SDWAN (software-defined wide area networks) has been a very hot topic in CIO and CTO conversations lately, and here’s why: While SDWAN may have sounded like a costly and inaccessible alternative to traditional MPLS network connectivity just a few years ago, IT executives are quickly recognizing the productivity, scalability, and security benefits of next-gen WAN solutions to support remote workers and multi-location operations in today’s post-pandemic world.
IT decision makers
are supporting their digital transformation needs with a complete SDWAN plan that also protects their business from growing cyber threats. SDWAN layered with SASE and ZTNA is a powerful differentiator for companies looking to address both network connectivity and management strategies as well as cybersecurity requirements all with one solution.
SDWAN can intelligently route traffic around congestion based on the type of content being transferred, the endpoint, the time of day, the application’s security needs, latency sensitivity, or bandwidth costs. IT teams can manage potentially thousands of network switches from a centralized controller over the internet, cloud topologies, and more. This gives them the ability to scale the network as needed, optimize performance, and make more efficient use of resources.
Secure access service edge (SASE, pronounced “sassy”) is a framework for network architecture that brings cloud native security technologies together with SDWAN capabilities to securely connect users, systems, and endpoints to applications and services anywhere. SDWAN + SASE allows IT teams to bring critical security implementations to the remotest edge of their network to address the changing needs of a remote workforce. It also ensures cloud-destined traffic isn’t backhauled to the on-premises data center but transits seamlessly from the user to the cloud without delay or performance impact.
But wait, there’s more! No secure network would be complete without the additional layer of zero trust network access (ZTNA). ZTNA is based on a Zero Trust security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and validated before being granted access to any company data or devices. So, users only have access to what they need, and everything else is locked down (kind of like how a key card works in a hotel elevator), resulting in better compliance and threat mitigation.
One of the big advantages of a complete SDWAN solution is that it can be acquired as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) with little up-front spend. Once adopted, cost savings continue through improved network utilization and productivity. Plus, consider the burden that SDWAN removes from time-strapped engineers because it automates the complexity of managing highly dynamic cloud and remote office environments.
With the shift to the remote and hybrid workforce, and the requirements of supporting multi-location environments, the opportunity to introduce the productivity and cost-savings benefits of a secure, complete SDWAN package (SDWAN with critical security layers like SASE and ZTNA) to your company has never been better.
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Labels: Network Design, Network Management, Network Security, SASE, SDN, SDWAN, Software Defined Wide Area Network, ZTNA
