Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is a virtual Wide Area Network (WAN) which securely connects users to applications remotely. Because SD-WAN is available via software rather than hardware, it is a more flexible, less expensive and less complex alternative to traditional WAN. It maximises performance which in turn improves productivity and reduces IT costs. 

So, what are the benefits of SD-WAN?

Redundancy & business continuity

By ensuring alternate instances of connectivity in the event of an outage, SD-WAN ensures your data is protected and that you never experience any downtime. 4G fail-safe also provides peace of mind when it comes to business continuity. 

Security

Strong encryption protects web traffic. Security is also centralised giving you control over the entire network from one place. It’s also scalable, allowing you the flexibility to create and deploy security policies as the business grows. There is one public IP address across all sites for privacy and security. Many SD-WAN solutions provide integrated security features such as NGFW, IPS, encryption, AV, and sandboxing capabilities. 

Speed & performance

WAN aggregation enables faster internet. This essentially bundles two or more connections together, spreading traffic evenly among links, and improving performance. SD-WAN can be configured to prioritise critical traffic to ensure it always performs and is reliable. 

Alternative to VPN

Both VPN and SD-WAN provide secure remote access but in different ways. VPN can be slow as it delivers traffic over a single line, making SD-WAN a great alternative. 

One portal

SD-WAN provides the ability to manage connectivity across multiple sites using one portal. This simplifies and centralises the process. 

Cost efficiencies 

By improving access to cloud computing, SD-WAN can bring down an organisation’s costs, compared to the cost of on-premises solutions. 

Contact IT&T today to find out how we can establish an SD-WAN solution for your business.