Enterprises are making the most of this emerging technology called SD-WAN. SD-WAN technology is the futuristic innovation of traditional WAN technology that has ruled the networking infrastructures of enterprises. The biggest benefit of integrating SD-WAN solutions with your networking architecture is that you establish carrier-independent connectivity. In this blog, we are going to learn the carrier-independent connectivity benefits of SD-WAN in detail.
Defining SD-WAN technology
SD-WAN technology refers to the modern adaptation of traditional WAN architecture. This technology is hardware-independent. You can deploy an SD-WAN solution to your existing networking infrastructure without worrying about expenses for new hardware and networking devices. Also, SD-WAN infrastructure uses advanced security protocols, next-generation firewalls, etc to enhance the security of enterprise data.
Difference between SD-WAN and WAN on the basis of carrier-independency
Traditional WAN architecture is carrier-dependent in nature. This networking architecture uses only MPLS network lines. On a large scale, MPLS networks turn into an expensive technology. In addition, it offers limited bandwidth on which most enterprise applications of today can deny to operate. This is one of the greatest limitations of WAN technology. Nowadays, enterprise applications are diverse in nature and can require different bandwidths at a single time. Moreover, today, traditional WAN architecture cannot stand the required network speed and manage data in distributed workstations.
On the contrary, SD-WAN technology is fully carrier-independent in nature. You can use 5G, VoLTE, broadband, satellite, and many more networks according to your enterprise application requirements. SD-WAN technology allows the integration of AI, automation, and various other innovations to manage and maintain diverse application requirements. Further, the use of different ISPs helps in preventing congestion and bottlenecks present in the traffic routes.
What is carrier-independent SD-WAN connectivity?
Carrier-independent SD-WAN connectivity refers to a networking architecture that can utilize multiple internet service providers(ISPs) on the basis of price or location. This facility ensures connection stability if any of the ISPs fails or lags in the system. When networks are stable, they allow a consistent flow of data packets to transfer from one location to another. And, when there is no anomaly in data transfer, your organization remains connected always.
Benefits of carrier-independent connectivity on an enterprise level:
Let’s go through some of the benefits of carrier-independent connectivity:
- Redundancy
On an enterprise level, if networks run out of service, the whole system starts lagging. And, this condition can create chaos and instability in the enterprise application operations.
Having multiple ISPs can help prevent instability in the digital infrastructure and maintain maximum consistency in the data transfer.
- Ease in load balancing
It becomes easier and simpler to balance the load on a single network path with the help of multiple ISPs. A single ISP can fail if it gets overburdened. Therefore, it is a wise step to use SD-WAN infrastructure to get the benefits of multiple networks at a single time. In addition, if enterprise applications require higher bandwidth or lower bandwidth, the system can easily adjust to that.
- Performance optimization
Enterprise applications may require higher bandwidth or faster network speed to operate. Carrier-independent connectivity helps in performance optimization to enhance the productivity of enterprises. This technique helps a lot to maintain the consistency of a networking infrastructure. Additionally, multiple ISPs can help in choosing the best bandwidth or connection to run enterprise applications for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and many more.
- Financially safe
Taking advantage of the least expensive ISP becomes easier with carrier-independent connectivity tools. Such tools give the user an opportunity to switch between ISPs whenever the applications require. In addition, you can make use of the promotional offers provided by different internet service providers.
- Stable networking infrastructure
When data connectivity is not lost at any moment in time, you get stability and consistency in the digital infrastructure. Thus, your networking infrastructure gets stabilized and your enterprise applications run uninterrupted.
- Easy regulation of bandwidth and speed
With the help of a carrier-independent connection, you can easily maintain the required bandwidth and network speed for your enterprise applications. Now, it is easy to manage bottlenecks on the network routes and maintain a consistent flow of data sharing using SD-WAN’s carrier-independent connectivity feature.
- Flexibility to choose the network type
One of the major benefits of using multiple ISPs is that you do not need to rely on a single kind of network. Now, you have the flexibility to choose the best kind of network that suits your application’s requirements. You can select one or a combination of 5G, satellite, VoLTE, and many more network types that enhance the performance of your enterprise applications.
- Network security and management are enhanced
With each ISP, you get different security protocols. These security protocols create a proactive safety measure against emerging cyber threats. Further, you can opt for the required bandwidth of the network for your enterprise applications. Also, it is easier to switch from one ISP to another, in case of performance degradation by any of the network types.
Summary
Carrier-independent connectivity is a remarkable feature of SD-WAN technology. It gives the user the flexibility to choose a network carrier or channel without changing the hardware. In other words, this feature of SD-WAN tools truly defines the meaning of this innovative technology. Because you get simple management and deployment of different ISPs without worrying about hardware requirements. This way, SD-WAN tools are gaining enormous popularity in comparison to traditional WAN technology.
FAQs:
- How is SD-WAN technology better than traditional WAN architecture?
Using SD-WAN tools is simple. These tools are easy to operate and require minimal hardware changes when deployed because this is a software-based technology. On the contrary, WAN architecture is constituted with a dedicated hardware infrastructure.
- What do you mean by carrier-independent connectivity?
Carrier-independent connectivity means that you can make multiple ISPs at a single time. In addition, you can switch to a different ISP, if one doesn’t work for you.
- Why is SD-WAN technology gaining massive popularity?
SD-WAN technology is easy to deploy and integrate with an existing digital infrastructure. You get seamless connectivity, with optimized application performance on an enterprise level.