What problems does SD-WAN solve?

A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) should be the staple for businesses and their networks. But what problems can an SD-WAN solve and why is it a better solution than a regular WAN? Not only is SD-WAN more efficient and cost-effective, but it also has additional security features and the ability to autonomously determine the optimal route for traffic on the network.

SEACOM Business can set up SD-WAN for your company. This solution is perfect for large enterprises with many branches or offices in different parts of the country. It makes a business network more efficient, secure, simple and cheaper. Our SD-WAN solutions offer centralised control and complete visibility of the network, which improves the user experience and security of the entire network. Here are some other problems that SD-WAN solves.

Quality of network connections

One of the functions of SD-WAN is to automatically route network traffic via the most beneficial connections. This makes it cheaper for businesses as users are routed through cheaper connections. This process also cuts out the need for private lines, which are costly for companies to use and maintain. These traditional methods are also more complex to manage, especially when multiple branches are connected to the network.

The overall quality of connections is improved by SD-WAN. These are more easily scalable as the business grows and it makes it possible to work with multiple types of connectivity, such as ADSL, LTE and fibre optics. SEACOM Business SD-WAN will route traffic through our own fibre network and make use of the nearest data centres to your branches.

Underlay and overlay problems

SD-WAN is built on the premise of underlay and overlay networks. All connected devices communicate with one another and with the central software using an underlay network, which is composed of physical links between these components. The virtual private network (VPN) component of the SD-WAN is contained in an overlay network. The benefit of this hybrid design is that changes can be made to the layout of the underlay without affecting the overlay.

In other words, if a new device is added or an existing link has changed IP address, then no modifications will need to be made to the overlay VPN network. By using fibre connectivity for the underlay and overlay components, network performance and communication speeds between devices, data centres and the central software will be maximised.

Working with multiple carriers

SD-WAN enables companies to use multiple links from different carriers at the same time. Having multiple links ensures diversity, continuity and reliability; if one carrier is having problems, then the software will automatically route network traffic through another carrier’s link that is working properly.

The IT management team will need to keep track of billing since the company may receive multiple invoices from different carriers. This is why many companies choose to outsource their SD-WAN management to SEACOM Business. As a managed service provider, we will be able to provide a consolidated bill for each contract period.

These are some of the major problems that SD-WAN can solve for large enterprises. This new-age networking technology is still improving, but it remains one of the best solutions for network management and architecture available to companies. For more information or to get a quote for our SD-WAN services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

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