How NaaS Takes Advantage of the Benefits of SD-WAN

In the rapidly evolving world of enterprise networking, Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) has been a popular solution for businesses seeking to improve connectivity, efficiency, and flexibility. While SD-WAN offers numerous benefits, it's essential to understand these advantages and how Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) manages its potential drawbacks. Here, we walk through some points to consider about SD-WAN, focusing on several key factors.

Cost Improvements

SD-WAN solutions can offer several cost advantages over legacy network and security architectures. One major benefit is the reduction in hardware costs, as traditional WAN solutions often require significant upfront capital investments. SD-WAN utilizes existing internet connections, which decreases the need for expensive MPLS circuits. Additionally, SD-WAN helps to lower operational expenses by optimizing bandwidth usage and enabling the use of more affordable broadband connections, leading to significant reductions in ongoing costs.

If you’re considering implementing SD-WAN alone, the initial implementation can be costly, despite the potential for long-term savings. Businesses may need to invest in new software and possibly new hardware to effectively adopt the technology. However, NaaS solutions inclusive of SD-WAN, like what we offer at Join, operate on a subscription basis, offsetting the need for large upfront capital outlays.

Performance and Reliability

SD-WAN offers performance advantages over legacy systems, including optimized traffic flow by intelligently routing data based on real-time network conditions - ensuring optimal performance for critical applications. Additionally, the use of multiple connections, such as broadband and LTE, can significantly enhance overall network performance and reliability.

Since SD-WAN often relies on public internet connections, performance can be variable and may fluctuate based on internet quality. Furthermore, in certain scenarios where low latency is essential, SD-WAN might not provide the same level of performance as more traditional WAN solutions like MPLS. For NaaS providers like Join, we offer carrier-independent WAN connectivity, allowing the use of multiple ISPs to ensure network resilience and cost-effectiveness. This way, organizations can choose the best ISPs for each location to avoid connectivity issues.

Enhanced Security

SD-WAN solutions typically include enhanced security features such as encryption, firewalls, and secure gateways. Some SD-WAN providers also seamlessly integrate advanced security protocols, providing a robust defense for network infrastructures. Additionally, SD-WAN supports Zero Trust architectures, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users can access network resources, thereby strengthening overall network security.

Managing security across multiple connections and endpoints can be complex, often requiring specialized skills and tools. Furthermore, relying on public internet connections can expose networks to additional security threats if not properly managed, highlighting the importance of diligent oversight in maintaining a secure environment. With NaaS these drawbacks are managed because SD-WAN is a native part of the network, so complexities and threats are managed through the platform with built-in monitoring and operations tools.

Scalability

Easy scalability is another benefit of SD-WAN for businesses. Organizations can effortlessly expand their networks by adding new sites or increasing bandwidth as needed, all without a significant investment in new infrastructure. This flexible approach ensures that businesses can adapt to changing demands while maintaining cost-effective scalability, allowing them to enhance their network capabilities without the financial burden typically associated with traditional WAN expansion.

Integrating SD-WAN with existing network infrastructure and legacy systems can be complex and may require considerable effort and resources. For NaaS providers like Join with experience with cap-and-grow implementations, we guide organizations in navigating these integration hurdles to fully leverage the benefits of SD-WAN and ensure a smooth transition.

Management and Visibility

SD-WAN offers centralized management capabilities that allow administrators to control and monitor the entire network from a single interface. Additionally, it provides enhanced visibility through advanced analytics and reporting tools, giving IT teams deep insights into network performance and enabling data-driven decision-making.

Centralized management can also introduce complexity, particularly for organizations with limited IT resources. IT teams may require additional training to effectively manage and utilize SD-WAN solutions, which can be both time-consuming and costly. For NaaS providers with a Network Operations Center (NOC), management of the entire management, including SD-WAN, is fully managed for the customer, so IT teams can outsource not just operational complexity but the entire management and support workload.

Flexibility

Support for various technologies allows for integration with different network architectures and provides flexibility in network design and deployment. Additionally, it enables businesses to quickly adapt to changing network requirements and market conditions, enhancing overall responsiveness.

One major concern is the dependency on internet quality; while utilizing multiple internet connections offers flexibility, it heavily relies on the quality and reliability of those connections. And the inherent flexibility of SD-WAN can result in complex configurations, necessitating careful planning and specialized expertise to manage effectively. Because NaaS brings carrier-independent WAN connectivity and redundant ISPs into the network service, NaaS providers are able to provide high levels of flexibility and adaptability, along with performance and reliability.

Deployment and Integration

SD-WAN allows for rapid deployment, which means much quicker installation compared to traditional WAN setups, thereby minimizing downtime and disruption. Additionally, many SD-WAN solutions are designed for seamless integration with existing network infrastructure, making the migration process less complex and more efficient.

The initial setup and configuration of SD-WAN can be complex and require specialized knowledge and resources. With NaaS and SD-WAN together, NaaS providers ensure compatibility with existing network components and applications achieving optimal performance at deployment and throughout the network lifecycle.

Recommendations

SD-WAN offers compelling advantages in terms of cost savings, performance, security, scalability, and flexibility. However, it's essential to carefully consider the potential challenges of implementation and how it fits into your organization’s network strategy.

For organizations with robust IT resources and a clear understanding of their network requirements, SD-WAN can provide significant benefits. However, businesses with limited IT resources and time may need to weigh these factors carefully before implementing a solution on their own.

What to do next

• Evaluate Your Current Network: Assess your current network infrastructure and identify areas where SD-WAN could provide improvements.

• Consider Long-Term Goals: Think about your organization's long-term goals and how SD-WAN can support future growth and innovation.

• Engage with Experts: Consult with industry experts, such as those from Join, to gain insights and guidance on implementing SD-WAN effectively.

By taking a strategic approach and leveraging the right resources, your organization can harness the power of SD-WAN to drive efficiency, enhance security, and maintain a competitive edge in today's dynamic business environment.

If you’re looking for NaaS with an integrated SD-WAN solution, talk to a Join NaaS expert.