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Top SD-WAN Vendors

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SD-WAN is a software-based technique for managing wide-area networks. SD-WAN technologies aid in enhancing branch office and cloud connection. SD-WAN solutions replace legacy branch routers. They provide dynamic route selection based on business or application policy, centralized policy and appliance administration, a virtual private network (VPN), and zero-touch deployment. WAN transport-/carrier-agnostic SD-WAN devices establish safe routes across WAN connections. SD-WAN solutions may be hardware-/software-based, enterprise-managed, or incorporated inside a managed service offering. These solutions provide deployment simplicity and centralized administration. They lower expenses.

By 2025, fifty percent of new software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) purchases will be part of a single-vendor secure access service edge (SASE) offering, a significant increase from ten percent in 2022.

By 2025, forty percent of organizations with SD-WAN installations will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) services to automate Day 2 processes, up from less than ten percent in 2022.

IDC estimates a compound annual growth rate of 18.9% through 2025 when total sales will surpass $7 billion, in its upcoming Worldwide SD-WAN Infrastructure Forecast.

Each SD-WAN provider provides a distinct solution with a distinct emphasis. SD-major WAN's objective is to increase application performance, but it is also vital to integrate security and deliver high-value performance.

Numerous SD-WAN solution suppliers make major network performance, security, and TCO compromises. Finding the best SD-WAN provider for your needs should entail comparing SD-WAN providers according to their ability to balance these needs.

In this article, we will outline the best SD-WAN vendors available in the market and share the key points to consider for selecting an SD-WAN provider for your organization.

The most popular SD-WAN Vendors are listed below:

  1. Palo Alto Networks
  2. VMware
  3. Versa Networks
  4. Fortinet
  5. Cisco
  6. Barracuda
  7. Cradlepoint
  8. Citrix
  9. Peplink
  10. Forcepoint
  11. Huawei
  12. HPE (Aruba)
  13. Nuage Networks
  14. Juniper Networks

Palo Alto Networks​

Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022 places Palo Alto Networks in the Leaders quadrant. Prisma SD-WAN, which combines Instant-On Network (ION) edge equipment and orchestration, is their flagship product (part of its Prisma SASE offering). Existing clients have the option to upgrade to the PAN-OS branch firewall with restricted SD-WAN features. California-based Palo Alto Networks has more than 2,500 SD-WAN clients. It works internationally and focuses on businesses of all sizes and verticals. Palo Alto Networks will continue to invest in integrated SASE, predictive AIOps, and expanding support for integrated switch ports to allow connection for a variety of external devices, such as access points and security cameras.

The Palo Alto SD-WAN solution is driven by ML and Automation. It streamlines administration and enables app-defined SD-WAN rules. There is a free trial available.

Some capabilities of Palo Alto SD-WAN solution are given below:

  • Palo Alto SD-WAN enables comprehensive application visibility.
  • Support from machine learning and data science can aid you in automating procedures and avoiding problems.
  • You will have the ability to use clever Layer 7 network rules.

Some strengths of Palo Alto Networks SD-WAN solutions are given below:

  • In terms of cloud integrations and SASE, the vendor has met critical client requests on time.
  • Palo Alto Networks has a significant emphasis on single-vendor SASE and third-party integrated SSE providers, which will correspond with the majority of future client requirements.
  • Palo Alto Networks' product strategy and advancements are matched with future business requirements, such as single-vendor SASE, new pricing models, and AI networking, and will likely continue to drive the industry.

Some weaknesses of Palo Alto Networks SD-WAN solutions are given below:

  • With SD-WAN, On-Premises Security Is Limited: Palo Alto Networks lacks a reliable SD-WAN solution with integrated on-premises security. Customers must choose between a strong on-premises security solution with limited SD-WAN functionality and a strong SD-WAN security solution with limited on-premises functionality.
  • Below-Average Customer Experience: Palo Alto Networks has a below-average customer experience score compared to other vendors.
  • Palo Alto Networks' sales performance is below average, mostly due to the high price.

AutoNation, a retailer of automobiles, wanted to decrease expenses, simplify its network, and increase network stability and application availability. To do this, they opted to replace its traditional MPLS infrastructure with Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN. This allowed them to accomplish their objectives while cutting their telecom spending by 25%. Palo Alto also collaborates with Orange Business Services, which utilizes Prisma SD-WAN and Prisma Access as an integrated SASE solution.

VMware​

VMware is positioned as a Leader inside Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. VMware SD-WAN, which consists of edge appliances, optional gateway points of presence (POPs), and a cloud-based orchestrator, is its solution. VMware provides optional SASE cloud security features, of which VMware SD-WAN is a component. The vendor's activities are worldwide, and it serves customers of all sizes and across all industry verticals. California-based VMware has more than 17,000 SD-WAN clients. VMware continues investing in the delivery of services from its cloud gateways, integration with residential Wi-Fi solutions, support for zero trust at the edge, and enhancement of throughput offers. Broadcom announced in May 2022 its desire to purchase VMware.

