What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN (software-defined WAN) is a wide area network deployment method using virtualization and application to control and establish WAN and devices across branch offices.

Customers can simplify the management, configuration and maintenance of WANs with a minimal level of IT expertise. Secure paths are created across multiple WAN locations with zero-touch provisioning. Bandwidth can be virtually allocated and network traffic controlled from a single, centralized location.

SD-WAN Benefits

• Better Quality & Reliability, by prioritizing applications down to the type of packet, such as Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), Office 365, Salesforce, e-commerce business, etc.
• Improved Cost Control, by paying for bandwidth based on usage
• Lower Financial Investment in setup, management and maintenance of WAN equipment
• Reduced Workforce expenses with limited or no IT personnel offsite
• Faster Provisioning times and increased branch uptime/availability
• Single Control Source to manage network track
• Enhanced Security and visibility for WAN traffic

SD-WAN + UCaaS

SD-WAN is a perfect match for latency-sensitive voice and video applications, such as Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). SD-WAN can improve voice quality, reducing issues around packet loss, jitter, etc. that make for a poor user experience. For example, a voice application can run on one internet connection and be failed over to another in the event there’s an issue, maintaining the voice session, without the user being impacted.

SD-WAN + MPLS

While iQuoteUC can certainly help you determine your ideal network needs, IT leaders are realizing that SD-WAN doesn't need to replace MPLS or other connectivity solutions. Instead, SD-WAN can complement and enhance network functionalities, providing transparency and a better end-user experience. When implementing SD-WAN, customers' existing network does not go away, but instead becomes the underlay technology. MPLS, for example, is still needed for guaranteed QoS end to end, particularly for verticals that require secure and compliant transmissions of data.