required level of service. SD-WAN determines which internet channels are best suited for each type of traffic.

The SD-WAN complex includes several main components: network equipment in branches and a software package for managing network settings.

The solution can be deployed independently, taking on the costs of equipment, or using the "SD-WAN as a service" model. In the latter case, the provider takes on most of the tasks associated with the need for constant equipment maintenance.

Technology quickly gained popularity among companies with geographically distributed infrastructure: branches, retail outlets, and offices remote from the central site. According to Gartner's forecast, by 2026, 70% of enterprises will implement SD-WAN solutions.

What problems does SD-WAN have

Despite its obvious effectiveness, SD-WAN technology has its own features. It can be difficult to quantify the benefits of SD-WAN and correlate them with costs. It is difficult to measure in advance how much the technology will improve network performance and access to corporate applications.

Integrating SD-WAN into an existing infrastructure, especially if it includes legacy systems, undocumented connections, or contains errors in the initial policy setup, can seriously affect the operation and efficiency of the solution.

Also, the process of integrating SD-WAN into an existing complex network infrastructure is often not easy. For example, for optimal traffic routing, it is necessary to ensure clear network segmentation, configure effective QoS (Quality of Service) policies, DNS parameters for monitoring, and integration with security systems.

Functions and capabilities of SD-WAN

Various problems can also be found in other solutions. MPLS and VPN require significant financial investments at all stages. Backup channels in such networks are often idle, leading to inefficient use of resources and increased overall costs.

It is also worth noting the limited traffic management and analysis capabilities in traditional network solutions. This leads to delays and reduced performance of business-critical applications. Without effective monitoring tools, it is difficult to identify and solve network problems.

But SD-WAN has something to offer.

Cost reduction

Optimization of data transmission channels plays an important role in reducing costs. For a retail network, failures in the main Internet connection can lead to significant losses. SD-WAN technology allows you to route traffic along the most efficient routes without reducing the quality of communication.

For example, SUNLIGHT using SD-WAN MWS increased reliability and reduced downtime in payment processing. Two communication channels are organized at retail outlets: wired (WAN) and backup (LTE module). If the main channel fails, the technology automatically switches traffic to LTE. Both channels can also be used simultaneously if they are operating normally. The average data transfer rate from the retail outlet is 10 Mbps and higher. This volume is enough for the stable operation of online cash registers, video surveillance, CRM, and other programs. The bandwidth can be expanded with one click and the data transfer rate can be increased hundreds of times.

In retail, connecting a new store to a single network often takes several weeks. The use of leased channels and the configuration of standard routers slow down the expansion process and increase costs. With SD-WAN, device configuration, security policies, and application rules can be performed by one administrator at the head office. As a result, a new point can be connected in just one day.

Managing traditional networks often requires a dedicated IT team working around the clock. SD-WAN without administrator intervention dynamically regulates channel loading and automatically reconfigures data flows.

In addition, SD-WAN determines the most optimal routes for transmitting each packet in real-time, analyzing data loss, delays, and jitter. This is especially relevant for networks that use channels with different performance, such as LTE, MPLS, and satellite channels.

Management Optimization

If we consider network management in a broader context — taking into account multiple branches, each of which has its own network — SD-WAN significantly simplifies control over the entire infrastructure.

SD-WAN orchestrator provides convenient management through a web interface. Its main functions include:

● full control of all routers, communication channels, and branch networks through a single control panel;

● creation of customizable policies for prioritizing critical business applications (e.g., voice communication or video conferencing) and automatic traffic redirection in case of a channel failure;

● monitoring the performance of applications and their operation.

Automatic policy enforcement eliminates the need to send specialists to SD-WAN devices in each branch. Simultaneous firmware and security policy updates on all devices minimize the time spent on administration.

Imagine a situation: you need to implement a new security policy related to changing firewall rules or restricting access to certain resources. Using the traditional approach would require connecting to each physical node.

In addition, you can implement various routing and prioritization policies for specific applications to minimize delays in the operation of critical services.

SD-WAN monitoring covers all network routes and nodes. It provides detailed reports, including:

● performance metrics (bandwidth, packet loss, latency);

● failure notifications;

● problem diagnostics (e.g., incorrect device configuration or channel overload).

In case of a failure, the technology quickly localizes the problem and suggests solutions, such as restarting the routing policy.

IoT

Surveillance cameras, smart security systems, and industrial sensors generate diverse data that often require real-time processing and analysis. IoT devices connect to the network through different channels. SD-WAN for IoT devices optimizes routing, access control, and data transmission.

SD-WAN can manage traffic at the application level, allowing it to identify data from IoT devices and route it through the optimal path considering task priority.

Constant monitoring of the network state and transmitted data is especially important for IoT devices that operate in conditions of unstable communication channels. Moreover, hundreds and thousands of new devices can be added without changes to the basic network architecture.

Enhancing Security

Secure data transmission between branches and remote employees is ensured by the combination of SD-WAN and GOST VPN services.

Another convenient feature of SD-WAN is built-in security policies. If your company has rules defining which applications remote employees can access, you can implement these rules across the entire network with just a few clicks.

SD-WAN also helps to detect threats. For example, the system can flag the transmission of an unusual amount of data during non-working hours.

Businesses can use SD-WAN in conjunction with cloud security solutions (e.g., Web Application Firewall) and SIEM systems.

SD-WAN as a Service: MWS Solution

SD-WAN as a service provides several key advantages:

● The network is managed through a convenient web interface, simplifying monitoring, configuration, and support, reducing the burden on IT staff;

● New users, applications, and branches are added without downtime and significant infrastructure changes;

● Software updates and maintenance are handled by the cloud provider;

● Data encryption and cloud security services provide comprehensive protection;

● Reducing the load on internal IT resources and quickly redirecting traffic helps to reduce operational costs;

● The technology operates at the L7 level and optimizes the traffic of business applications such as 1C or corporate CRM systems.

The use of SD-WAN, especially in the context of transitioning to domestic technologies, requires consideration of many factors: from equipment testing to ensuring encryption support. Nevertheless, thanks to the flexibility of the solution and the capabilities of MWS to adapt to complex scenarios, companies can minimize migration risks.

In MWS, the customer has a choice of several leading technology platforms for managing distributed networks. The client can use the tool that perfectly fits into their operational processes.