March 10, 2022
Is SD-WAN software or hardware?
A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) refers to an IT network that has been abstracted or virtualised by software. As a result, network administrators can monitor and access the WAN from any location. SD-WAN is by its very nature highly flexible, scalable and intelligent, so it has a lot of advantages for large companies with branches in multiple locations.
An SD-WAN employs software to regulate traffic flow across the network, improving performance, security and efficiency. The abstracted or virtualised component is frequently used to connect several branches or offices to a central hub or cloud-based platform. Although SD-WAN is a software solution, it does necessitate the installation of some hardware.
SD-WAN relies on connected architecture
SD-WAN, like all WANs, is dependent on a connected architecture. This architecture, however, is hosted on the cloud. There are two elements to it: the control plane and the forwarding plane. The control plane is hosted on a central server, which is often located at a company's headquarters, but the IT management team can access it remotely.
A virtualised SD-WAN consists of three main components:
- The SD-WAN edge - The network endpoints (or computers and connected devices) are located in this area. It could be a physical location, a data centre, or a cloud platform.
- The SD-WAN controller - This centralises network management and allows operators to remotely monitor the network.
- The SD-WAN orchestrator - This is the network's virtual manager, which controls traffic flow and applies policies or protocols established by the IT team.
These three components make up the foundation of any SD-WAN, whether it's on-premise or cloud-based. As all of these components are software-based, the network does not require any extra hardware to perform its duties. Instead, the SD-WAN infrastructure is built using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware.
Since traditional WANs were never designed for the cloud, traffic from branches is typically backhauled to the data centre, where cyber security services are deployed. As a result of the delay and reduced network performance, the user experience suffers significantly. Due to the nature of its architecture, SD-WAN does not have these issues.
SD-WAN infrastructure
'White-box' hardware is a term used to describe COTS hardware. These include items like universal customer premises equipment, which can be found in almost any workplace around the world. This not only makes setting up an SD-WAN easier but also eliminates the need for the company to invest in specialised hardware.
SD-WAN can be set up and deployed at any company and the network and equipment remain under the company's control. Some companies, on the other hand, opt to hire a managed service provider to take over some network control and manage it remotely.
SD-WAN can automatically identify applications and provide intelligent traffic routing throughout the network because it is software-based. It streamlines the WAN, makes it more cost-effective for businesses, increases network security and maximises bandwidth efficiency. Employee productivity, customer satisfaction and profitability all benefit from improved network performance.
Networks that are reliable, secure and flexible are essential for modern businesses. SD-WAN is the ideal network solution for businesses of all sizes, whether they have a single office or multiple branches. 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 largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
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