SDN vs. SD-WAN. Which is Right for You?

Published on: December 24, 2023

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13 min read

There are many words and technologies to be aware of in the field of networking. Software-defined networking, or SDN, and software-defined wide area network, or SD-WAN, are two of the most significant of these.

Software-defined wide area networking, or SD-WAN, has taken off in the last ten years as the networking industry has moved into a new paradigm. We have seen SD-WAN develop into a multibillion-dollar industry that is expected to increase at a 34% CAGR from $2.6 billion in 2023 to $4.6 billion. It has been demonstrated that using this networking technique may assist businesses in achieving their digital transformation goals, particularly in the current era of evolving, complicated, remote, and hybrid work environments.

Even yet, there is a common misconception that Software Defined WANs are the same as their technological progenitor, software networking (SDN). Since it is clear that they are similar. SDN and SDN-WAN, however, differ in terms of network scope, traffic optimization, network management, security, and deployment, even though they both use software-defined networking and centralized network administration. While SD-WAN is intended to improve traffic between remote locations across a large region, SDN is best suited for controlling and optimizing traffic within a single network or data center. The particular objectives and network requirements of your company will determine which solution is best.

As a result, we will go into great detail on the parallels and divergences between SDN and SD-WAN in this article. The following subjects are covered in this context in our article:

• Are Traditional WAN and LAN Networks Holding You Back?
• Why Do Network Management Technologies Like SDN and SD-WAN Exist?
• What is SDN (Software-Defined Networking)?
• What is SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)?
• How Are SDN and SD-WAN Similar?
• How Do SDN and SD-WAN Differ?
  • Scope
  • Programmability
  • Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
  • Centralized Management
  • Use Cases
• How Do I Implement SDN and SD-WAN?

Are Traditional WAN and LAN Networks Holding You Back?

A wide area network (WAN) connects individual devices and local area networks (LANs) over vast geographic distances. WANs link several local networks (such as workplaces in different cities) by allowing data to travel over great distances, much like a road network for the internet. Businesses may interact and exchange resources across local branches, remote locations, and data centers thanks to WANs. The necessity to connect networks over a much greater footprint and the advent of remote working has put further strain on these networks.

A typical WAN's scalability and management might be difficult to operate manually because of the several layers of physical infrastructure needed, necessitating advance preparation.

All of the hardware used in traditional networks is multi-label switching (MPLS) based, providing robust and effective network traffic flow. To route IP services to their intended clients, a variety of hardware components are deployed in addition to proprietary circuits. Because there are several levels of underlying hardware in the network, managing it requires a lot of work from IT teams. Traditional networks are challenging to scale because they require careful, in-depth design in addition to the necessary network infrastructure to be installed and maintained. A conventional network is restricted to businesses, branches, and data centers and links several local area networks (LANs) and virtual private networks (VPNs). You may use it to prioritize voice, video, and data traffic on the network. These days, the main concerns with conventional WANs are security and administration.

A portion of your IT network has to be operational now in order for your firm to operate in the future.

As your company expands, your IT infrastructure has to be capable of managing:

• More workers
• An increase in the number of correspondence from clients, associates, and other sources
• Greater variety in channels, applications, and service offerings
• Increased demands for computing and data processing
• Increasing likelihood of cyberattacks and data leaks
• Having more networking hardware will make handling the expanding workload and rising data traffic easier.

What are the Advantages of SD-WAN over Traditional WANs?

Traditional wide area networks (WANs) are encountering issues in staying effective and efficient as organizations grow more and more dependent on data and demand the continuous flow of information over a diversified, multisite network. In recent years, systems have undergone a transformation to produce more intelligent and operationally effective networks thanks to software-defined wide area networks, or SD-WANs.