Multiple use cases are supported by the VMware SD-WAN enterprise solution, including Hybrid WAN, Unified Communications, PCI Compliance, and Outcome-Driven Networking. It is appropriate for both small and big organizations. A free trial is available for VMware SD-WAN.

Features of VMware SD-WAN are as follows:

  • VMware SD-WAN is capable of identifying and categorizing over 2500 applications and sub-applications. It will not be necessary to purchase separate hardware and software.
  • VMware SD-WAN Dynamic Multipath Optimization includes in-depth application detection, automated link monitoring, and other features.
  • Virtual Service Platform provides Virtual Network Function, Security Service Chaining, and Flexibility features.
  • The VMware SD-WAN Quality Score is continually calculated for application performance monitoring.
  • Cloud Network provides Zero-Touch Deployment, Cloud VPN, and Security.

Some strengths of VMware SD-WAN solutions are given below:

  • VMware has high internal self-awareness and external knowledge of customers/competitors, which will aid in its long-term competitiveness.
  • VMware has one of the best solutions, based mostly on SD-WAN, cloud, and scalability characteristics when compared to other manufacturers.
  • VMware offers a robust roadmap of planned product features that are aligned with increasing client needs, such as single-vendor SASE, service insertion in edge POPs, and remote worker services.
  • VMware provides a user-friendly interface.
  • VMware SD-WAN solution works well with the VMWare ecosystem.
  • VMware SD-WAN utilizes multiprotocol label switching(MPLS) to enhance throughput and minimize resource-intensive lookups.

Some weaknesses of Palo Alto Networks SD-WAN solutions are given below:

  • Basic On-Premises Security: VMware falls behind other manufacturers in terms of integrated security capabilities offered in on-premises equipment.
  • Product Dependency: VMware depends on Menlo Security to provide several cloud security tasks, which may restrict its capacity to adapt to client needs, especially in regards to SASE.

Redmond, a prominent sea salt brand in the United States experiencing significant development, was one organization that used VMware SD-WAN. To handle this growth as well as their expanded requirement to run voice and numerous virtual desktops, they decided to replace their aging branch infrastructure with a VMware SD-WAN solution. As a consequence, they provided high-quality VOIP and virtual desktops to the whole organization, enhanced internet-bound traffic throughput by 50%, and drastically decreased OpEx.

Versa Networks​

Versa Networks is positioned as a Leader within Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. It offers two offerings, with the Versa Operating System (VOS) being the principal one. It may be offered through the Cloud Services Gateway (CSG) or using hardware from a third party. The second option is VOS with Titan, a cloud-based solution for lean IT businesses that are built on the same architecture. California-based Versa Networks has more than 19,000 SD-WAN clients. It works internationally and caters to customers of all sizes and across all industry verticals, largely through service providers. Versa Networks will make additional investments to improve its secure SD-WAN offering, increasing throughput possibilities to as much as 100 Gbps and expanding its predictive AI/machine learning (ML) capabilities.

Some strengths of Versa Networks SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Versa Networks offers one of the most extensive and comprehensive product plans on the market, relative to other suppliers, in order to meet present and future client demands.
  • Versa Networks provides one of the most comprehensive and powerful networking and security solutions on the market.
  • Versa Networks offers one of the most comprehensive understandings of the SD-WAN industry in terms of customer requirements.
  • Versa Networks includes wireless and cloud assets in the WAN
  • Versa Networks offers multi-tenancy architecture for MSPs

Some weaknesses of Versa Networks SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Less DIY Experience: Due to its focus on the service provider channel, Versa Networks has less direct experience with DIY enterprises than other vendors.
  • Poor Customer Experience: Versa Networks has a poor customer experience score compared to other vendors.
  • Product Complexity: The vendor's solution is one of the more complex offerings, making it difficult for some DIY enterprises to manage themselves.
  • Hardware Dependency: Versa Networks SD-WAN solution needs the purchase of a Versa Networks physical appliance for each location.

Versa Networks is collaborating with Deutsche Telekom to build an SD-WAN service solution based on Versa Secure SD-WAN, which has been introduced in a number of locations, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Croatia.

Fortinet​

Fortinet is a leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. Its FortiGate Secure SD-WAN package consists of FortiGate equipment and virtual appliances with extensive on-premises and cloud-based security capabilities that are controlled by the FortiManager Orchestrator. California-based Fortinet has around 19,000 SD-WAN clients. It works internationally and serves clients in the majority of industries and sizes. Similarly, it provides numerous pricing choices, including FortiTrust, a consumption-based solution that enables users to scale up or down security services regardless of hardware. Fortinet will continue to invest in SASE, predictive AI for IT operations (AIOps), and SaaS monitoring with digital experience management (DEM) instruments.

