What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a transformative technology that allows businesses to manage and optimize their network traffic more efficiently and cost-effectively. By creating a virtual network overlay, SD-WAN enables centralized control and management, making it easier to handle multiple locations and cloud-based applications. This software-defined approach allows businesses to steer traffic across the WAN intelligently, prioritizing critical applications and ensuring quality of service and security. For small and midsize businesses (SMBs) that rely heavily on SaaS applications and cloud services, SD-WAN provides a secure and reliable connection, enhancing overall network performance and user experience.
What are the benefits of SD-WAN network services?
SD-WAN acts as an overlay for an organization’s existing network solution (whether it be broadband internet, MPLS, or hybrid), making the network control processes available as software and enabling businesses to enjoy simplified management, reduced overhead costs, and greater flexibility. Let’s go over the primary benefits of virtualizing your business network with SD-WAN:
Improved performance
We mentioned this previously, but it’s significant enough to repeat: SD-WAN solutions improve network and cloud-based application performance. While traditional WAN models using MPLS are defined by dedicated lines, SD-WAN uses multiple types of connections simultaneously. This allows critical business applications to be sent over the most reliable, high-performance connection, reducing the packet loss and latency issues associated with MPLS. SD-WAN offers better traffic management compared to multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), making it a more adaptable solution for modern networking needs.
Centralized management
SD-WAN simplifies network management for IT teams. All company-wide connectivity policies are implemented from a single management dashboard, which provides full network visibility and access across all branches of the organization. With this real-time view of the network, companies can easily apply changes and deploy updates to multiple locations at once. SD-WAN also facilitates the management of SaaS applications, including customer relationship management systems, enhancing access to crucial business applications.
Built-in scalability
Because SD-WAN solutions virtualize a network’s edges – the points where devices connect to the public internet. – adding new users or branches to the network without impacting the configuration of your infrastructure is quick and easy. Plus, deployment can be done remotely, reducing the need for on-site IT staff to set up each new connection.
Greater reliability
SD-WAN allows organizations to diversify their WAN connections – such as MPLS, broadband, and LTE – and routes traffic over the most efficient link according to the set policies. This redundancy virtually eliminates network outages because if one connection type becomes unavailable, traffic will simply be routed over another option.
Increased flexibility
SD-WAN offers businesses the ability to dynamically scale bandwidth by aggregating various WAN connections, such as broadband internet and MPLS. This flexibility allows seamless connectivity to cloud services and SaaS applications, making it ideal for small businesses experiencing growth. By supporting multiple locations, SD-WAN ensures optimal network performance and efficient traffic management, adapting quickly to changing business needs.
End-to-end encryption
Encrypted end-to-end tunnels are a staple of SD-WAN solutions. These tunnels are built across the entire network and make a great base for virtual firewalls to deal with cyber threats in real-time. SD-WAN also enables network segmentation across the WAN, dividing the network to limit access to business-critical applications.
Reduced costs
SD-WAN solutions have been found to help businesses reduce costs by 50% or more.3 Because SD-WAN allows organizations to prioritize applications over different types of connections based on routing policies, IT teams can leverage low-cost options like broadband or mobile for activities like internet browsing. By optimizing network operations, SD-WAN allows businesses to focus their human resources on higher-value projects, thereby enhancing overall business performance.
Choosing the right SD-WAN solution
Selecting the right SD-WAN solution for your business can be challenging, given the myriad of options available. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
Network services: Opt for a solution that offers comprehensive network services, including WAN optimization, robust security, and detailed visibility into network performance.
Security services: Ensure the solution provides strong security features such as firewalls, intrusion prevention, and encryption to protect your data and network.
Scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your business, allowing you to easily add or remove locations and users as needed.
Ease of use: Look for a user-friendly solution that is easy to implement and manage, requiring minimal IT expertise.
Cost: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including hardware, software, and ongoing maintenance, to ensure it fits within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can select an SD-WAN solution that meets your business needs and supports your growth objectives.
What makes Momentum's Navigator SD-WAN solution different?
Not all SD-WAN solutions are created equal, and choosing the right SD-WAN solution shouldn’t mean sacrificing security.