Taking all of this into account, the issues and potential fixes with traditional WANs may be summed up as follows:

• The inability to monitor traffic flowing over a network is a significant issue with traditional WANs. This implies that high-value jobs may encounter slowness as a result of low-value tasks vying for network capacity. These difficulties are eliminated by application-aware network rules in SD-WAN, which enable the categorization and identification of various network traffic types according to applications. It helps businesses give priority to key applications over less crucial traffic, such as web surfing, VoIP conversations, and UCaaS systems. Optimizing resources according to the needs of the application guarantees enhanced network efficiency and a more satisfactory user experience.
• There is little space for redundancy in typical WANs as they depend on a single link between branches and a data center, which houses the data. Thus, the network as a whole may crash if the link breaks. Multiple connections, such as broadband and 5G, are used concurrently by SD-WANs, which have the ability to automatically switch between connections based on which is operating at optimal efficiency at any given moment. For instance, data may be automatically routed over a 5G network (with critical jobs and apps prioritizing the quickest connection) if the business's broadband connection is in high demand. Fostering resilience significantly raises network dependability and makes it possible to combine private links and internet connections to form an even more dependable network.

SD-WAN offers more flexibility, scalability, and affordability than conventional WAN systems, marking a substantial change in WAN design. WAN performance optimization and cost reduction are attracted to SD-WAN due to its software-defined overlay network design, dynamic traffic routing, network visibility, and increased security features.

What is SDN (Software-Defined Networking)?

Using software-based controllers or application programming interfaces (APIs) to connect with underlying hardware infrastructure and manage traffic on a network, software-defined networking, or SDN, is a networking technique.

Additionally, software-defined networking is a method of network design that enables users to utilize software to intelligently manage the network. Operators have the ability to adjust the network's performance to meet the specific requirements of the company and to centrally regulate it.

Each network device in classical networking is in charge of both regulating and forwarding network traffic, with the control plane and forwarding plane tasks being closely related to one another. This can result in several restrictions and inefficiencies, especially in larger networks.

However, with SDN, the forwarding plane and control plane are kept apart. This eliminates the need for network managers to modify settings on individual devices by allowing them to administer and configure the network from a single place. Additionally, decisions concerning network traffic are made apart from the forwarding plane, which can simplify and increase the effectiveness of the network.

SDN was developed to address the computing requirements of commission provider networks and local area networks (LANs). Creating dynamic, adaptable, and scalable connectivity was the aim in order to accommodate shifting needs on core networks and within the data center (DC). SDNs are directly programmable and offer a flexible, centrally controlled platform that separates the information plane, which decides how traffic is transmitted, from the control plane, which decides where traffic is routed.

What are the advantages of SDN?

SDN benefits are given below:

• Centralized command: SDN makes network administration easier and more cost-effective by enabling network managers to oversee the network from a single place.
• Automated: Numerous network administration operations, including provisioning and setup, may be automated using SDN, which lowers error rates and boosts network effectiveness.
• Agility: SDN gives network managers the ability to swiftly and simply modify network settings to suit evolving business requirements.
• Scalability: Large and complicated networks may be supported by SDN with ease, something that older network technologies may find challenging.

What are the disadvantages of SDN?

The drawbacks of SDN are listed below:

• Intricacy: SDN is a complicated technology that has to be designed and maintained by knowledgeable IT specialists.
• Price: SDN implementation can be costly, particularly if specialized hardware and software are needed.
• Security issues: In order to safeguard the network, appropriate security measures must be in place, as SDN may present new security threats.

What is SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)?

Using a virtual wide area network (WAN) architecture called software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), businesses may safely link users to applications by utilizing any mix of broadband internet, LTE, and MPLS transport services.

While SD-WAN is a similar technology, especially intended for wide area networks (WANs), SDN is concentrated on local area networks (LANs). Similar to SDN, SD-WAN enhances performance and streamlines network administration using software. But SD-WAN is made especially to function across long distances, joining many branch offices and data centers into a single network. This can facilitate network management and monitoring overall, lower costs, and increase network dependability.

The capacity of SD-WAN to integrate several WAN connections into a single network is one of its primary benefits. Broadband internet, 4G cellular networks, and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) connections are a few examples of this. In addition to offering redundancy and failover in the event of a network outage, SD-WAN assists in making sure that network traffic is always routed along the most efficient path by merging these various connections.

Software-Defined Wide Area Networking, or SD-WAN, is a cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing network management for enterprises. Large and complicated network deployments have historically been difficult to maintain, but SD-WAN offers an alternative with its centralized and adaptable management strategy. By using SD-WAN, companies can monitor, adjust, and optimize network performance from a single dashboard, giving them a "single pane of glass" view of their network.

The ability of SD-WAN to maximize cloud connectivity turns into a strategic advantage as organizations embrace cloud-based apps and services at an increasing rate. It guarantees effective bandwidth consumption and lowers latency, improving user satisfaction and productivity.

