The earliest Wide Area Networks (WANs) were designed to connect offices with mainframe and minicomputer systems via simple point-to-point connections to data centers. Over time, WAN technology evolved with the introduction of frame relay and MPLS, which enhanced efficiency through intelligent packet-routing technologies. In the 2000s, the widespread adoption of the Internet, leading to the emergence of SD-WAN technology. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a virtualized overlay network that abstracts underlying network architectures.

However, deploying SD-WAN may present challenges and risks related to deployment, security, and quality of service. It’s crucial to be aware of these challenges and choose the right SD-WAN provider to meet your needs effectively.

Here are some common challenges with SD-WAN and strategies to address them:

1. Choosing the Wrong Vendor:

The abundance of vendors in the market can be overwhelming, each offering a range of SD-WAN features promising digital transformation. To accelerate SD-WAN transformation successfully, it’s essential to collaborate with the right vendor.

- Analyze user workflows within the business to develop an end-to-end solution.

- Plan ahead, considering business growth and capacity for the next decade.

- Select a vendor offering flexible third-party integration.

- Seek guidance from experts who can provide customized recommendations.

2. Not Quantifying Cost Reduction:

While reducing costs is a primary driver for SD-WAN adoption, it’s challenging to achieve without quantifying bottom-line savings.

- Procure site-by-site internet underlay from the lowest-cost service provider.

- Consider vendors offering appliances with built-in security and cloud vendor access.

- Differentiate between must-have performance features and nice-to-have ones.

- Optimize feature consolidation with a single provider for long-term cost savings.

3. Deprioritizing SD-WAN Security:

SD-WAN doesn’t inherently come with built-in security features, and security is managed differently by each provider.

- Conduct thorough research on vendor claims and available security functions.

- Integrate existing security with the SD-WAN solution.

- Consider adding new layers of security systems or replacing outdated ones.

4. Missing out on Cloud Access Requirements:

While focusing on application performance, it’s essential to consider existing cloud infrastructure and vendor capability in accessing this infrastructure.

- Analyze internal application performance and deployment needs.

- Evaluate service dependency on various cloud providers and optimize SD-WAN accordingly.

- Monitor application performance post-implementation to ensure smooth operation.

5. Poor Scheduling of SD-WAN Implementation:

Without a proper implementation schedule, integrating SD-WAN technology could lead to costly issues such as application lag and network disruption.

- Appoint dedicated staff to oversee end-to-end SD-WAN implementation.

- Plan the rollout sequence and testing for each site.

- Arrange for necessary training in advance.

- Establish post-implementation monitoring and management protocols.

SD-WAN technology offers significant benefits to organizations, but successful adoption requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Seeking expert advice can streamline the adoption process and ensure cost efficiency. Contact us for an initial consultation today, as our services are provided free of charge!