SD WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a technology that is revolutionising the way businesses manage their network infrastructure. But what exactly is SD WAN and how can it benefit your business? In this article, we will explore the top 5 business benefits of SD WAN for your business, as well as how to choose the best SD WAN solutions for your specific needs.

What is SD WAN?

SD WAN is a technology that allows businesses to manage and optimise their wide area network through software-defined networking. This means that instead of relying on expensive and rigid hardware-based solutions, businesses can now control their network infrastructure through software, making it more flexible and cost-effective.

Features of an SD WAN

Some key SD WAN features include:

Centralised Control: With SD WAN benefits, businesses can manage their network from a centralised dashboard, making it easier to monitor and optimise network performance.

Improved Performance: SD WAN can prioritise network traffic based on application requirements, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.

Cost Savings: By reducing the reliance on expensive hardware-based solutions, businesses can save money on their network infrastructure costs.

Enhanced Security: SD WAN technology includes advanced security features to protect against cyber threats and ensure data privacy.

Scalability: SD WAN technology is highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily add or remove network resources as needed to accommodate growth or changes in demand.

How Does SD WAN Work?

In contrast to SD WAN, the traditional router-centric approach only routes traffic based on TCP/IP addresses and ACLs, distributing the control function among all devices in the network. The user experience is bad due to the rigidity, complexity, inefficiency, and lack of cloud friendliness of this old approach.

Cloud-first businesses can provide users with an enhanced application quality of experience (QoEx) with the help of an SD WAN. An SD WAN offers intelligent application-aware routing across the WAN by detecting applications. According to business requirements, each class of apps is given the proper QoS and security policy enforcement. The branch's IaaS and SaaS application traffic can be securely broken out of the local internet to maximise cloud performance and safeguard the company from security risks.

Benefits of SD WAN for Businesses

Increased Efficiency: One of the biggest business benefits of SD WAN for businesses is the increased efficiency it provides. By optimising network performance and prioritising critical applications, businesses can ensure that their employees have access to the resources they need to be productive.

Cost Savings: SD WAN can help businesses save money on their network infrastructure costs by reducing the reliance on expensive hardware-based solutions. Additionally, the centralised control offered by SD WAN can help reduce management overhead and streamline network operations.

Improved Security: With advanced security SD WAN features built into this technology, businesses can enhance their network security and protect against cyber threats. This is especially important for businesses that handle sensitive data or operate in regulated industries.

Flexibility: SD WAN offers businesses the flexibility to adapt to changing network requirements and scale their network resources as needed. This can help businesses stay agile and respond quickly to changing market conditions.

Enhanced User Experience: By optimising network performance and prioritising critical applications, SD WAN can improve the overall user experience for employees and customers alike. This can lead to increased productivity, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, business success.

How to Choose the Best SD WAN Solutions for Your Business

When choosing the best SD WAN for small business, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Some key factors to consider include:

Scalability: Ensure that the SD WAN solution you choose can easily scale to accommodate your business growth and changing network requirements.

Security: Look for SD WAN solutions that offer advanced security features to protect against cyber threats and ensure data privacy.

Performance: Consider the performance capabilities of the SD WAN solution, including its ability to optimise network traffic and prioritise critical applications.

Cost: Evaluate the costs associated with implementing and maintaining the SD WAN solution, and ensure that it offers a good return on investment.

Support: Choose an SD WAN provider that offers reliable customer support and technical assistance to help you maximise the business benefits of your SD WAN for small business.

In conclusion, SD WAN offers a wide range of benefits for businesses, including increased efficiency, cost savings, improved security, flexibility, and enhanced user experience. By choosing the best SD WAN solutions for your specific needs, you can take advantage of these benefits and stay ahead of the competition in today's fast-paced business environment.