What is SD-WAN?
The software-designed WAN (SD-WAN) is a specific application of Software-defined Networking (SDN) technology applied to WAN connections such as broadband internet services, 4G, LTE, or MPLS.
It allows enterprises to leverage any combination of data transport services – including branch offices and data centers – over large geographic distances to connect users securely.
Top 5 SD-WAN Vendors
As businesses continue to make the transition from the old WAN architecture to the SD configuration, many vendors have taken on the mantle of serving as providers for these companies. Currently, there are top 5 SD-WAN vendors that are able to service companies with the software-defined: Cisco, Silver Peak, VMware, Citrix, and Aryaka.
Cisco DNA
What is Cisco SD-WAN
Cisco offers DNA (Digital Network Architecture) as its answer for the software-defined approach for WANs. The architecture utilizes a software-defined network (SDN) controller, which makes automation of network tasks easy and frees up IT personnel to handle other networking priorities. Existing Cisco switches and routers can support Cisco DNA capabilities with just a simple software push. The DNA platform is designed in such a way that it can scale businesses and their associated offices within a span of minutes.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect
The Unity EdgeConnect is a proprietary product for Silver Peak. It is advertised to customers as a business-driven WAN designed to meet cloud-first enterprise needs. EdgeConnect continues to adapt intelligently according to the organization’s needs and will adjust network conditions accordingly. It delivers a quality of service experience that enables enterprises to leverage the capabilities of the cloud while transforming their business in the process. The Unity aspect of the platform describes the product combining software-defined WAN, segmentation, WAN optimization, firewall, routing, application control, and visibility into a consolidated package.
VMware NSX
An IT industry leader, VMware gives customers access to the NSX data center. It’s a network virtualization platform that delivers networking and security into a singular package, completely separated from the underlying hardware. It also comes with the Virtual Cloud Network, making it possible for end-to-end connectivity for data and apps anywhere.
Citrix SD-WAN (formerly known as NetSCaler)
Another company that is on par with other IT companies, Citrix’s product simplifies branch networking and offers a workspace that it flexible and high-performing. It combines essential network functions such as stateful firewalls, WAN optimization, quality of service, and intelligent path selection into a singular network package.
Aryaka SmartCONNECT
Aryaka’s solution offers companies the ability to manage their WANs with the SmartCONNECT platform. It is advertised to clients as a global and regional SD-WAN as-a-service, giving entities the ability to deploy networks anywhere in the world up to 48 hours. In addition, the platform gives customers secure enterprise-level communications.
In addition to the top 5, there are many other vendors that provide SD-WANs as a service to their clients, including 128 Technology, Cato Networks, and Barracuda Networks. Leadership will need to confer with their IT staffs to ensure the transition from MPLS to the SD architecture is seamless. Choosing the right company to help ease the transition will be a matter of preference along with what the company’s network is capable of supporting as the world moves farther into cloud-based technologies.
