Not all SD-WAN solutions are the same

In the world of digital transformation and network infrastructure, SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) has become prominent. More and more organizations are turning to SD-WAN to optimize their network management and reduce costs.

However, not all SD-WAN solutions are created equal. With an abundance of vendors each offering their unique approach and features, choosing the right solution can be a challenge.

In this article, I discuss the main differences between SD-WAN vendors at a high level and aim to assist organizations considering an SD-WAN implementation.

The SD-WAN market features numerous providers, each with their own approach to the concept. Some of the prominent players include Cisco, VMware, Fortinet, Silver Peak (now part of Aruba), and Versa Networks. While these vendors all offer SD-WAN solutions, their products vary significantly in functionality, performance, and pricing.

Major Differences Between SD-WAN Vendors

Architecture and Implementation

Some SD-WAN solutions, such as those from VMware and Cisco, offer flexible deployment options, both on-premises and in the cloud. Other vendors primarily focus on a cloud-based approach.

SD-WAN solutions can vary in how they manage and optimize network traffic. Some solutions are heavily edge-focused, placing intelligence at the network edge. Others, however, adopt a more centralized approach.

Security

Vendors like Fortinet provide SD-WAN solutions with integrated security features such as firewalls, IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), and VPN (Virtual Private Network). Other vendors offer security as a separate module and charge additional fees for it.

Some SD-WAN providers implement a Zero Trust security model, where all network traffic is continuously validated, providing a higher level of security.

Performance

The ability to dynamically route traffic based on application needs varies among different vendors. Solutions like those from Silver Peak offer advanced functionalities for optimizing application performance.

Different vendors provide varying levels of commitments within their SLAs (Service Level Agreements). It’s important to examine the guarantees offered for network performance and uptime.

Management and Orchestration

The management platform can vary significantly in terms of user-friendliness and functionality. Vendors like Cisco offer comprehensive and user-friendly dashboards for network management.

Some SD-WAN solutions come with advanced automation and analytics tools that assist network administrators in proactively managing and optimizing the network.

What should you consider when choosing SD-WAN?

Specific requirements

Understand the complexity of your current network and the specific challenges you aim to address with an SD-WAN solution. Choose a solution that is scalable and can support your future business needs.

Cost

Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), including initial implementation costs, licenses, maintenance, and operational expenses. Some vendors offer flexible licensing models that can range from pay-as-you-go to fixed annual licenses.

Security

Ensure that the SD-WAN solution meets industry standards and compliance requirements specific to your sector. Decide whether you need a solution with built-in security capabilities or if you can integrate it with your existing security infrastructure.

Performance and reliability

Look at how the solution optimizes network and application performance and what SLAs (Service Level Agreements) are offered. Check the failover and redundancy mechanisms provided to ensure continuous network connectivity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SD-WAN solution requires a thorough evaluation of various providers and their specific features. By considering the unique needs of your organization, cost structure, security requirements, and performance capabilities, you can make an informed decision.

Not all SD-WAN solutions are created equal, and it is essential to make the right choice to fully leverage this innovative technology.

Jos Beckers

Born and raised in Rijsbergen as the son of an entrepreneurial family, I have gained a wide range of experiences in various sectors from an early age. At the age of twenty, I took my first steps into the ICT industry, and by thirty, I had started my first IT company. Over the years, I have acquired in-depth knowledge and experience in network solutions.

Most people probably know me from IP Visie, the company I co-founded with my partner Fouad, where we both worked for over 15 years. During that time, we gained extensive experience in building a core network distributed across multiple data centers. It was there that I truly learned how crucial data communication is and how the world is becoming increasingly dependent on reliable and secure connectivity.

Connectivity is a patchwork of different technologies, networks, and equipment. It requires the right knowledge and experience to seamlessly integrate all these elements and build complex solutions. This challenging and dynamic field continues to fascinate me, especially as communication plays an ever-growing role in how we work and live.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active and taking long rides on my gravel bike. As a true bon vivant, I love good food and prefer spending my vacations in Italy, my favorite destination.

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