Still running your MPLS WAN like its 2009?
Why do I need to move to SD-WAN, my MPLS network has been rock-solid since we put it in? Well I can’t argue with you there, having been a consumer as well as a design engineer using MPLS networks they do just work.
Unless your business is running the same systems and services they were back in 2009 the chances are your data-center footprint has decreased and more applications are now running from the cloud. This doesn’t have to be complex workloads, even the basics, Microsoft office, Unified Communications platforms as well a most CRM’s, salesforce for example.
All that traffic is without doubt traversing your WAN to a central egress to the internet protected by some form of firewall. All those cloud based applications that would have traditionally been local to the user or on a server in your data-center are now fighting to get out to the internet.
10 Reasons why you need to move to SD-WAN now!
- Cost Savings
MPLS circuits can be expensive, SD-WAN enables the use of broadband internet connections which are generally lower cost, as well as faster to commission. - Improved Application Performance
SD-WAN can intelligently route traffic, this can by by application type and priority, or even by link speed and stability. this ensures optimal bandwidth is available to each application type, and for the latency and jitter sensitive application it can route that traffic accordingly. - Enhanced Network Visibility
Having managed networks with tools like HP-Openview, Cisco Works, and MRTG, SD-WAN offers unmatched visibility of applications and traffic. Reacting to issues directly from the same dashboard with a simple click significantly speeds up troubleshooting. - Simplified Management
A single interface where you can manage your entire network. Push updates adjust policies and apply security settings simply. There are usually options to deploy and manage via an API as well. - Increased Agility and Scalability
its easy to quicky add new sites and modify configuration. With broadband based internet connections it gives the agility to setup new connectivity. something you can’t easily do with MPLS circuits. By using other options such as satellite or cellular broadband you have unparalleled flexibility. - Enhanced Security
SD-WAN integrates advanced security features whether natively or via SSE features. These include encryption, next-generation firewalls, secure web gateways and zero trust architectures to protect data and prevent threats. - Improved User Experience
Whether its local internet breakout to give the best performance for cloud apps. Or dynamically routing traffic to the best performing connections SD-WAN gives a superior user experience for todays applications. - Cloud Readiness
SD-WAN optimizes cloud connections by routing traffic to the nearest internet point. This improves performance and user experience. - Business Continuity and Reliability
SD-WAN supports various connection types and ensures continuity by automatically switching to a backup link during failures. These alternative links can also use various access types. Including Satellite, Cellular as well as fibre access. - Support for Hybrid and Remote Workforces
With its ability to optimize traffic for remote and branch users, SD-WAN enables consistent and secure access to corporate resources, making it ideal for hybrid and remote work environments.
Still not Convinced?
Well if those 10 reasons why you need to move to SD-WAN now are not enough. SD-WAN is a first step towards moving to a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture or framework. This allows the addition of cloud native security technologies to securely connect users to applications and services anywhere. We’ll dive into SASE in another article.
Great Post Mark!
Thanks Steven