In recent years, software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) has been known and chosen by more and more enterprises, what is the reason behind it? Let’s talk about it.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of communication systems, the need for manageable, efficient, and scalable network architectures has become paramount. As data traffic continues to surge, interconnected devices multiply, and low latency requirements intensify, network evolution and optimization have emerged as critical disciplines. SD-WAN solution is starting to get noticed.

Research shows that more than 95% of enterprises have deployed SD-WAN or plan to do so within the next two years.

1.Cost and operational efficiency

With the emergence of SD-WAN, the traditional approach of using dedicated links has shifted. Dedicated links have been replaced by the use of SD-WAN providers for last-mile connectivity via ISPs, as well as middle-mile connectivity among the SD-WAN provider POPs that connect various offices of organizations. Organizations adopting SD-WAN solutions experience reduced costs without compromising on isolation and bandwidth guarantees, while also benefitting from operational efficiencies.

2. Network traffic

SD-WAN providers take charge of optimizing network traffic between the offices by implementing various WAN optimization techniques, including “deduplication,” “compression,” and “traffic shaping.” Deduplication prevents duplicate traffic from being transmitted across the last-mile and middle-mile connections. Compression reduces the volume of traffic sent over the links, and traffic shaping ensures that critical traffic receives priority during instances of network congestion.

3. Encryption mechanisms

Newer SD-WAN providers are extending WAN optimization capabilities to SSL/TLS-based application traffic. Certain WAN optimization techniques are less effective, however, when applied to SSL/TLS encrypted traffic. To maintain the application of WAN optimization techniques, modern SD-WAN providers offer SSL/TLS MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) services. This involves intercepting traffic in its unencrypted form, applying optimization measures, and subsequently re-encrypting the traffic.

4. TCP optimization

SD-WAN providers also incorporate TCP optimization by acting as double TCP proxies at both the client and server sides. This allows for the dynamic adjustment of TCP parameters, such as window size, congestion controls, and retransmissions, based on prevailing network conditions. This improves throughput and latency of TCP.

Furthermore, SD-WAN providers have begun offering network-level encryption, such as IPsec, across all network hops. This layer of encryption ensures that malicious actors can’t access unencrypted data at any point within the network.

The evolution of networks has led to the adoption of SD-WAN. The integration of WAN optimization techniques, encryption mechanisms, and TCP optimization contributes to enhanced performance, security, and efficiency across geographically dispersed offices.

That is why SD-WAN is playing an important role in more and more enterprises’ networks. If you have any need for SD-WAN, welcome to contact us.

OgCloud international SD-WAN breaks the global geographic restrictions, can realize internet acceleration, global access acceleration, SaaS access acceleration, overseas video acceleration, overseas branch networking, effectively improve the efficiency of international communication, help enterprises to explore the international market.