Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions are designed to address the limited flexibility and high costs associated with traditional WANs, which are often based on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and fixed routers. SD-WAN uses centralized control and overlay technology across broadband, LTE, and other network connections. This increases flexibility, lowers costs, and enhances network performance to meet the needs of organizations that are rapidly adopting cloud services, using more SaaS apps, and have growing numbers of remote and mobile users.
SD-WAN in networking and use cases
In networking, software-defined WAN replaces the traditional WAN approach based on MPLS circuits and fixed-function routers. With centralized control, it routes network traffic across broadband, LTE, and other internet connections, providing organizations with more flexibility while improving application performance and simplifying network management, particularly for critical applications that require reliability. This routing also reduces packet loss by selecting the most reliable path and reduces troubleshooting time for IT teams.
This next-generation model also simplifies deployments through zero-touch provisioning, reducing manual setup at branch sites, and helps IT leaders support digital transformation efforts across the enterprise. It also reduces the cost of running networks compared to traditional configurations.
Branch offices gain direct connectivity to data centers and SaaS, bypassing the need to route traffic back through on-premises routers, improving latency and user experience. SD-WAN security features, such as VPNs, firewalls, and segmentation, provide users with security regardless of how or where they connect, supporting modern security strategies such as Zero Trust and secure access service edge (SASE). These strategies often combine SD-WAN with cloud-delivered web gateways for secure browsing and threat protection.
Articles like SD-WAN as a Service and How SD-WAN Technology Works show how orchestration, scalability, and real-time optimization align network performance to business requirements. These options are often bundled as managed services to simplify deployment and support.
SD-WAN technology and architecture
SD-WAN technology extends software-defined networking (SDN) principles by separating the control plane from the data plane. A software-defined wide area network does not rely on traditional WAN hardware and MPLS. Instead, it uses centralized control and automation to steer traffic across broadband, LTE, and internet connections, dynamically optimizing application traffic as needed in real time and supporting seamless failover between links when outages occur.
SD-WAN architecture has several main components that all work together in unison. Controllers push routing and security policies, orchestrators are responsible for automation and templating, and edge devices or virtual routers apply those instructions on a local level. Security services, such as VPNs and firewalls, are often incorporated into these functions as well, allowing for a stronger network security posture. As mentioned in SD-WAN Explained, this enables cloud-based overlays that can adapt to business needs.
One example of this is the branch office that requires direct connection to SaaS or public cloud applications. Instead of backhauling traffic through on-premises routers, the overlay routes traffic across the best available link, resulting in lower latency and a better user experience. Zero-touch provisioning further accelerates branch rollouts by eliminating complex installation steps. This scenario highlights the advantages of SD-WAN over traditional WAN, while also illustrating how network performance can scale as a business expands.
Organizations that are researching top SD-WAN vendors for adoption may also factor in security requirements. Following an SD-WAN Security Checklist for IT Leaders and managing policies through the Tufin Orchestration Suite can help ensure performance goals are being met in line with Zero Trust and SASE strategies. This balance of orchestration, automation, and security functions contributes to the long-term benefits of SD-WAN architecture.
SD-WAN in cybersecurity and comparisons
SD-WAN offers cybersecurity support by incorporating protections into the network infrastructure. VPN, firewalls, and segmentation capabilities extend security coverage to branch offices, SaaS applications, and public cloud services. These integrated features make the SD-WAN a natural fit with Zero Trust and SASE strategies. For more information, see SASE Providers with SD-WAN and Security Coverage.
SD-WAN is also frequently contrasted with other technologies. An SD-WAN vs. MPLS comparison shows significant differences between a traditional WAN model, which typically uses private circuits and on-premises routers, and a software-defined wide area network, which relies on cloud-based overlays that route traffic in real time to maximize bandwidth utilization. Resources like Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN explain why many organizations opt for cost-effective overlays that can also improve application performance.
A common question is whether SD-WAN is just another type of router. Edge devices can resemble routers, but the SD-WAN architecture also includes orchestration, automation, and overlay capabilities that perform routing, segmentation, and network security functions. IT leaders can explore what to look for in an SD-WAN solution when weighing that question.
Hybrid deployments are also common, with MPLS being paired with internet connections or Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to extend WAN performance while maintaining Local Area Network (LAN) segmentation. By aligning policies through the Tufin Orchestration Suite and extending visibility and control with Tufin’s Integration with Cisco Meraki, organizations can implement SD-WAN appliances more effectively and balance network management with security, keeping SD-WAN aligned to business priorities.
Conclusion
SD-WAN provides a cost-effective solution for improving network performance to meet business needs. Its overlays reduce latency, and central control and automation improve branch connectivity, cloud adoption, and application performance. Built-in security capabilities (segmentation, Zero Trust, end-to-end protection, etc.) make your network more resilient in the face of new threats. However, IT leaders should be prepared to manage potential risks such as policy complexity and multiple provider management. These elements make SD-WAN a scalable, long-term solution for modern network management. Request a demo to see how SD-WAN can work in your environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is SD-WAN, and how does it differ from traditional networking?
An SD-WAN, or software-defined wide area network, is an approach to networking that replaces conventional WANs (built from dedicated MPLS circuits and on-premises hardware routers) with a software-defined model. SD-WAN providers use cloud-based overlays to direct traffic across broadband, LTE, and other types of internet access, rather than physical MPLS connections. The goal is to lower costs, increase scalability, and give IT teams more flexibility compared to older WAN architectures.
Read our article on the different approaches to SD-WAN as a Service.
What is SD-WAN used for in enterprise environments?
Enterprises leverage SD-WAN technologies to connect branch offices, SaaS platforms, and public cloud services more reliably and with less latency. In addition to performance, however, SD-WAN is also part of a digital transformation strategy, with IT teams utilizing it to simplify management, prioritize business-critical applications, and maintain a consistent user experience across all of a company’s distributed locations.
Compare the Top SD-WAN Providers.
What is SD-WAN in cybersecurity strategy?
SD-WAN typically includes built-in security features, such as VPNs, firewalls, segmentation, secure web gateways, and more. This puts SD-WAN directly at the heart of Zero Trust and SASE approaches, providing IT with centralized control over application traffic instead of a number of disparate point solutions. At the same time, there are cybersecurity risks to SD-WAN, such as complex security policies and multi-provider management, which CISOs must also consider.
Read our SD-WAN Security Checklist for IT Leaders.
Ready to Learn More
Get a Demo
