SD-WAN is a type of networking architecture that connects your employees safely and reliably with the resources they need.
In today’s increasingly wired world, canny organizations know that strong, secure networks are essential to success.
Employees need access to not only server storage and public websites, but also software that runs on the cloud. Traditional networking architecture can work in some cases but doesn’t always offer the most reliable access.
A wide area network, or WAN, is a local physical network taken to the next level. Originally designed to connect servers and computers at multiple physical locations, the wide area network was a powerful tool for decades. A WAN is particularly useful for enabling intelligent connectivity, or the addition of smart devices to your network.
In short, a wide area network allowed IT teams to connect teams securely and reliably with the computing resources they needed no matter where they were working. Although traditional WANs did include access to enterprise software and server rooms, today’s networking needs are much more complex. The solution is to evolve the wide area network to one that is “software-defined” or “SD-WAN”.
At the core of this innovative technology is the combination of the WAN with software-defined networking (SDN). SDN differs from traditional networking by the creation of a centralized application layer. This layer manages all the things that make physical-only networks complex and liable to failure, improving the network’s flexibility, reliability, and scalability.
When you add SDN to the security of a wide area network, the result is an all-in-one solution for network security and access better known as SD-WAN.
It is possible to manage SD-WAN alone. However, this can increase the burden on your IT staff, as well as your costs.
Switching to a vendor-provided service comes with many benefits:
Although large companies may see the biggest cost savings, using a managed services provider can bring huge benefits to small and medium businesses as well, especially those that lack a sizable IT department.
If the idea of a third-party controlling your network doesn’t fit your organizational culture, some providers offer a co-managed approach.
Before you start looking for a managed network vendor, it’s important to consider your organizational needs.
Are you most interested in the security this kind of service can offer? Are your employees tired of network latency and downtime?
Questions like this can help you get a better handle on whether a provider’s services are a good fit for you. Above all, avoid companies that offer a one-size-fits-all “solution,” as every organization’s situation is unique.
Another important consideration is the location of the provider you use. Although SDN and wide area networks both function well when managed remotely, there may be times you need someone to troubleshoot a problem in person. Especially during the setup phase, having an on-site representative can be incredibly helpful.
However, it’s undeniably true that larger, nationally managed service vendors have more resources and can attract better expertise.
One useful trick is to look for a provider that is national in scope but has a local office. This way, you can get the best of both worlds.
Meriplex is a managed services provider with a focus on providing business-driven solutions that meet and exceed our clients’ needs.
With over 70+ combined years of industry experience, we offer sophisticated, customized solutions for managed networks, including:
We have offices around the country, but we’re also local. Our experienced staff in Aurora, Colorado allows us to balance high-level expertise with a thorough understanding of the unique needs of businesses in the Mile High City.
Ready to find out whether switching to SD-WAN is right for your Denver company? Even if you’re not sure your business will benefit, our experts are happy to answer your questions. Contact us today to learn more.
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Greg Allen2023-06-01 19:08:032023-05-31 19:02:57Pros and Cons of SD-WAN in Philadelphia