SDN (Software-Defined WAN)
SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. A virtual WAN architecture allows enterprises to leverage any combination of transport
services, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet services, to securely
connect users to applications.
How SD-WAN Works
- Separation of Control and Data Planes: SD-WAN separates the control plane (which decides where traffic should go) from the data plane (which actually forwards the traffic). This separation allows for more flexible and efficient network management.
- Centralized Management: SD-WAN uses a centralized controller to manage the network. This controller can dynamically route traffic based on network conditions, application requirements, and business policies.
- Application-Aware Routing: SD-WAN can identify different types of traffic and route them accordingly. For example, critical business applications can be prioritized over less important traffic.
- Transport Independence: SD-WAN can use multiple types of connections (e.g., MPLS, broadband, LTE) and dynamically switch between them to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Enhanced Security: SD-WAN includes built-in security features such as encryption, firewall, and secure web gateways to protect data across the network.
Benefits of SD-WAN
- Cost Savings: Organizations can reduce their WAN costs by using cheaper broadband connections alongside or instead of expensive MPLS circuits.
- Improved Performance: SD-WAN can optimize the performance of cloud-based applications by routing traffic over the best available path.
- Simplified Management: Centralized management and zero-touch provisioning make deploying and managing the network easier.
- Scalability: SD-WAN can easily scale to accommodate new sites and increased bandwidth demands.
Example Use Case
Imagine a company with multiple branch offices. Traditionally, each
branch might connect to the main office via dedicated MPLS lines. With SD-WAN,
the company can use a mix of MPLS and broadband connections, dynamically
routing traffic to ensure the best performance and reliability while reducing
costs.
SD-WAN is particularly beneficial for organizations that rely heavily on cloud services and need a flexible, cost-effective way to manage their wide area networks.
This post is covered in CySA+, Network+, and Security+.