To sum up, SD-WAN has changed the game when it comes to network connection and corporate agility. Businesses looking to get a competitive edge in the digital era will find it to be a significant tool because of its centralized management, improved security, and optimal cloud connectivity.

What are the Advantages of SD-WAN?

Benefits of SD-WAN are as follows:

• Enhanced performance: SD-WAN may optimize traffic routing to lower latency and enhance application performance.
• Centralized control and management: SD-WAN offers centralized control and management, which helps streamline network administration and cut expenses.
• Scalability: SD-WAN is readily scalable to accommodate expansive and intricate networks.
• Economical: SD-WAN can cut expenses by utilizing commodity hardware that is inexpensive and by streamlining traffic routing to use less bandwidth.

What are the Disadvantages of SD-WAN?

The drawbacks of SD-WAN are listed below:

• Complexity: The design and maintenance of SD-WAN calls for specialized IT specialists due to its intricate nature.
• Security issues: SD-WAN may provide additional security threats; thus, the network must be safeguarded with appropriate security measures.
• Dependency on service providers: SD-WAN connections are dependent on service providers, which may cause outages if there is a disruption in the service.

Why Do Network Management Technologies Like SDN and SD-WAN Exist?

Numerous facets of network administration are difficult for traditional network operations teams to handle. Simplifying operations: why and how? Experts weigh in.

In order to support the changing networking landscape, various improvements have been made to network operations in recent years. A new age of network operations was ushered in by events like the COVID-19 outbreak and the development of digital transformation. Network experts convert their once static, manual-driven networks into dynamic, programmable, software-defined networks that can link a variety of users and meet their use cases by utilizing new technologies and frameworks.

Software-defined networking, an approach to network design that takes this approach, allows users to use software to intelligently govern the network. Operators have the ability to adjust the network's performance to meet the specific requirements of the company and to centrally regulate it. Application programming interfaces (APIs) are used by users to program the network in place of physical controls found on separate hardware components.

Utilizing SDN and SD-WAN technology has a wide range of benefits. These technologies assist organizations of all sizes in a number of ways, from enhanced security to more flexibility. Consider putting SDN or SD-WAN technologies into practice if you're seeking strategies to boost network performance. You might be shocked at how much assistance they can provide. The challenges of administering static networks are addressed by SDN and SD-WAN thanks to these benefits.

What are the Benefits of SDN and SD-WAN technologies?

SDN and SD-WAN benefits are listed below:

• Enhanced flexibility and agility: Using SDN and SD-WAN has several advantages, such as better security, lower costs, and more flexibility, scalability, and agility. Without having to make adjustments to the underlying network architecture, you can quickly and simply introduce new apps and services or modify current ones with the help of SDN and SD-WAN. Your company benefits from greater flexibility and agility as a consequence.
• Network administration made simpler: Without requiring significant adjustments to your current infrastructure, you may more quickly and simply benefit from the newest networking technology by utilizing SDN and SD-WAN. You may gain a huge competitive edge from this. You can centrally control every part of your network from a single pane of glass using SDN and SD-WAN. This lowers operating expenses and streamlines network administration.
• Decreased intricacy: By streamlining and simplifying your network architecture, SDN and SD-WAN help you cut expenses. Furthermore, you may hire fewer specialists by centralizing network administration. By separating the control plane from the data plane, SDN and SD-WAN simplify and ease network management.
• Enhanced protection: SDN and SD-WAN enhance security by giving you more insight into network activity and traffic and by simplifying the process of deploying security rules over your whole network. Granular security controls that are enforced by the network itself may be implemented using SDN and SD-WAN. This lowers the possibility of data breaches and enhances security.
• Improved output: Through SDN and SD-WAN, certain CPU functions may be transferred to specialized hardware, which lowers latency and increases performance.

How Are SDN and SD-WAN Similar?

Starting with the "SD", there are several similarities between SDN and SD-WAN.

The separation of the control plane from the data plane is the first commonality between SDN and SD-WAN. Both can be virtualized, are made to run on commodity x86 hardware, and allow the incorporation of extra virtual network functions (VNFs), including WAN acceleration and security.

