For the last several years, there has been momentum around software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) as a solution to the demands of an increasingly complex infrastructure in the cloud age. From centralized management and visibility to reduced costs and scalability, its traffic segmentation and provider agnostic approach seemed almost too good to be true. A recent report based on a survey by Cato Networks found that many network professionals see SD-WAN that way. Almost three-quarters of … [Read more...]
Networking Trends for 2020 Are Dominated by SD-WAN Improvements
Enterprises continue their endorsement of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN), with many organizations adopting it to support bandwidth-hungry cloud applications and to improve management of the network. Networking trends for the upcoming months continue to focus on SD-WAN and its many benefits. In a market that has exploded with providers wanting to offer SD-WAN solutions, differentiation is now occurring as more mature products offer new innovations and support for security and … [Read more...]
Equipping Transformation Through SD-WAN
In order to remain competitive in a digital world, the modern enterprise is forced to prioritize connectivity. From supporting cloud applications to an expanding fleet of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enterprises require network support that is dynamic and reliable. As enterprises turn to the next step, which is the adoption of technologies like augmented reality and artificial intelligence, the need for software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) becomes more pressing. Legacy … [Read more...]
Two Features Differentiating SD-WAN Solutions
The pursuit of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) hasn’t slowed, and there’s no shortage of vendors offering what’s becoming a commodity. Many companies claim to offer SD-WAN, but not all solutions are equal. There are two features emerging that serve to differentiate the product and help enterprises choose a solution that will meet their comprehensive networking needs and offer conveniences to the network team: Security: Since SD-WAN has been on the market, there have … [Read more...]
Making the Most of SD-WAN Cost Savings
Much of the attraction surrounding software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is related to the improvements that have a direct impact on the WAN budget. From network optimization to inherently better security, there are many ways in which enterprises gain financial benefits from a network infrastructure upgrade. To make the most of SD-WAN cost savings, there are a few steps an enterprise should take: NSP Independence and Wholesale Access: Because access tends to comprise about 60% of the … [Read more...]
Pairing the Right SD-WAN and VoIP Solutions for Success
If you’re considering a communications upgrade, you’re likely looking at Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Because VoIP relies heavily on the strength of the network connection, you may also be weighing the possibility of an infrastructure upgrade to software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). With SD-WAN and VoIP, not every pairing will work well. Here are the considerations you should keep in mind when evaluating SD-WAN to support VoIP: Hosted or on-premise VoIP: You need to … [Read more...]
Three Misconceptions Surrounding SD-WAN
Enterprise IT is adopting software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) as a solution to a variety of network challenges, including growing network complexity, more endpoints and a drive for better security. SD-WAN offers some nice benefits such as the ability to enhance agility and performance. Some of the benefits of SD-WAN have been over-hyped as the market has grown, with selling points like cost savings taking precedence in marketing over some of the more important effects on network … [Read more...]
Business IoT Finds a Solution in SD-WAN
Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is favored by distributed enterprises needing a high level of visibility and centralized control. Branches can be provisioned from headquarters in minutes, and any troubleshooting can be done without traveling to the branch. Businesses are finding that SD-WAN answers some of the other challenges that come with an increasingly complex network environment. Deploying Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which are simply devices equipped with sensors, … [Read more...]