The FortiGate SD-WAN system is available in several form factors and variants. For the WAN Edge transition, you will be able to choose models based on business needs, including hardware, VM appliances, and six distinct cloud markets.

Some features of Fortinet SD-WAN are listed below:

  • Fortinet SD-WAN includes self-healing capabilities.
  • Fortinet SD-WAN includes zero-touch provisioning, easy workflow, and granular application for orchestration and analytics.
  • SD-WAN Orchestrator will make operations simpler.
  • Cloud-On-Ramp is provided to facilitate the deployment of SaaS.

The major strengths of Fortinet SD-WAN solutions are given below:

  • Viability: Fortinet has one of the highest viability ratings of all vendors owing to its solid finances and dedication to this sector.
  • Comprehensive Security Solution: Fortinet provides a complete security solution that includes both on-premises and SSE features.
  • Innovation: The Fortinet road plan has potentially unique features, such as the implementation of new SASE consumption models and an improved internet backbone.
  • Multi-cloud: Multi-cloud compatibility for either AWS or Azure makes Fortinet a versatile cloud-based choice.

The major disadvantages of Fortinet SD-WAN solutions are given below:

  • Restricted Integrations with Third-Party SSE Suppliers: Fortinet is not committed to integrating with third-party SSE vendors, limiting business options when installing a SASE architecture.
  • Customer Experience: In comparison to other vendors, Fortinet's customer experience is approximately average.
  • Limited Business Networking: Large worldwide customers continue to challenge Fortinet's capacity to satisfy complicated business networking needs.
  • Management: WAN management capabilities are only accessible through the FortiManager companion tool.

Using current FortiGate and FortiClient products, Fortinet assisted Banco Fibra, a Brazilian wholesale bank, in migrating 100 percent of its personnel to a secure remote working environment during the pandemic. The public health crisis in Brazil necessitated that the bank's employees operate from home. Due to the delicate nature of the job, security was a must, making the process much more complex.

In the Middle East, Fortinet has partnered with the likes of du, Oorderoo, and Zain to deliver SD-WAN and security services to organizations, such as SMEs in Kuwait. GTT Communications recently launched Fortinet's Secure SD-WAN in North America as part of a multi-vendor managed SD-WAN services offering. Utilizing specialized Fortinet equipment with firewall, SD-WAN, routing, and edge computing capabilities of the future generation.

Cisco​

Cisco is positioned as a Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. Cisco offers Cisco SD-WAN powered by Viptela in addition to Cisco SD-WAN powered by Meraki. The platforms are distinct and include SD-WAN equipment with optionally integrated security feature sets, the necessary administration and orchestration, and the ability to augment security with Umbrella Secure Internet Gateway. California-based Cisco has more than 43,000 SD-WAN clients. It has worldwide operations and serves customers of all sizes and industries. Cisco will continue to invest in its SASE offering, which includes new consumption models, visibility and predictive analytics for cloud traffic, and the capability to optimize SaaS and multi-cloud traffic.

By deploying the Cisco SD-WAN solutions you will get the advantages of cloud-first architecture. It provides versatility. You will link any user to any cloud-based application. Cisco SD-WAN costs between $100 and $200 per site each month.

Some features of Cisco SD-WAN are as follows:

  • Cisco SD-WAN is a system that is open, programmable, and scalable.
  • Cisco SD-WAN delivers analytics, insight, and control in real-time.
  • Cloud administration is centralized, making it simple to install SD-WAN and security.
  • Cisco SD-WAN provides the Cisco vManage console for rapidly connecting data centers, branches, campuses, and colocation facilities, among other locations. This feature increases efficiency, network security, and network speed, among other things.

The major strengths of Cisco SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Great Marketing Execution: Cisco has strong marketing and a huge, loyal installed base, allowing it to stay on customer shortlists.
  • Extensive Distribution Channels: The manufacturer has a vast distribution network, which increases the possibility that clients may get Cisco technology.
  • Innovation: Cisco's plan for product and innovation is aligned with increasing client needs, such as single-vendor SASE, new consumption patterns, and AI networking.

Some key concerns about Cisco SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Multiple Systems: The Cisco Viptela and Meraki SD-WAN platforms are different offers with minimal integration, which raises the probability of a suboptimal investment and/or reduces investment protection.
  • Average Customer Experience: Cisco's customer experience score is average compared to other vendors.
  • Average Product Score: Cisco's Meraki and Viptela SD-WAN technologies score approximately average, mostly due to their security, deployment flexibility, SD-WAN, and application performance optimization features.
  • Customization: Implementing Cisco customized setups might be challenging.
  • Scalability: With a high number of various locations, Cisco Configuration does not scale properly.