SDN was developed to meet the demands of contemporary computing in service provider networks and local area networks (LANs). Creating dynamic, adaptable, and scalable connectivity was the aim in order to accommodate evolving needs on core networks and in data centers (DCs). By separating the control plane from the data plane and offering an agile, centrally managed platform, SDNs enable direct programmability, which increases network flexibility and manageability.

SD-WAN is likewise based on these same core ideas. Specifically, the same fundamental idea underlies each of these technologies. employing software to manage a network. They therefore share a number of characteristics. The following are some other common points between SDN and SD-WAN technologies:

• Centralized Network Management: To administer and coordinate network resources, SDN and SD-WAN both rely on a centralized software controller. More visibility and control over network traffic, settings, and rules are made possible by this.
• The control plane and the data plane are two different things: The data plane controls the path that your data takes in a conventional network. The fact that a router's or switch's control plane is located inside makes it difficult for administrators to regulate data flow. The control plane is placed in a software environment in both methods to address this issue. Once a device is connected, an administrator may control network traffic flow from one central place.
• Software-Defined Networking: Software-defined networking, which separates network resources from the underlying hardware and facilitates better management and scalability of network resources, is used by both SDN and SDN-WAN.
• Compatibility with commodity x86 hardware: AMD's x86 hardware offers one of the best commodity computing options. Commodity computing enables administrators to leverage a number of less expensive systems in a parallel computing framework. Because both technologies work with x86, putting them into a parallel computing configuration is simpler.
• Automation: By eliminating human setups and lowering the possibility of mistakes, network automation is used by both SDN and SD-WAN to streamline network operations.
• Virtualization: The foundation of both systems is network virtualization, which abstracts the physical network. The user has access to previously divided controls by managing the network in this virtual environment using both solutions.
• Flexibility: By allowing network managers to dynamically modify network policies, settings, and routing as necessary, both SDN and SD-WAN offer increased flexibility in managing network resources and traffic.
• Virtual network functions (VNF) are a possibility: These functions oversee certain network operations, such as firewalls and load balancing. They may be joined or mixed to create a completely virtual setting. The integration of VNF is possible with both solutions, potentially providing an administrator with an additional handy layer of control.
• Cost Savings: By allowing network managers to centrally control and automate network operations, SDN and SD-WAN may both lower the complexity and expenses of networks by doing away with the need for costly hardware and manual settings.

How Do SDN and SD-WAN Differ?

Two well-liked networking technologies that are used to manage and optimize network infrastructure are software-defined networking (SDN) and software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). Despite being software-defined, the network architecture, deployment scenarios, administration and control, and security characteristics of the two systems differ significantly.

Each technology is more appropriate for particular kinds of networks and applications because of these distinctions. The decision between SDN and SD-WAN ultimately comes down to the particular demands and specifications of the network.

To create more intelligent networking, both SDN and SD-WAN allow an analogous technique of separating the control plane from the information plane. They may have similar appearances and sounds, like identical twins, but they are very distinct from one another. The primary distinction between SDN and SD-WAN is their respective applications.

The main differences between SDN and SD-WAN are given in the following table:

Criteria	SDN	SD-WAN
Scope	Concentrates on the local area network, or LAN.	Concentrates on dispersed geographical areas.
Programmability	Programmable and adaptable	Simpler and preprogrammed
Network Function Virtualization (NFV)	Made possible by NFV	Using SD-WAN hardware or virtually, routing is possible.
Centralized Management	Network administrators can configure and debug network issues more easily using SDN, as it allows them to administer the whole network from a single place.	The control plane is divided across the network's routers via SD-WAN. This implies that each router has some degree of network control, enabling more freedom in network administration and design.
Use Cases	It has various criteria and use scenarios.	It has various criteria and use scenarios.

Table 1. SDN vs SD-WAN

Scope

The main distinction between these two technologies is that SD-WAN functions as a kind of SDN in the WAN, connecting several sites with one another through the delivery of a wide-area network (WAN). Conversely, SDN may be used to create networks that are easily reconfigured to meet the demands of a company. SD-WAN, which runs on a local area network (LAN), is designed to accommodate wide area networks (WANs) that cover a considerable geographic region.

