What we learned after implementing SD-WAN for 6 months, and how you can use it tomorrow.
Traditional Wide Area Networks (WANs) are built on rigid, static infrastructure, which limits flexibility and scalability. Teams often rely on expensive and complex MPLS connections to manage network traffic between remote branches and the core network. Additionally, these networks lack advanced security features, leading to vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in managing data across dispersed locations.
Why it fails?
- High Cost: MPLS circuits and dedicated bandwidth are expensive, and managing them is labor-intensive.
- Slow Response to Changes: Making adjustments to traffic flow or adding new services in a traditional WAN is a cumbersome and slow process.
- Security Gaps: Traditional WANs lack integrated security, leaving organizations exposed to data breaches, especially when branches use direct internet connections.
- Limited Scalability: As the network grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage, with performance degradation and high latency.
Framework / Approach
To address these issues, it’s crucial to shift towards a fabric-based architecture that offers better scalability, reduced latency, and improved overall performance.
Step 1: Define
The goal is to transition from a static, expensive WAN model to a dynamic, cost-efficient, and secure SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) solution. SD-WAN simplifies network management and enhances security by virtualizing the WAN and using centralized control to dynamically route traffic over a mix of transport options.
Step 2: Diagnose
Key pain points identified in traditional WAN include:
- Lack of flexibility in traffic management
- High operational costs
- Difficulty in applying consistent security policies across distributed networks
- Over-reliance on MPLS connections which are costly and difficult to scale
Step 3: Decide
To address these issues, SD-WAN offers a highly flexible, cost-effective, and secure alternative. By leveraging direct internet connections, SD-WAN reduces the dependency on costly MPLS links, while providing real-time traffic optimization, application-aware routing, and integrated security features.
Step 4: Deliver
- Centralized Management: Use a single dashboard to control and configure the network in real time.
- Application-Aware Routing: Implement policies based on application needs, ensuring that critical apps receive the highest priority in bandwidth allocation.
- Security Integration: Incorporate advanced security measures such as encryption, firewall policies, and threat intelligence at every node, reducing attack surfaces and ensuring data protection.
Case Study / Example
A mid-sized financial firm with multiple branch offices across the country was facing issues with high network costs and slow, inefficient connections. Their network was based on MPLS, which limited their ability to respond quickly to growing demands, especially as they expanded their cloud services.
Actions Taken:
- Implemented Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN to replace MPLS connections.
- Deployed end-to-end encryption and firewall features to enhance security across branches.
- Configured policies to optimize cloud application traffic and improve user experience.
Results:
- Cost Reduction: Reduced WAN costs by 30% by replacing MPLS with broadband internet.
- Improved Performance: Application performance improved by 40% with intelligent traffic routing.
- Enhanced Security: Security breaches were reduced by 50% through real-time threat detection and prevention measures.
What Didn’t Work?
One challenge was the initial learning curve for IT staff in managing the new SD-WAN infrastructure. The configuration complexity led to some downtime in the early stages, although this was addressed by additional training and support from the vendor.
Playbook / Checklist
- Assess Network Needs: Evaluate the current WAN setup to determine areas where SD-WAN can provide cost savings and performance improvements.
- Define Security Policies: Ensure that security protocols like encryption and intrusion prevention are configured for all branches.
- Integrate Cloud Services: Make sure that cloud-based apps are prioritized and optimized within the SD-WAN configuration.
- Monitor and Optimize: Continuously monitor network performance and tweak SD-WAN policies to address changing business needs.
How to start in 30 minutes
- Evaluate Existing Infrastructure: Begin by analyzing the current network topology and performance to identify bottlenecks.
- Select an SD-WAN Solution: Choose an SD-WAN provider based on your company’s needs and budget.
- Plan Security Policies: Set up basic security policies (e.g., encryption, firewall rules) that will apply across all branches.
- Test Traffic Management: Begin by directing specific application traffic through SD-WAN to observe performance improvements.
Conclusion & Next Step
SD-WAN provides a more cost-effective, flexible, and secure alternative to traditional WAN architectures. By adopting SD-WAN, organizations can significantly reduce network costs, improve performance, and ensure better security.
At TelenceSolutions
We continue to help professionals build scalable, intelligent networks through real-world, hands-on learning — from OSPF and IS-IS fundamentals to BGP, SD-WAN, and AI-driven automation.