As teams evaluate SDN vs SD-WAN, they’re typically trying to solve a real problem with a direct impact on end users, such as slow cloud applications, inconsistent user access, or an infrastructure that has evolved into a disjointed, difficult-to-manage stack. A software-defined network (SDN) provides control over the flow of traffic within the data center. A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) encompasses the flow between branch offices, remote users, and cloud platforms. Understanding how these two pieces fit together can help you improve application performance and prevent your carefully architected policies from crumbling as your network expands.
SDN and SD-WAN use cases
SDN is typically deployed in data centers and service provider networks, where networking teams need greater control over traffic flows within the virtual network and local area network (LAN). It allows them to automate routing decisions, minimize manual changes, and exercise greater flexibility in network management, including network functions such as load balancing without relying on hardware-based upgrades. This is often done through network functions virtualization (NFV).
SD-WAN is deployed to optimize application performance at branch offices by routing traffic over the best available path, including MPLS, broadband, LTE, and others. The issue is that today, most organizations have SDN and SD-WAN solutions deployed side by side and operated in silos. The bifurcation makes it difficult for IT to detect problems or enforce policy as organizations continue to adopt the software-defined networking model, virtualization, and cloud-based platforms. For a side-by-side comparison, you can read about these SDN vs SD-WAN use cases.
Technical comparisons and misconceptions
SDN and SD-WAN both decouple the control plane and data plane, but for different purposes. SDN provides centralized control for network traffic within the data center, with application programming interfaces (APIs) that automate network services and data plane traffic flows across routers and switches. SD-WAN applies the same principle to the WAN, helping administrators route traffic across MPLS, broadband, and LTE based on application needs and real-time network performance.
It’s a myth that SD-WAN is an extension of SDN and requires it to function. It does not. SD-WAN is a standalone entity, designed to handle wide-area traffic independently of traditional network infrastructure. In many organizations, SD-WAN is initially rolled out to address latency issues, deliver cost savings by reducing MPLS spend, enhance failover capabilities, and support optimal performance for cloud services. Later, they consider SDN to overhaul internal provisioning and network architecture. This flow of events has lent itself to the belief that if the ultimate goal is SDN, SD-WAN is the logical first step.
Another misconception is that SD-WAN has been replaced by newer architectures like SASE. This is not the case. SD-WAN is still a crucial component at the network edge, particularly when combined with VPNs, firewalls, and bandwidth prioritization policies for cloud-based applications. SD-WAN is the most scalable method to control routing across distributed branch offices.
The real problem arises when these tools function in silos, leaving teams to manage intersecting policies across two separate stacks. This causes visibility issues, lack of compliance, and increased exposure risk. Tools such as Tufin Orchestration Suite can address the problem of fragmented security policies within hybrid environments, helping ensure that consistent policy control is applied to both SDN and SD-WAN. Even if SDN and SD-WAN serve distinct roles, their relationship is evidence of their shared role in driving programmable and automated networking.
Managing risk across hybrid environments
Most organizations have both SDN and SD-WAN deployed simultaneously, but maintain them as separate silos. The result is overlapping rules, blind spots, and inconsistent policies. Every environment has its own toolset, so teams waste time reconciling access and chasing down conflicts.
Policy drift is a major concern for network administrators. Firewall rules get out of sync. Routing logic overlaps. And without a consolidated view of both infrastructures, it’s all too easy to lose track of who can access what—and why. Misconfigurations are more likely, and troubleshooting becomes a guessing game.
Tufin Orchestration Suite can help bridge the gaps. It provides teams with a single point of management for policy across SDN and SD-WAN, enhances access controls, and minimizes manual cleanup. This can reduce risk and save time without forcing teams to re-architect their networks.
The most forward-thinking organizations that prioritize control, automation, and scale are already exploring ways to integrate SDN and SD-WAN. Programmable infrastructure and centralized policy automation enable faster response times, helping to avoid the confusion and overhead associated with working in silos.
Use architecture to support outcomes, not buzzwords
SDN and SD-WAN are two distinct layers of enterprise networking. When they are managed separately, problems arise. Policy inconsistencies arise, and performance suffers during lengthy remediation timelines. Standardizing network control across both enables centralized management, reduces noise, and helps teams respond faster across the entire network. If you’re looking for a simpler way to manage it all with a cost-effective SD-WAN solution, get a demo.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the main difference in use cases between SDN vs SD-WAN?
SDN manages core network traffic within the data center. It provides teams with the ability to define and program switch/router behavior on the LAN. SD-WAN manages network connectivity and traffic between locations. It routes traffic via MPLS, LTE, broadband, or internet connections, making sure apps perform well across remote branches and cloud platforms.
Learn how both technologies are involved in moving to software-defined networking, virtualization, and cloud platforms.
Can SDN vs SD-WAN policies be managed together?
Only if you unify them. Most teams manage the two separately, resulting in contradictory rules, missed updates, and slow response to something breaking. Managing both via one system minimizes guesswork and cleanup.
Learn how to manage fragmented security policies in hybrid environments.
Has cloud adoption changed how teams compare SDN vs. SD-WAN?
Definitely. With more apps running outside the data center, SD-WAN has become critical for managing traffic across cloud computing and edge environments. SDN still helps inside, but it now has to work within a broader context.
Learn what’s changing in moving to software-defined networking, virtualization, and cloud platforms.
