If you’ve noticed more talk about software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) in recent months, it’s because almost 70% of IT professionals have it in production or are gearing up to get to that point. And it all makes sense, considering how SD-WAN can help organizations get the insight they need to improve network performance.
SD-WAN offers the potential for a fully optimized network, but not all solutions are equal. In order to reap the extensive benefits available with this technology, some elements need to be in place to capitalize on SD-WAN’s enhanced interoperability and visibility.
There needs to be an understanding, though, that in order for SD-WAN to be completely effective, you need to understand how what you already have in place will affect SD-WAN and which tool is going to be optimal for your specific situation.
Interoperability
Communication between devices must be unfettered, so your SD-WAN devices should be able to connect to other resources on your network. This might take some time, as the implementation will have to be individually implemented at every location. In some cases, IT professionals have found that communication is poor between SD-WAN edge devices and private networks.
Network optimization can also be a challenge due to data fragmentation. To get around this, you have to incorporate unified control tools and a single dashboard. This will allow you to troubleshoot more effectively and reduce the disruption of your workflow.
Another issue that has been a challenge in some implementations is a lack of visibility. For example, some SD-WAN devices have interoperability problems in that they don’t provide a unified view of the elements in the network.
Visibility
You need to know how your traffic is moving across the entire IT environment. This kind of visibility gives you the ability to see signs of a cyber attack. Basically, you’re more effectively evaluating behavior across the entire network, which can be difficult, but it needs to be built into your SD-WAN security strategy.
One way to make this less of a challenge is to utilize a single, software-defined network platform. SD-WAN adds a virtual layer over the physical network, and you should look for a solution that offers a unified dashboard with granular visibility. This helps you identify any anomalies in network traffic and detect intruders. Using this platform, your SD-WAN will be part of the foundation of the network. This creates an environment where everything is synced, giving you a unified view of the situation, which leads to a better experience.
At Diversified Technology Group, our commitment to providing technology solution procurement and full lifecycle support for our clients helps them keep up with technology innovations. If you’re looking for a partner to assist you in taking the burden of technology-related tasks off your shoulders, contact us and let’s work on getting your organization in line with more efficient processes.We can assist you with solutions that provide more scalability, flexibility, and profitability.