Cisco and MTN Business have an ongoing relationship to provide Cisco Meraki and Viptela SD-WAN solutions to corporate clients. Orange Business Services collaborates with Cisco on their 'Flexible SD-WAN' multi-vendor SD-WAN solution.

Barracuda​

Barracuda is positioned as a Niche Player inside Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. CloudGen Firewall and CloudGen WAN are two SD-WAN systems that include hardware appliances and software for orchestration and control. CloudGen Access is a ZTNA solution that is offered in conjunction with CloudGen WAN. CloudGen Firewall has been its conventional product, whereas CloudGen WAN is a more recent offering.

California-based Barracuda has more than 11,000 SD-WAN clients. In August of 2022, KKR finalized its purchase of Barracuda. It works largely in North America and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), with a focus on smaller clients and certain verticals. Barracuda will continue making investments in SASE, ZTNA, cloud-based reporting, and extended detection and response (XDR).

The Barracuda Networks SD-WAN is simple to set up and administer. It offers the advantages of keeping people connected and productive, saving time and money, providing scalability in the cloud, and ensuring security. It can defend against sophisticated threats and zero-hour assaults.

A free trial version of the platform is available.

The major features of Barracuda Networks SD-WAN are as follows:

  • Barracuda Networks SD-WAN provides a comprehensive set of functions and may serve as a substitute for a variety of different solutions, including link balancing, WAN Optimization, SD-WAN, etc.
  • It delivers multilayered next-generation security.
  • Branch-to-branch, branch-to-cloud, and cloud-to-cloud communication is optimized.
  • It offers comprehensive interaction with most major cloud ecosystems, allowing you to run cloud workloads concurrently independent of the cloud infrastructure provider.

Some strengths of the Barracuda SD-WAN solution are listed below:

  • Barracuda's price is often cheaper than those of other providers, which is appealing to cost-conscious enterprises.
  • Barracuda has an above-average customer experience score compared to other vendors in this study.
  • Barracuda provides an above-average on-premises security solution for clients that want SD-WAN with integrated security in a single offering.

Some drawbacks of the Barracuda SD-WAN solution are listed below:

  • Barracuda's CloudGen WAN solution has limited adoption since it previously required clients to have a Microsoft Azure presence.
  • Barracuda lacks integration with security service edge (SSE) suppliers, limiting the end-user experience for clients who want to isolate their cloud security provider from their SD-WAN provider.

Cradlepoint​

In Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022, Cradlepoint is positioned as a Niche Player. Cradlepoint's offerings consist of the Cradlepoint NetCloud service, the E Series of SD-WAN routers, and the NetCloud Exchange Service Gateways. Cradlepoint, which was bought by Ericsson in November 2020 and is headquartered in Idaho, has more than 10,000 SD-WAN clients. Its activities in this sector are mostly concentrated in North America, but it is growing worldwide with an emphasis on wireless WAN use cases in certain verticals, such as retail, transportation, and public safety.

Some strengths of the Cradlepoint SD-WAN solution are listed below:

  • High Vertical Focus: Cradlepoint has strong acceptance in conventional wireless cellular verticals such as retail, transportation, and public safety.
  • Concentrated Marketing Approach: Cradlepoint offers a concentrated marketing approach to attract end customers with a defined target profile, which results in an above-average score when compared to other vendors.
  • Positive Customer Experience: Cradlepoint has a high customer experience score in comparison to other vendors.

Some drawbacks of the Cradlepoint SD-WAN solution are listed below:

  • Slow Customer Responsiveness: Cradlepoint has been sluggish to respond to critical client requests, such as offering turnkey connections to cloud service providers.
  • Minimal Market Visibility: Cradlepoint's SD-WAN market visibility is limited.
  • Product Limitations: Cradlepoint's product and product strategy are not aligned with businesses that do not rely on cellular wireless to drive their WAN needs.

Citrix​

Citrix is a Niche Player within the scope of Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. Citrix SD-WAN contains both physical and virtual equipment, as well as the Cloud Direct service, which is controlled by the Citrix SD-WAN Orchestrator. Citrix is headquartered in Florida, and it has over 1,700 SD-WAN clients. In addition to Secure Internet Access (SIA) and Secure Workspace Access (SWA), it also provides SASE. The vendor works internationally and caters to consumers of various sizes and industries. Citrix will invest in increased SASE capabilities, greater throughput for cloud and data center appliances, a personal software-based SD-WAN appliance, and IPv6 dynamic routing. Vista Equity Partners affiliates have declared their plan to purchase Citrix in January 2022.

