Managing branch networks is an important concern for IT teams in every size enterprise. Maintaining a high level of performance, robust security and adequate visibility from a remote location are just a few of the considerations for operating branch networks in an organization. Changing demands on the wide area network (WAN) are creating opportunities for the use of new technology.
Here are a few of the factors driving changes in how branch networks are managed:
Increased Internet traffic: The demands on traditional multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) are creating difficulties in managing new levels of traffic. The increase of nearly 20 percent in traffic each year is due to the growing complexity of distributions and the growing interest in video. Troubleshooting networking from a remote location presents unique challenges for IT teams, particularly as they interact with more complicated systems, including Ethernet switches, wireless LAN and network security.
Cloud solutions: Organizations are increasingly implementing cloud solutions, as companies embrace an Everything as a Service (XaaS) mindset toward not only software, but also infrastructure and security. While these options are ideal for multiple-location enterprises, improving productivity, streamlining processes and improving real-time access to information, it creates an increased demand on networks.
Complex security needs: Along with the other two factors is the increased need for security that handles the complex nature of today’s business operations. Protecting both customer information and proprietary company data are two significant concerns, and adding in cloud technology often means that there are more points of entry susceptible to a breach. Security is further complicated by remote users and the distributed nature of cloud applications.
How software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is helping branch networks handle these demands:
Smarter traffic routing: SD-WAN can be implemented as a networking solution. It has the ability to prioritize more critical traffic and help your increased demand for the Internet flow better.
Cloud solutions: SD-WAN introduces a more direct path from your devices to the Internet for cloud access. Rather than travel back to a central location, your data goes directly to the Internet from your branch locations.
Security: SD-WAN allows for better visibility into the network for IT personnel working in a central location. They can better manage firewalls and other security tools, which require a high level of monitoring and significant regular management.
If you’d like to know more about how implementing SD-WAN can streamline and improve the management of your branch networks, talk with SimpleWAN today.
