Choosing an SD-WAN edge platform over a traditional WAN has several key benefits. These benefits include a Cloud-based solution, Active-active redundancy, easy management, and comprehensive analytics. To learn more about these advantages, read on. This article will provide an overview of the main benefits of SD-WAN edge platforms. This will help you choose the right one for your business.
Cloud-Based Solution
A cloud-based SD-WAN edge-platform solution is a virtual network architecture that enables enterprises to connect users and applications securely. Its capabilities include centralized visibility and control, application-specific security, and path optimization. Unlike traditional networking methods, SD-WAN offers several benefits, including flexibility, agility, and intelligence. In addition, it can be deployed as a managed service or in a do-it-yourself (DIY) model.
SD-WAN edge-platform solutions can be divided into immediate and business-driven deployments. Essential SD-WAN solutions steer traffic using pre-defined templates and rules. Business-driven SD-WAN solutions respond to network changes automatically and dynamically, ensuring that applications and users receive optimal performance. Because the application recognition engines are cloud-based, they can provide automatic updates and alerts when network conditions change. They also allow users to monitor and control service performance at various levels.
Various vendors offer SD-WAN edge-platform solutions. VMware’s SD-WAN, for example, belongs to the SASE platform. It includes three modules: Orchestrator, Edge, and Gateways. The Orchestrator module manages SD-WAN deployments, and the Edge module consists of branch deployments, virtual and public cloud. It also offers security features. As a result, VMware customers can prioritize traffic for more than 3,000 applications.
Active-Active Redundancy
When choosing an SD-WAN edge platform, it’s essential to consider both active and passive redundancy. Active-active redundancy ensures mission-critical data is routed through redundant lines to avoid disruptions. If one or more failures occur, SD-WAN automatically switches to a different line to continue processing the data. Active-passive redundancy is the opposite of this.
Next-generation SD-WAN solutions are equipped to recognize the specific SLA requirements of different classes of service. They can also provide proactive network monitoring for high-quality traffic delivery and quality of user experience. The next-generation SD-WAN solutions can propagate automated policies via a unified control and single-pane-of-glass interface. The visibility feature gives IT administrators a clear view of all functions in the network and enables them to adhere to business intent. Active-active redundancy also facilitates flexibility in setting up, monitoring and changing business requirements.
Active-active redundancy is the best option when choosing SD-WAN edge platforms. It enables the system to automatically detect and assign the best path for traffic based on the type of application. Furthermore, the self-healing capability ensures that the system stays up and running even during network problems, improving application performance and user experience. In addition, the advanced functions of SD-WAN edge platforms enable centralized management, zero-touch operations, and automated failover.
Easy Management
SD-WAN edge platforms are a powerful way to consolidate your WAN infrastructure and centralize management. They can replace legacy routers, firewalls, WAN optimization devices, and more. SD-WAN edge platforms can also streamline the development of WAN management applications. However, some SD-WAN solutions require multiple disparate management tools and only allow centralized configuration of essential functions. Other offerings need device-by-device programming and cumbersome command line interfaces to manage them.
A great SD-WAN provider should provide an easy management console and unified solution for your WAN. It should replace traditional routers, firewalls, and WAN optimization devices. The suitable structure allows central orchestration. However, some SD-WAN edge platforms provide only basic functions and require manual programming. For this reason, choosing the best SD-WAN edge platform for your business is vital.
Comprehensive Analytics
The first step when choosing an SD-WAN edge platform is evaluating the vendor’s ability to offer comprehensive analytics. You should be able to define user policies and assign them to specific employees or customers. A pre-defined approach helps to automate the identification and delegation of users. Comprehensive analytics should also be available in one console, giving you complete visibility, control, and analysis. The solution should cover the core network, cloud infrastructure, and local branch network.
Considering the various benefits of an SD-WAN edge platform, it’s essential to consider the costs. SD-WAN edge platforms tend to have lower TCO compared to edge-only solutions. SD-WAN edge platforms are typically more affordable because they include NGFW functions. Additionally, edge-only solutions typically focus on application delivery and lack advanced analytics. This information is crucial for determining where performance issues are and how to improve them.
