Cisco SD-WAN is an intelligent software solution based on a cloud architecture. It is intended for customers who need to get a distributed network with a single control center and the ability to deploy hybrid networks with different access technologies.
To connect to the SD-WAN network, an SD-WAN router must be installed at the client level, which is centrally managed from the head office. All this allows the administrator to be in one place:
- configure network equipment;
- manage security policies and protocols;
- analyze traffic in real time.
Cisco Solutions
SD-WAN Routers
They can be delivered to the client in software, physical, virtual or cloud form. They are located along the perimeter of the network (for example, in offices, data centers, campuses).
The main purpose of the SD-WAN router is to deploy an overlay network of the highest possible security class in an environment of open WAN networks.
The SD-WAN solution allows you to automate the deployment of an enterprise network, implementing an optimal level of data encryption, as well as send traffic using all connected channels.
The “heart” of the SD-WAN is a microcontroller capable of independently automatically controlling all access equipment that is available within the WAN network.
This provides the ability to centrally change the settings of any devices on the network by applying configuration templates. The solution allows you to monitor the network status and channel load, as well as quickly identify and fix problems.
Management
Traffic on the SD-WAN network is handled at the software level. For each application, the direction of the allowed traffic, the parameters of balancing and the use of communication channels are determined. This is the main difference between the technology and similar solutions from other vendors.
To configure the SD-WAN, Cisco offers the vManage control panel, with which you can configure VPN gateways using PaaS, IaaS environments, and analyze the network by test migration of traffic and subsequent assessment of the response of the equipment.
Advantages
SD-WAN has several key advantages:
- Reducing the cost of renting additional network equipment.
- Thanks to special software traffic recognition algorithms and intelligent distribution of data flows. On the basis of SD-WAN, several wired networks can be used to transfer data over the Internet, and LTE or 3G solutions can be implemented as spare ones.
- Reducing the cost of maintaining and using the network with all its resources.
- This is due to the increased level of automation, which leads to a reduction in maintenance time and the rejection of the services of some IT specialists. Network objects are classified, and ready-made configuration templates are available for each type. They can be activated for a specific device “in one click”.
- Reduction of financial costs for network equipment.
- Getting out of dependence on proprietary solutions and switching from proprietary devices to solutions based on the x86 architecture allows you to save significantly. And the installation of SD-WAN routers on the network itself takes just a few minutes: you just need to connect Ethernet cables and a power adapter.