Software-defined networking in a wide area network, better known as SD-WAN, has become a useful and functional technology for companies nationwide. It provides an easier way to manage and operate the wide area network by decoupling networking hardware from the original control mechanism. Companies are then able to improve the management and operation of their data centers and create better performing WANs through the usage of lower-cost and more commercially available internet access. Doing this eliminates the need for businesses to use expensive private WAN connection technologies.
WANs are helpful in providing companies the ability to extend their computer networks large distances, allowing them to connect their offices to data centers. While they have served their purpose, the introduction of SD-WANs drastically improves the functionality of networks for companies. SD-WANs combine several different types of technology to support multiple connection types. They have the ability to use dynamic path selection to improve their load sharing and resiliency with networking functions, and their interface is made significantly easier to configure and manage.
These characteristics are highly useful for companies looking to expand their networking capabilities throughout various locations. While such large amounts of connectivity might create network connection or other delays, implementing SD-WANs assists in creating a more streamlined way to manage networks. Not only does it provide more network flexibility, having a centralized network allows changes throughout various connected sites to occur quickly in an organized manner.
By enhancing or even entirely taking the place of more traditionally used branch routers, SD-WANs fight the congestion caused by widely used networks, enhancing the performance of the network itself. Functions such as the ability to make network-wide changes throughout multiple sites through one click, run the network and applications through local sites, and more ease in creating routing policies simplifies network functioning for companies.
SD-WANs also give companies the ability to tailor their networks to their specific needs, offering preferences on configuration and control to the original data center. Features such as the ability to centrally configure each appliance, choose specific path selections for the network, and ultimately permitting all configurations to be done at a centrally based location provide administrators with a significant amount of control over networks in an easy and efficient way.
With such great benefits relating to network flexibility and management, companies will also find an enhancement of security through the implementation of SD-WANs. The firewalls set in place throughout the various networks, stemming from the central data centers, allow for a more secure system. The traffic throughout the network will be more monitored and ultimately more beneficial for the company in its ability to trust the systems integrity as it spreads throughout less central locations.
In addition to the security of SD-WANs, companies will also find it to be a more cost-effective alternative for the dependability and efficiency it provides. With its streamline methods of transferring data from a central data center to multiple sites as desired by the company, implementing SD-WANs allows connection at a lower price with the bandwidth. Additionally, the versatility of SD-WANs in their ability to connect more than one network replaces the need for multiple systems being used.
With various demands and needs for efficiency within a network utilized by companies needing to connect from various locations, SD-WANs prove to be a most effective choice. Not only do they simplify the process of connecting networks together, but they also provide a more cost-effective and organized system for administrators to work with. A company’s outreach and capabilities from locations outside of the central data center is drastically improved through the implementation of the SD-WAN, and it is an obvious choice for efficiency and functionality.
TDM provides SD-WAN services throughout the United States. We invite you fill out the form on this page for more information on SD-WAN and one of our representatives will get back with you quickly.