In this article, you’ll learn about SD-WAN in general, Cloud-based SD-WAN, Virtualized overlays, Zero-touch provisioning, and Traffic shaping. We’ll also discuss how to secure your data while traveling over the network. SD-WAN explained in simple terms as an important tool for securing the web, but there are some challenges.
Cloud-based SD-WAN
Using an SD-WAN architecture in the cloud offers savings and agility. It can help enterprises meet their QoS goals and achieve cost savings.
SD-WAN can be deployed incrementally and co-exists with existing WAN technologies. It can distinguish between mission-critical applications and low-bandwidth applications. Business-critical applications can be routed through a high-performance private core, while non-critical applications can be routed over the internet. The architecture also makes direct connectivity and SaaS application migration possible.
SD-WAN can also reduce costs by eliminating the need for dedicated network infrastructure. SD-WAN internet circuits can be deployed in a matter of days, whereas MPLS circuits can take up to 90 days to provision. In addition, SD-WAN internet circuits are directly connected to cloud application providers, thereby increasing application performance. Moreover, companies running real-time network applications can forgo an MPLS network to save money. Furthermore, they don’t want to risk their real-time traffic on public networks, which is why they prefer SD-WAN architecture.
Virtualized Overlays
In the SD-WAN architecture, virtualized overlays are important components of the overall network. They enable the connecting of geographically separated facilities and multiple LANs. Moreover, they allow for the automation of backup operations. A centralized controller manages and enforces security policies and updates the virtual overlay. This controller also provides alerts and reports on the status of SD-WAN deployments.
The virtualized overlay network can be configured to provide quality service (QoS) for all traffic. Therefore, the SD-WAN appliances should be capable of inspecting HDX traffic unencrypted and applying QoS automatically. In addition, the edge SD-WAN appliances should also be able to inspect HDX traffic.
SD-WAN solutions use virtualized overlays to simplify network management and eliminate human error. They also allow IT to monitor and manage the WAN remotely. In addition, they can prioritize traffic based on types, such as corporate voice or video.
Zero-touch Provisioning
Zero-touch provisioning in SD-WAN technology is the process of provisioning network elements without any manual intervention. Ideally, Zero-Touch Provisioning will reduce errors and manual intervention as much as possible. However, an SD-WAN architecture must be configured before deployment to implement Zero-Touch Provisioning.
Zero-touch provisioning is achieved using a management tool known as the SD-WAN Center. An administrator uses the SD-WAN Center to create a new site for deploying SD-WAN appliances. The site should outline all the details of the SD-WAN appliance and its configuration.
The SD-WAN Center must be configured and working properly before zero-touch provisioning is possible. In addition, the SD-WAN Center must be able to communicate with the zero-touch deployment service. A user must have a valid Customer ID and be logged in to the SD-WAN Center to initiate a Zero-Touch deployment.
The SD-WAN architecture incorporates essential features such as security, flexibility, and simplicity. It incorporates commodity hardware and networking software and simplifies WAN architecture deployment and management. Zero-touch provisioning allows administrators to define and distribute policies based on business intent. Furthermore, it enables businesses to incorporate critical security services such as encryption and micro-segmentation into their network.
Traffic Shaping
Traffic shaping is an important feature of SD-WAN architecture. This technology allows network devices to assign priority levels to traffic classes. It can also prevent jitter and delay. It works by applying a “leaky bucket” algorithm to smooth output rates over eight-time intervals. As a result, traffic arriving at a lower rate will be forwarded normally, while traffic arriving at a higher rate will be delayed or held in a buffer.
This technique is also known as adaptive shaping. It dynamically adjusts traffic flow during network congestion scenarios. Endpoints need to be connected to the hub or DC SD-WAN CPE to use this feature. This feature is critical for ensuring a smooth user experience. In addition, adaptive shaping provides the flexibility to adjust traffic priority based on the type of application running on the network.
Traffic shaping is an essential component of SD-WAN. With traffic shaping, traffic can be redirected to the appropriate destination without affecting performance. In addition, enterprises can easily allocate network resources across the entire organization by allowing applications to connect to a centralized server.