The Wide Area Network, or WAN, receives software-defined application routing from the SD-WAN network. It establishes national or international connections between an organization's geographically dispersed sites (headquarters, data centers, branch offices, and remote and mobile users). SDN, on the other hand, is mainly concentrated internally, either in the core network of the service provider or locally within the LAN. SDN really focuses on the internal network, which includes the core service provider network and the local area network (LAN). Simultaneously, the goal of SD-WAN is to facilitate WAN connectivity between users and networks.

Businesses may become more adaptable and scalable with SD-WAN as it makes it simple to add or delete network connections as required.

In general, SD-WAN may assist companies in cutting expenses, enhancing flexibility, and enhancing network performance.

However, SDN makes it simple for network managers to add or remove resources, which facilitates scaling the network up or down as needed.

Programmability

Programming may manage everything, including how and when a network is utilized as well as the allocation of bandwidth and resources.

The user or client may fully program SDN, which enables effective modification and configuration management. Although SD-WAN is based on SDN technology, the SD-WAN provider handles the programming behind the scenes, saving the end user from having to deal with it.

SDN is primarily concerned with internal networks, such as LANs and core service provider networks. The main goal of SD-WAN is to facilitate WAN communications between users and networks.

Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

An architecture known as network function virtualization (NFV) enables separate functionalities on hardware platforms.

Virtualization not only makes it feasible to set up and manage various network components, but it also creates new and innovative opportunities. Engineers are able to troubleshoot a number of difficulties quickly and creatively when they have the ability to manipulate a variety of network devices and their characteristics.

The primary advantage of this architectural delivery model is that it allows the IT department to add more services to the network with greater flexibility without requiring additional hardware purchases. SDN functionalities may be completely realized, adopted, and optimized within the network thanks to the NFV architecture.

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) makes SDN possible by enabling the provision of numerous virtualized network functions through software that was previously integrated into closed, proprietary systems. On the other hand, software-defined application routing (SD-WAN) can be virtualized and operated on an SD-WAN device or virtually.

Centralized Management

Network engineers may handle a number of network components from the comfort of their desks. It is not necessary to repeatedly visit hardware-based interfaces in order to adjust network equipment performance.

Whereas SD-WAN is intended for wide area network (WAN) architectures, SDN is concentrated on local area networks (LANs). SDN enables centralized network administration by dividing the network's forwarding and control planes. This makes it simpler to monitor and fix network faults since the network administrator can oversee the network from a single place. However, SD-WAN makes use of several internet connections to guarantee optimal network performance and enable WAN connectivity. Because SD-WAN can dynamically route traffic based on network circumstances, this gives network designers more flexibility in their designs.

The fundamental ideas of SDN are applied to a more confined wide-area network through software-defined wide-area networking, or SD-WAN. All in all, this implies that private WANs may make use of the same centralized administration concepts that are now employed by other significant carrier service providers. Depending on the service provider, SD-WAN offers different data resiliency delivery models and application-centric networks, independent of the kind of connection.

In conclusion, SD-WAN provides dispersed administration and centralized control, whereas SDN provides centralized network management. A control panel serves as a single point of control for the whole network when using SDN to handle all network activities. More visibility and control over the network are made possible by this. The control plane is divided across the network's routers via SD-WAN. This implies that each router has some degree of network control, enabling more freedom in network administration and design.

Use Cases

Benefits like centralized network administration, automation, and scalability are provided by both SDN and SD-WAN. They are made to meet various criteria and use scenarios, nevertheless.

Use scenarios for SDN are summarized below:

• Large businesses or data centers that need high scalability, network automation, and centralized network administration usually implement SDN. SDN makes network administration easier and lowers operating expenses by enabling network managers to oversee the whole network from a single place. High scalability is another benefit of SDN, which is essential for big businesses with thousands of users and devices.

• Data centers are among the most common settings in which SDN is used. SDN may be utilized in a data center setting to enhance security, optimize network performance, and automate network provisioning. SDN is particularly useful for on-demand network services that are simple to scale up or down in response to demand in cloud computing settings.

• Software-defined storage (SDS) is another area where SDN is being used. SDS is a storage design that separates the software used to control the storage from the hardware itself. Software-defined rules provide effortless provisioning, allocation, and management of storage resources using SDS. The automation and network connection required to enable SDS may be achieved with SDN.

• SDN helps with compliance and security. SDN enables network managers to establish and implement security policies throughout the network, assisting in the prevention of data breaches and illegal access.

