What Is SD-WAN and Why Is It Welcomed by Big International Enterprises?

2024-03-09

SD-WAN eASPNet
09
3 月

Digital transformations of enterprises are driven by cloud-based technology and Big Data. However, the surge in data throughput accompanying the scale of enterprise has also resulted in elevated network bandwidth costs. This prompts many globe-spanning enterprises to re-consider the cost-effectiveness of the current MPLS-VPN lines, while interests to the relatively affordable and highly stable SD-WAN. Then what are the differences between SD-WAN and conventional network connection?

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Why is SD-WAN different than conventional telecommunication?

SD-WAN is a software-based networking technology. Unlike the traditional telecommunication hardware-based architecture, SD-WAN can become the “control center” of network without changing the existing IT frameworks. SD-WAN provides virtualization resources for the broadband networks and private connections. For example, a normal broadband service like Chunghwa Telecom’s Hi-Net Broadband can be used with SD-WAN to replace the traditional MPLS-VPN dedicated enterprise lines.

Being a software-defined network, it is also able to modulate bandwidth throughput in real-time to reduce network congestion and loss of data packets. For example, an enterprise could utilize idling bandwidths to meet the network traffic needs of a certain task without compromising the quality of the network service. The surge in work-from-home in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where SD-WAN can regulate the data transfer between employees and improve the quality of the teleconferences.

SD-WAN Is known as the killer of MPLS

The MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) is a point-to-point intranet connection technology that utilizes the high-speed bandwidth provided by ISP vendors, capitalizing on well-managed and maintained server room equipment and services. The unified management can reduce the possibility of data leaks or thefts during transmission. However, the costs of MPLS are affected by bandwidth usage, and the unit cost per Mb is very expensive. If an enterprise is to set up a site at each branch office, the resulting bandwidth usage would be very significant and expensive, especially in today’s era of metaverse, video, AR and VR services. Aside from high operating costs, MPLS is also not protected by backups.

By comparison, as soon as the network cable is plugged into the machines, the SD-WAN of VMware can rapidly deploy the network services by connecting to the head office, which not only effectively saves on equipment purchasing and maintenance expenses of the branch locations, but also protects the connection from interruption. In terms of internet bandwidth connection billing, SD-WAN can achieve the same network connection stability and security at a fraction of the costs about 20% of MPLS. Many enterprises have selected SD-WAN as their choice for broadband network connection.

SD-WAN brings new life to enterprise network environment

eASPNet is equipped with a completely carrier neutral internet exchange center (IXC), IPS-grade equipment and environment. We not only support all fixed telecommunication, but also act as an important hub for submarine cables in Asia. Many world-renowned telecommunication enterprises have chosen to collaborate with us, such as AT&T, BT, Telstra, NTT, PCCW, Vocom, HGC, IPTP, etc.

To continue offering high-quality network connection services to clients, eASPNet has collaborated with VMware to provide SD-WAN services that can optimize enterprise network architectures. For the retail and service industry, data collection at each location will be intensified in order to understand the sales trends for planning of management strategies and purchase decisions. SD-WAN will integrate the total bandwidth capacities of various data sources such as the Internet and direct lines, and provide the bandwidths required by various services. For example, let’s assume an enterprise has three Internet lines, which are 5MB, 15MB and 30MB respectively. Without using SD-WAN, each line is only able to provide its relative bandwidth to services A, B and C, rather than providing all Internet bandwidths as a whole However, with the line aggregation function of SD-WAN, the three Internet lines can be integrated into a single 50MB, providing network bandwidths required by each of the services A, B and C respectively, freeing from the original physical limitations of the lines and greatly improves usage efficiency by reducing idle lines.

For cybersecurity protection, we also provide 24/7 real-time technology and network surveillance; the built-in L4-L7 firewall eliminates the need for extra firewall equipment, which not only simplifies management of network architecture but also reduces maintenance costs. Moreover, the dual-back mechanism allows stable and uninterrupted enterprise operation. It takes only from a week to a month to see a difference in operation after adopting the SD-WAN into your enterprise network!

The 7 advantages of SD-WAN

  • No idling lines and improved usage efficiency
  • Seasoned team with many years of practical experiences
  • Dual-backup mechanism maintains network connection stability
  • Unlike conventional equipment, the centralized management and unified distribution of policy help to simplify complexity of management.
  • Saves greatly on costs of dedicated lines: a saving of 90% in costs still maintains 90% of the security and efficacy offered by dedicated lines.
  • Built-in L4-L7 firewall eliminates the need for extra firewall equipment, simplifies network architecture management and saves on expenses.
  • Connects to GWS and extends to other public or private clouds, build up highly flexible architectures for cloud-based services.

Who can benefit from SD-WAN?

We recommend enterprises requiring network connections to many international branch offices, retail branches, and oversea offices to use SD-WAN. The manufacturing and retail businesses that use large amounts of POS systems can especially benefit from the improved network quality and security of the SD-WAN.