Citrix SD-WAN is a safe and dependable SD-WAN solution that will provide an amazing user experience and smooth company operations. SD-WAN Edge Security facilitates security compliance. The Standard edition is available for a free trial.

The primary features of Citrix SD-WAN are as follows:

  • Citrix SD-WAN is an integrated SD-WAN solution with robust WAN Edge security. Its completely integrated edge security stack enables local Internet breakout and protects against branch-to-branch threat propagation.
  • Citrix SD-WAN will provide you with full defense against all threats.
  • Citrix Cloud On-Ramps offers adaptable On-Ramp choices for cloud access of any kind. It facilitates the move to several clouds.
  • Citrix Secure Internet Access is a combined security and network solution supplied through the cloud.

The major strengths of the Citrix SD-WAN solution are listed below:

  • Citrix was one of the first companies to join this industry, and it has regularly provided capabilities, including cloud integrations, on schedule.
  • Citrix provides a comprehensive range of features, including SD-WAN, application performance optimization, and security, that meet the demands of the majority of clients.
  • The incumbent has a significant installed base of customers using other Citrix products, such as Citrix Workspace, which provides the potential to grow its client base in this market.
  • Citrix supports failover solutions for numerous external connections, hence enabling increased uptimes.
  • Citrix supports QoS capability for finer-grained traffic management.
  • Citrix is designed for MSPs, enabling organizations to resell this service with ease.

Some drawbacks of the Barracuda SD-WAN solution are listed below:

  • Uncertain Product Strategy: Citrix's product road plan is uncertain, and it may not satisfy future corporate needs.
  • Limited Sales/Marketing Strategy: Citrix's go-to-market strategy with service providers is limited internationally (including in North America), limiting its ability to reach customers and expand.
  • Market Uncertainty/Viability: Citrix's commitment to the SD-WAN market is uncertain. In addition, Citrix has cut its technical workforce, indicating its intention to scale down its operations.

Peplink is a Niche Player within the scope of this Magic Quadrant. In this area, it offers two product families: Balance for enterprise branch SD-WAN and MAX for Industry and mobility SD-WAN. Both systems include SpeedFusion software technology and InControl 2 management orchestration. Hong Kong-based Peplink has more than 17,000 SD-WAN subscribers. It works internationally across businesses of all sizes, with an emphasis on wireless WAN use cases in specialized industries. Peplink will continue to invest in delivering additional SLAs across 4G/5G by extending SpeedFusion's regional coverage and ecosystem, producing a twin 5G router, and integrating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Wavelength.

The major strengths of Peplink SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Peplink focuses on the wireless WAN market, where cellular wireless is a major component for business buyers.
  • Peplink's financial viability is above average, indicating that it is likely to continue operating in this market for the foreseeable future.
  • Peplink is focused on its planned geographical growth and certain verticals in order to contact enterprises that match its target profile.

The major drawbacks of Peplink SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Peplink has been tardy to handle cloud connectors and develop a solid SASE strategy that fits the present and future corporate needs of its customers.
  • Peplink's offering has little appeal for business purchasers who are not seeking a wireless WAN solution.
  • Peplink's innovation and product strategy are not matched with the usual corporate purchasers in this industry.

Forcepoint​

In Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022, Forcepoint is positioned as a Niche Player. FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN physical or virtual appliance with FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN Manager, optional integrated next-generation firewall (NGFW), and optional Forcepoint ONE security is its offering. Texas-based Forcepoint has more than 2,000 SD-WAN clients. Although Forcepoint works on a worldwide scale, it is more prevalent in EMEA and Asia/Pacific and focuses on the retail, banking, healthcare, and government industries. Forcepoint will invest in application health monitoring, improve its SASE solution, and provide cloud-based orchestration during the course of the next year.

The primary strengths of Forcepoint SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Geographic Growth: Forcepoint is concentrating on geographic expansion with a greater presence in North America, which will increase its applicability to enterprise purchasers.
  • Capabilities for Comprehensive On-Premises Security: Forcepoint offers a comprehensive range of security features for companies that want to combine SD-WAN and security into a single solution.
  • Incumbency: Existing incumbency with its old NGFW security solutions provides Forcepoint with access to new clients for its SD-WAN solution.

The primary drawbacks of Forcepoint SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Average Product Evaluations: Based on SD-WAN, cloud features, and application performance optimization capabilities, Forcepoint's solution scored below average when compared to other manufacturers
  • Visibility: Forcepoint has poor SD-WAN market visibility.
  • Limited Scalability: Compared to other vendors, Forcepoint has fewer significant clients based on the number of branch locations.

