What is SD-WAN? An Introduction

A Software-Defined Wide Area Network, or “SD-WAN,” is a virtual WAN architecture or an overlay technology that utilizes software to control the connectivity between devices, systems, and services. It allows companies to leverage various forms of transport services (MPLS, LTE, and broadband) to connect users to applications securely.

While SD-WAN technology has been around for a while, it’s grown increasingly attractive in recent years as companies shift into the cloud, and embrace more complex, agile communication processes. In today’s landscape, the traditional method of backhauling traffic from branch environments into a data center is no longer suitable for most brands, as it leads to extra latency and bandwidth requirements. SD-WAN offers a more convenient option for connecting users and systems without compromising compliance and security mandates. In recent years, demand for this technology has increased, accelerated by the rising adoption of UCaaS and collaboration tools. Experts predict the SD-WAN market will be worth around $19 billion by 2032.

SD-WAN essentially gives IT experts and business leaders a convenient way to manage the stress of managing the modern workplace, defined by countless crucial applications and software tools. Used correctly, SD-WAN ensures applications work consistently and reliably. It can automate traffic steering based on business intent, simplify the WAN architecture, and even enhance network security.

As the communication landscape continues to evolve, countless new technologies have emerged, promising unique benefits. SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Networking tools, have begun to capture the attention of various digitally transforming businesses, offering a combination of security, efficiency, and agility.

The benefits of SD-WAN include everything from better centralized control of bandwidth subscriptions to a wider variety of network options and dynamic path selection. Used correctly, SD-WAN helps to better synchronize and synergize teams in a collaborative environment.

The Benefits of SD-WAN for Team Collaboration

The advantages of SD-WAN for companies in the evolving communication landscape are diverse and varied. With SD-WAN, companies can leverage a comprehensive system for application management, with centralized control and performance guarantees. Companies can easily control and manage traffic and application connections throughout the business without sending engineers to different locations.

Dominic McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of ULAP Networks, said: “In the modern work environment, where team members are working from anywhere, maintaining HD Voice and Video is crucial for productive team collaboration. Companies must prioritize these developments and provide network solutions, based on SD-WAN technology, that ensure HQ quality for all collaboration applications in workplaces”

Secure SD-WAN solutions also help to facilitate a smoother migration to the cloud in the UCaaS landscape. Around 85% of businesses have already moved part or all of their communication tools into a UCaaS environment. Unified Communications as a Service conveniently connects multiple communication tools in a single environment, supporting trends like hybrid and remote work while simplifying technology management.

However, real-time communication demands on a network can be overwhelming without the right solutions in place. If companies don’t have sufficient bandwidth for each connection, their team members will suffer from lag, jittering, and lost connections. That’s where SD-WAN steps in. With SD-WAN, companies can improve communications, ensure employees achieve high levels of efficiency, and even keep track of connections to minimize disruptions.

Here are some of the key ways SD-WAN can benefit collaboration:

  • Improved network performance: SD-WAN solutions can help companies to monitor and prioritize traffic for critical applications essential to business communications. Using SD-WAN, business leaders can improve the quality of video conferences, speed up file sharing, and enhance meetings in seconds. Some SD-WAN tools can even automatically spot problems and fix them, to maintain a high level of reliability.
  • Enhanced routing: Packet loss, latency, and jitter can contribute to poor collaborative experiences in any business environment. Fortunately, the dynamic package duplication and traffic management features of SD-WAN can address these issues. Some SD-WAN solutions also offer access to added features like path conditioning and tunnel bonding to help minimize connectivity issues and ensure employees remain productive.
  • Better security: To truly empower team members to work effectively in a collaborative environment, companies must ensure their employees can access the right tools without risking the business. SD-WAN technology contributes to network security by isolating and segmenting traffic by application, making it harder for threats to expand across the network and cause business disruptions.
  • Powerful monitoring: The right SD-WAN solution will come with comprehensive monitoring and tracking capabilities built into a single-pane-of-glass console. This helps companies manage connections’ lifecycles more effectively, steer traffic in real-time according to employee needs, and potentially fix any problems before they negatively impact collaborative workflows.

SD-WAN: Powering Better Collaboration

As companies continue to invest in the agility and flexibility UCaaS platforms offer, tools like SD-WAN are becoming increasingly crucial to optimizing and securing network connections. The right SD-WAN tools enable companies to optimize local connections and route traffic according to specific business needs without hampering bandwidth.

With SD-WAN, companies can improve employees’ interactions with latency-sensitive collaboration applications or VoIP platforms. Plus, companies also benefit from a centralized environment where they can provision, monitor, and manage connections leveraged by all kinds of business employees.

In the age of cloud communications and collaboration, SD-WAN gives business leaders everything they need to empower their workers with access to the right apps and tools without latency or lag.

 

 



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