Momentum’s Navigator SD-WAN exceeds customer expectations and was awarded the 2021 INTERNET TELEPHONY SD‐WAN Product of the Year Award by TMC, a leader in business-to-business and integrated marketing media.
Our SD-WAN offers several benefits when compared to other solutions, including:
Simplified hardware that supports multi-WAN fiber, carrier Ethernet, and mobile uplinks for more reliable, high-speed, and cost-effective connectivity.
Juniper’s proprietary secure vector routing enables the connection of redundant failover sites across multiple networks without the use of IPSec tunnels, significantly cutting bandwidth needs.
Ironclad security to protect your company and enable you to create a zero-trust network.
Best-in-class features like adaptive encryption, multi-path routing, classification and prioritization, NAT pools, SNAT/DNAT, and App ID for monitoring.
Optional support for 4G/LTE uplink as a last-resort path should your network’s primary connection go offline.
Upgrades to voice capabilities for increased employee productivity — without the need for expensive truck rolls.
How can you implement and adopt SD-WAN at your small business or enterprise? It’s important to partner with wide area network (WAN) professionals who can deploy direct connections to support your users, even if they work in remote locations. This is especially important if your IT staff lacks the necessary software-defined wide area networking experience. The end result is increased security and easier network management.
Momentum’s Navigator SD-WAN adds a layer of intelligence to more easily manage your network and cloud-based application performance, delivering secure, direct connections and always-on accessibility. In addition, we pride ourselves on providing each of our clients with the highest quality white-glove service, reliability, and 24/7 customer support.
Implementing and managing SD-WAN
Successfully implementing and managing an SD-WAN solution requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Understand your network requirements: Start by clearly defining your network needs and goals to ensure the chosen solution aligns with your business objectives.
Select the right solution: Choose an SD-WAN solution that fits your requirements and budget, offering the necessary features and capabilities.
Phased implementation: Implement the solution in phases, beginning with a small pilot project to test and refine the setup before a full-scale rollout.
Monitor network traffic: Continuously monitor and analyze network traffic to optimize performance and security, making adjustments as needed.
Use management tools: Leverage the solution’s management console to configure and manage the network efficiently, applying changes with just a few clicks.
Consider outsourcing: If your team lacks the necessary IT expertise, consider outsourcing the management of your SD-WAN system to a third-party provider.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth SD-WAN setup and ongoing data management, maximizing the benefits of your investment.
SD-WAN cost savings
Implementing an SD-WAN solution can lead to significant cost savings for small businesses too, particularly those with multiple locations and cloud-based applications. Here are some ways SD-WAN can help reduce costs:
Reduced hardware costs: SD-WAN solutions can eliminate the need for expensive hardware like traditional routers and firewalls, lowering capital expenditures.
Lower bandwidth costs: By optimizing network traffic, SD-WAN reduces the need for costly bandwidth upgrades, allowing you to make the most of your existing connections.
Simplified management: SD-WAN simplifies network management, reducing the need for extensive IT expertise and personnel, which can lower operational costs.
Improved security: With robust security services built into SD-WAN solutions, the risk of security breaches is minimized, potentially saving costs associated with data breaches and downtime.
Increased productivity: Enhanced network performance enables employees to work more efficiently and effectively, driving productivity and contributing to business growth.
By adopting an SD-WAN solution, businesses can achieve optimal network performance, improve security, and reduce costs, becoming cost effective and ultimately fostering business growth and success.
Get started with Navigator SD-WAN setup today
The advantages of SD-WAN for business are undeniable, especially for organizations increasingly relying on the cloud for remote and hybrid workforce capabilities. By reducing costs and delivering greater flexibility, performance, reliability, and scalability, SD-WAN and the cloud make it profitable for companies to thrive in this new world of technology. SD-WAN also facilitates the seamless management of software as a service applications, enhancing productivity and performance across diverse business environments.
If you’re ready to optimize your network and experience the benefits of SD-WAN for your business, reach out to our team of experts today. We’ll set you up with the resources and an SD-WAN solution that operates at peak performance to give your company a competitive edge as you grow.
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