Huawei​

Huawei is positioned as a Challenger in Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. It offers physical and virtual NetEngine AR series routers, as well as security and orchestration capabilities. It provides the HiSecEngine USG line of security gateways for SD-WAN use cases requiring robust security. Huawei is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and reportedly has more than 25,000 SD-WAN clients. The provider concentrates on China in particular, as well as certain nations in the Asia/Pacific, EMEA, and Latin American areas. Huawei serves clients of all sizes and industries. Huawei will continue to invest in a new cloud gateway router, SRv6, and native in-line compression.

The major strengths of Huawei SD-WAN solutions are listed below:

  • Viability: Huawei has above-average financial viability in comparison to other vendors.Solid Product Capabilities: Compared to other vendors in this study, Huawei's product ratings are above average, especially due to SD-WAN, scalability, and small platform adaptability.
  • Price: Huawei's price is often cheaper than that of other suppliers, which is beneficial to cost-conscious enterprises.

The major drawbacks of Huawei SD-WAN solutions are listed below:

  • Slow Customer Responsiveness: Huawei has been hesitant to provide essential capabilities, such as cloud integration support and SSE vendor integrations.
  • Limited Innovations: Huawei's anticipated future advancements, such as SRv6, lack the capacity to drive and dominate the market.
  • Geopolitical Difficulties: Due to geopolitical difficulties, Huawei is unable to effectively target enterprises in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India, limiting the vendor's growth potential.

HPE (Aruba)​

In Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Aruba) is positioned as a Leader. The SD-WAN solutions provided by HPE include Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise (previously Silver Peak) and Aruba EdgeConnect SD-Branch, which include physical and virtual equipment, as well as the necessary administration and orchestration. Both products are administered using the Aruba Central ESP orchestration system. Texas-based HPE (Aruba) has over 4,000 SD-WAN clients. It has worldwide operations and serves customers of all sizes and industries. HPE (Aruba) will continue to invest in security advancements to its larger SD-branch offering, allow AI-based insights, provide support for 5G, and integrate Aruba EdgeConnect more into HPE GreenLake.

Unity EdgeConnect is an SD-WAN Edge Platform that is business-driven. End-users have always consistent and always-available application performance with this platform. There are completely automated traffic management, continuous compliance, and real-time learning and network adaptation. The price for Silver Peak NX-700 is $1995. Downloadable free trials of the platform are available.

Some capabilities of Aruba SD-WAN (Silver Peak) are listed below:

  • Unity Boost is a WAN optimization bundle. It is a supplementary tool that improves the performance of latency-sensitive applications. Additionally, Unity BoostTM will decrease the transmission of repeated data.
  • Unity Orchestrator is a tool for the quick and centralized definition of application quality of service & security rules across a large number of locations, as well as a service that simplifies the migration to third-party network & security services.
  • Aruba SD-WAN's Unity EdgeConnect allows for the delivery of real or virtual equipment.

Some strengths of HPE (Aruba) SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Innovation: With its SD-branch HPE GreenLake product, HPE (Aruba) is encouraging client dialogues around new flexible consumption models, which it describes as NaaS, and altering notions of how networks are used.
  • Market Responsiveness: HPE (Aruba) has shown a history of providing SD-WAN market-required features, such as cloud integrations, in a timely manner.
  • Comprehensive Associate Integrated Cloud Security: The vendor has automated orchestration with major SSE vendor products, providing companies with flexible options while maintaining the appearance of an integrated solution.
  • User Interface: Aruba Has one of the best interfaces among SD-WAN tools. It displays real traffic information as both data and visual representations.
  • Flexibility: Aruba can operate as an appliance or virtual computer, offering customers more installation flexibility.
  • Traffic Shaping: Aruba includes traffic shaping capabilities and thorough traffic flow data. It can also rectify jitter across several interfaces; ideal for VOIP connections experiencing difficulty.

Some drawbacks of HPE (Aruba) SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Inability to Meet Certain Client Requirements: Due to the vendor's restricted regional and vertical strategy, it will be unable to meet certain customer needs.
  • Below-Average Customer Experience: HPE (Aruba) has a below-average customer experience score compared to other vendors.
  • Insufficient Security Roadmap: HPE (Aruba) lacks a roadmap to supply native SSE capability, reducing its market relevance as more SD-WAN choices are driven by single-vendor SASE products.
  • Insufficient Security: Aruba lacks some sophisticated security capabilities around the UTM.

A renowned financial software company collaborates with Aruba to build an EdgeConnect SD-WAN edge platform to improve the performance of end-user applications. Using MPLS, the corporation connected over twenty branch offices to its US headquarters. With SilverPeak, they switched to dual-bonded commercial internet lines and decommissioned MPLS altogether, considerably cutting expenditures.

Aruba has a continuing partnership with Verizon Business that utilizes the Unity EdgeConnect edge platform, the Unity EdgeConnect CPE, and cloud-based SD-WAN software and controller capabilities with WAN optimization.