Use scenarios for SD-WAN are summarized below:

• Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) who need a dependable WAN connection at a cheaper cost can use SD-WAN. Organizations employ a mix of private and public networks with SD-WAN to offer dependable and secure communication between several locations.

• One of the most common applications for SD-WAN is multisite connections. Using a mix of public and private networks, enterprises may link many sites using SD-WAN, offering more flexibility and lower costs. Additionally, branch offices may be connected to the main corporate network via SD-WAN, which lowers latency and enhances network performance.

• The deployment of SD-WAN in cloud-based apps is another scenario. Businesses may quickly connect to cloud-based apps, such as SaaS apps, by utilizing public and private networks in conjunction with SD-WAN. This increases flexibility and boosts the functionality of the program.

• Virtualized network systems can employ SD-WAN. In virtualized systems where resources are always changing, the ability to manage and provision virtual network resources with ease is crucial, and SD-WAN makes this possible.

How Do I Implement SDN and SD-WAN?

Without a network that offers complete, centrally managed visibility, managing a dispersed, increasingly sophisticated IT infrastructure is difficult for large and expanding businesses. Therefore, before deciding on any network technology, it is crucial to evaluate your unique requirements.

Two well-liked networking technologies that are used to manage and optimize network infrastructure are software-defined networking (SDN) and software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN). Despite being software-defined, you must choose between the two by taking into account their network designs, deployment scenarios, administration and control, and security capabilities.

You might not require SD-WAN, depending on how your systems and services are configured. You probably don't need a "true" SD-WAN, for instance, if your software is mostly web-based or if each site has a local server for the services it requires. Alternatively, you might concentrate on configuring SDN, a dependable firewall, and failover internet at each location.

Nonetheless, SD-WAN might be a wise option if your sites require access to systems and data kept in a central office. In the event that you want to use SD-WAN, we advise network planning. Your company will continue to operate online and generate revenue thanks to a highly automated, efficient, and secure network.

Depending on the throughput and average data usage of the underlying internet connections, the usual cost of an SD-WAN solution might vary widely.

This broad pricing range is contingent upon the overall cost of your multisite network.

• How many places do you own?

• What is the number of workers at each branch?

• The nature and scope of your online offerings

• If a wireless WAN requires an LTE cellular gateway

• If you provide hardware gateways for employees who operate remotely

Furthermore, software-defined networking (SDN) has gained significant attention in the networking and IT domains. Executives are contacting their IT pros to learn more about SDN, as they would any solution that provides substantial cost reductions.

Control logic for off-device computers is separated from the network by SDN, which centralizes network control instead of requiring expensive brand-name switches to link your monitoring tools.

It gives you programmatic control and a great deal of flexibility over the flow of traffic and packets via your network.

SDN has several advantages as a network infrastructure solution, from efficiency and security to agility and cost reductions. Financial firms are particularly interested in the benefits that SDN provides.

Software-defined networking (SDN) enables banks and other financial organizations to save labor expenses by centralizing and automating many regular network management tasks. Particularly in banks and other financial services companies with several locations, central management reduces network administration costs by enabling operations to be accomplished more rapidly and with a lesser chance of error.

In summary, there are significant distinctions between SDN and SD-WAN with regard to their network design, deployment scenarios, administration and control, and security features, despite the fact that both are software-defined networking technologies. Each technology is more appropriate for particular kinds of networks and applications because of these distinctions. The decision between SDN and SD-WAN ultimately comes down to the particular demands and specifications of the network.

The difficulty for big businesses with more dispersed and sophisticated IT infrastructure is maintaining complete network visibility while allowing for expansion and the achievement of new business goals.

Businesses are shifting a greater portion of their IT capital expenditures (CAPEX) into operational expenditures (OPEX) as a result of the adoption of cloud-based apps and services. MPLS is just too costly for them to extend their WAN infrastructure as they grow, and it does not provide them the flexibility to deliver services remotely.

An organization's cloud-first approach can be supported by the combined use of SDN and SD-WAN. Businesses may link international data centers and establish direct connections to the cloud over a private carrier Ethernet network fabric by utilizing an SDN platform. Simultaneously, the implementation of an SD-WAN overlay reduces WAN complexity by just extending the edge in a safe and coordinated way to several branch office locations and distant users.