SD-WAN Introduction: SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) is a type of networking technology that uses software-defined networking (SDN) principles to manage and optimize the performance of wide area networks. SD-WAN works by decoupling the control plane from the data plane. An SD-WAN deployment can include existing routers and switches or virtualized customer premises equipment (vCPE) all running some version of software that handles policy, security, networking, and other management functions. (WANs). One of SD-WAN’s key features is the ability to manage multiple connection types (MPLS, broadband,wireless), and to segment, partition and secure the traffic traversing the WAN.
Traditional WANs based on conventional routers were never designed for the cloud. They typically require backhauling all traffic, including cloud-destined traffic, from branch offices to a hub or headquarters data center where advanced security inspection services can be applied. The delay caused by backhaul impairs application performance resulting in a poor user experience and lost productivity.
SD-WAN architecture: SD-WAN architecture is a logical overlay on top of physical networks. By using software-defined networking (SDN), SD-WAN solutions can create a secure, virtual WAN on top of physical networks. Unlike the traditional router-centric WAN architecture, the SD-WAN model is designed to fully support applications hosted in on-premises data centers, public or private clouds, and SaaS services such as Salesforce.com, Workday, Dropbox, Microsoft 365, and more, while delivering the highest levels of application performance.