SD-WAN: Fact or Fiction?
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) has received a lot of buzz lately; and for good reason. According to the International Data Incorporation (IDC), SD-WAN’s worldwide revenue is expected to reach over $8 billion in 2021, compared to only $500 million in 2017.
However, like most new technologies, there are a number of common misconceptions when it comes to SD-WAN. To help you get a better sense of what’s going on in the SD-WAN world, here are a few common myths to watch out for.
Myth 1: SD-WAN will replace MPLS
SD-WAN proponents often claim that the technology will replace MPLS. However, this isn’t necessarily true. There will always be a need for a reliable transport as long as quality of service (QoS) is around. SD-WAN can never fulfill this need with purely Internet links. There are big differences between the two technologies.
MPLS is a WAN technology where the user has full control over traffic engineering. SD-WAN is an edge technology, therefore all the decisions are based on measurements of the edge, having little to no control over the cloud. While SD-WAN can reduce a business’s need for MPLS technologies, it will never completely replace it.
Myth 2: SD-WAN is only about improving application performance
While improving application performance is one SD-WAN’s main compatibilities, it also improves the relatability and availability of applications. Although these can be seen as similar to performance, there are a few key differences. A network could have outstanding reliability and never be down, yet the applications could be performing poorly. On the other hand, applications could scream across the network, but the network could be down often.
Myth 3: The only benefit of SD-WAN compared to MPLS is cost
While SD-WAN can offer significant cost savings compared to MPLS, it’s not the only additional benefit it offers. The orchestration and management is what sets SD-WAN apart from other technologies. In fact, one of the biggest selling features of SD-WAN is that you don’t need to be an expert to run it. Ultimately SD-WAN is not only cheaper, but easier to manage, operate and maintain.
Myth 4: SD-WAN is just the next generation of WAN technology
SD-WAN is not just a simple refresh of older WAN technology. It’s a leap forward in WAN technology, something that hasn’t seen a change or update in the last 10 to 15 years. SD-WAN has changed the way WAN networks are designed, managed and operated.
Wide Area Network (WAN) was historically very static and complex. SD-WAN has solved these problems via centralized orchestration, policy in place of configuration and advanced visual reporting.
Want to learn more about the world of SD-WAN? Contact Plow Networks today.
About Plow
Headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, Plow is a Total Service Provider (TSP) with several distinct business practices that, when consumed together, offer our clients a unique, best-in-class experience that give them peace of mind, valuable time back and the economies of scale that come with having one partner that is focused on exceeding their expectations with every engagement.