KDDI Europe, situated in London, has also chosen Aruba's SD-WAN infrastructure in order to service worldwide organizations. The platform is offered through enterprise-specific dedicated equipment, generic uCPE appliances, or the cloud.

Nuage Networks​

Nokia's Nuage Networks is a Niche Player according to Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022. Virtualized Network Services (VNS) is their product, which is commonly delivered as a cloud-managed service but can also be deployed on-premises. It contains Network Services Gateways (NSG) as well as their accompanying software. Nuage Networks is a branch of publicly listed Nokia established in Espoo, Finland, with headquarters in California. There are around 3,500 SD-WAN clients. It works internationally and mostly via carrier channels to serve clients of all sizes and in the majority of industries. Nuage Networks makes investments in third-party SSE integrations and mobile/wired service-edge activities.

The primary strengths of Nuage Networks SD-WAN solutions are listed below:

  • Compatibility With Service Providers: Nuage Networks provides a robust connection with a subset of service provider partners, which is advantageous for organizations seeking SD-WAN managed services from a carrier.
  • Strong Customer Service: Nuage Networks has an above-average customer experience rating, in comparison to other vendors.
  • Partner-Enabled SASE: Nuage Networks performs well in integrating with third-party SSE solutions, in comparison to other vendors.

The primary weaknesses of Nuage Networks SD-WAN solutions are listed below:

  • According to Gartner, Nuage Networks has limited innovation in the future, such as an emphasis on integrations with third-party SSE providers and mobile carriers, which is unlikely to attract new business customers.
  • Based on Gartner customer queries, searches on gartner.com and Google, and an overall assessment of social media data, Nuage Networks has poor market exposure.
  • Narrow Nuage Networks is too dependent on a restricted number of service provider channels and has little exposure to do-it-yourself (DIY) clients, limiting the vendor's attractiveness across all customer categories.

Juniper Networks​

In Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022, Juniper Networks is a Visionary. It offers Juniper SD-WAN powered by Mist AI, which consists of Session Smart Routers, WAN Assurance, and Marvis Virtual Network Assistant. In addition, it provides the SRX solution for certain use situations. Juniper Networks adds SSE capabilities to its Secure Edge solution in order to provide SASE. California-based Juniper Networks has more than 1,900 SD-WAN clients. It works internationally with a concentration on the North American, EMEA, and Asia/Pacific areas, catering to businesses of all sizes in the majority of industries. Juniper Networks will continue to invest in its AI-powered predictive traffic engineering, convergent AIOps/SASE, and congestion-based load balancing for cloud applications.

Some strengths of Juniper Networks SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Strong Viability: Juniper Networks gets one of the highest viability rankings among all vendors owing to its solid financial position and dedication to this sector.
  • Robust Product Strategy: Juniper Networks has a robust product strategy that is aligned with increasing client demands, such as single-vendor SASE and AI networking.
  • Product Scoring Above Average: Juniper Networks' product scored above average, making it suited to the majority of corporate use cases.

Some drawbacks of Juniper Networks SD-WAN solutions are as follows:

  • Limited Integrations: Juniper offers limited connections with third-party SSE manufacturers, which adds complexity for enterprises seeking a multivendor SASE operating experience that is closely integrated.
  • Average Sales Execution: Compared to the majority of suppliers, Juniper is not as readily accessible due to its tight distribution channels, higher observed price, and overall low market share.
  • Low Market Visibility: Juniper SD-WAN is absent from Gartner customer queries and shortlists, compared to other manufacturers.

Vodafone chose Juniper as its Enterprise Global SD-WAN Partner in September 2018. This agreement entails the implementation of Juniper's Contrail SD-WAN technology across Vodafone's worldwide networks to support Vodafone's upcoming "Ready Network" offering. The solution comprised Contrail Service Orchestration, which provides automated setup, maintenance, and assurance of multi-domain networks, as well as a client interface for end-to-end control of the WAN. On the Juniper NFX Series uCPE, the VNFs comprising the service, including an advanced firewall, were deployed at each corporate location.

What are the Must-Have Features of SD-WAN Providers?​

Must-have characteristics of SD-WAN services include the following:

  • Licensed software

    • Application-aware dynamic path selection (e.g., Layer 7 traffic steering)
    • Routing (e.g., Border Gateway Protocol [BGP])
    • Basic firewall
    • Virtual private network (VPN)

  • Form factors for branch, data center, and cloud locations

    • Hardware with integrated software
    • Software deployed in the public cloud
    • Software deployed on third-party hardware as a virtual network function (VNF), virtual machine (VM), or container

  • Orchestrator (on-premises or in cloud)

    • Configuration (zero-touch configuration)
    • Management
    • Visibility/Analytics
    • Troubleshooting
    • Reporting
    • API support

Optional characteristics of SD-WAN services are as follows:

  • Advanced security (e.g., Layer 7 firewalls, URL/content filtering, antivirus, secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and data loss prevention (DLP) deployed either on-premises or in the cloud to create a SASE product.
  • Small, low-cost SD-WAN configuration for remote employees
  • Cloud gateways for simpler service insertion and cloud connection
  • Application performance optimization skills (e.g., forward error correction [FEC], packet duplication, WAN optimization, and SaaS optimization)
  • Capabilities for service chaining with third-party solutions
  • Extending SD-WAN orchestration to incorporate WLAN/LAN/security to build SD-branch AI networking support for proactive remediation and issue management.

