Software defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) can be a game changer for global enterprises that have increasing bandwidth requirements with limited budgets. Or for those that frequently open new locations and need a scaleable solution that applies consistent policies across their ever-expanding network.
While some enterprises are taking a do-it-yourself approach to implementing software defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology, others—including global electrical equipment manufacturer Volex—have opted instead to purchase SD-WAN as a service from a network operator.
Hybrid WANs that employ a combination of technologies - such as MPLS and Internet connectivity - have become increasingly popular as enterprise customers and service providers embrace the software-defined WAN.
What is really driving the move to the hybrid WAN?
And what advice do those who have adopted the technology have for those planning a similar transition?
Network specialists herald the software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) as the most significant advancement in corporate networks in years.
Here’s why: SD-WAN dynamically routes traffic among multiple connections based on the performance of each link and the priority of applications using the network.
Connections may include relatively expensive, high-performance MPLS VPN links, lower-cost dedicated internet access, or cheaper, “best efforts” business broadband service. Accordingly, SD-WAN dynamically optimizes connectivity cost and application performance. (More on that here.)
David Ferguson, VP of Infrastructure Strategy at Pearson, shared his experiences making changes to the FTSE 100 Education Company’s global network infrastructure. David's strategy was to adopt an "Internet First" approach which prioritized choosing the Internet to deliver traffic over MPLS whenever possible.