How to Choose SD-WAN Provider?​

The market for SD-WAN continues to grow and is now a standard component of network renewal initiatives. There is a great level of feature parity across SD-WAN manufacturers, and the bulk of variations are subtle, such as where to go in the Orchestrator to develop a business policy. Consequently, while evaluating SD-WAN suppliers, you should consider whether or not you can accept a lost session when the main connection breaks and whether or not you require the capacity to integrate custom apps, among other selection factors. Consider the following factors when selecting an SD-WAN solution:

  • Have you considered active/passive or active/active connectivity?
  • Would you use DIA or broadband?
  • What wired and wireless connection options do you offer?
  • Does the SD-WAN solution enable connection across 4G, LTE, or 5G networks? If your organization has a very mobile workforce, you should ask the SD-WAN provider which cellular technologies they support.
  • Do you have outdated, unmanaged switches and/or WAPs? If so, consider replacing them concurrently with the WAN's edge.
  • What is the Required Bandwidth? Determine the throughput needs and verify that adequate size is reflected in the total cost of ownership.
  • Do you need robust security for your solution? Medical and financial services providers are examples of firms that may desire to include greater security features into their SD-WAN.
  • Do you need an SSL inspection?
  • Do you favor having security enforced at the WAN border or sending all traffic to the cloud for inspection?
  • Do you have internal apps that need to be prioritized? If yes, check that the SD-WAN platform can identify the traffic in question.
  • If Active Steering/Session Defeat Resistance is necessary, seek out solutions using packet-based steering or duplication.
  • Determine whether the ability to establish SLAs as opposed to utilizing predefined priority classes is required.
  • Do you need to direct traffic depending on the identification of the user?
  • Do you need the capacity to measure SLAs in order to furnish carriers with reports requesting SLA credits?
  • Do you need to continuously monitor application performance and alter business strategies to use the optimal path?
  • Guarantee your SD-WAN integrator is conversant with your current architecture to ensure a seamless transition if you use their services.
  • Ensure you have the needed degree of knowledge to set up and implement the solution if you are deploying and utilizing internal resources.
  • If you are using an SD-WAN integrator, check that their monitoring and management include everything necessary to maintain the SD-WAN edge, including connection.
  • If self-managed, verify that you have the necessary equipment and employees to handle last-mile difficulties.
  • What number of protocols does SD-WAN support? If your company intends to continue using legacy technology, you'll need an SD-WAN solution that supports earlier protocols such as MPLS.
  • Does your company need sophisticated analytics? Larger organizations may need an SD-WAN system with extensive data analytics capabilities.

What are the Gartner Magic Quadrant Terms Used for SD-WAN Vendors?​

In Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN 2022 report, the following terms are used to classify the SD-WAN providers:

  • Leaders: A Leader in the SD-WAN industry has proven a consistent capacity to respond to evolving end-user needs. A Leader can drive, shape, and revolutionize the market, as well as retain strong customer and channel connections. Leaders often provide competitive goods that serve the majority of use cases across a variety of global verticals, while also innovating to advance the market.
  • Niche Players: A Niche Player offers a comprehensive or almost complete SD-WAN product offering, but it has restrictions, such as geographic reach, vertical market emphasis, restricted market share, or limited use cases that can be addressed. Niche Players possess a credible product offering, but have not shown the capacity to alter the market or sustain persistent execution.
  • Visionaries: A Visionary has introduced innovations in critical areas of SD-WAN, including SD-branch, AI networking, SASE, NaaS, and cloud analytics, among others. Visionaries often contribute to the market's transformation, from pushing new ideas/innovations, such as new business models, to addressing corporate difficulties. Despite the fact that Visionaries often alter the industry, they generally lack market share, global coverage, and/or comprehensive product capabilities to satisfy the vast majority of use cases.
  • Challengers: A Challenger has proved consistent execution and long-term market viability in the SD-WAN industry. Typically, Challengers have solutions that meet the majority of use cases across numerous industries and locations. A Challenger has not, however, shown the capacity to drive, shape, and revolutionize the market.
Last updated on by Zenarmor