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What is SD-WAN? Future, challenges, benefits of SD-WAN technology
Editor's note
A software-defined wide area network, known more commonly as SD-WAN, distributes network traffic by using SDN technology to automate and prioritize routing to and from branch offices and data centers. SD-WAN can introduce elements of complexity to network management, but in this era of increasing network traffic and a demand for speed, SD-WAN is a valuable tool. For example, it allows enterprises to prioritize business-critical traffic to travel over faster, more secure connections or to set failover options for downed links. This Priority Report gathers a range of SD-WAN information and covers key topics, including what SD-WAN technology is, the challenges and benefits of SD-WAN, managed SD-WAN services and the future of SD-WAN.
1SD-WAN advantages and disadvantages
Before adopting SD-WAN technology, it's important to learn all about SD-WAN benefits, as well as concerns that come with it to determine if it's the right choice for your organization.
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Video
Gauge some of the top SD-WAN pros and cons
This video explains some of the major SD-WAN pros and cons, including improved application performance, security and troubleshooting. Watch Now
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Article
Networking options shift with SD-WAN technology
SD-WAN benefits evolve the network connectivity landscape with the ability to incorporate less expensive internet links, as well as MPLS to handle important traffic. Read Now
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Article
Common concerns regarding SD-WAN technology
Despite the appealing benefits of SD-WAN technology, common misconceptions exist that users must be aware of. Read Now
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Article
SD-WAN benefits from the edge to inner layers
The benefits of SD-WAN technology work inward from the network edge to address or anticipate service needs and to improve infrastructure efficiency at deeper network layers. Read Now
2SD-WAN: Where to begin
SD-WAN technology has many different aspects to it, such as upgrades, vendors and its effects on network functions. Learn which SD-WAN benefits work for your organization and what to look for before buying.
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Article
SD-WAN affects how companies approach network functions
A survey from Frost & Sullivan shows companies approached SD-WAN deployment cautiously -- in part because the market could potentially disrupt traditional network functions, but also because of certain SD-WAN technology components such as service chaining and integrated functionality, are more complicated than expected. Read Now
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Article
How your SD-WAN appliance consolidates many stacks into one
Learn how SD-WAN appliance technology works and how its accelerated and expanded consolidation of branch stacks can benefit you. Read Now
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Article
How SD-WAN can improve VoIP and video traffic quality
SD-WAN technology can help minimize poor-quality issues with real-time network traffic -- such as VoIP and video -- by improving reliability and prioritizing traffic. Read Now
3Managed SD-WAN services
SD-WAN technology is available in many different forms and models, and among these are managed SD-WAN services. Discover what these services provide, tips for how to get started and how they compare with other SD-WAN technology services.
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Article
SD-WAN vs. managed SD-WAN: What's the difference?
Learn from networking expert John Burke what exactly managed SD-WAN services are and why providers started offering the services to their customers. Read Now
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Article
Tips for switching SD-WAN technology providers
Check out these four steps to help your organization have a smooth transition from one managed SD-WAN service provider to another. Read Now
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Article
Comparing SD-WAN as a service and managed SD-WAN
SD-WAN technology offers a variety of models, including managed SD-WAN services and SD-WAN as a service. Learn the differences between these two services to see which one is the right fit for you. Read Now
4The future of SD-WAN
The future of SD-WAN is being shaped by changes and advances in multi-cloud, SD-branch and automation. See how these trends will impact SD-WAN technology and what trends could benefit your organization.
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Article
SD-WAN technology trends to look for in 2018
This prediction for the path SD-WAN technology would take in 2018 will show you what trends took hold and what trends to still look out for in the future of SD-WAN. Read Now
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Article
SD-branch: The next stage in SD-WAN maturity
SD-WAN technology is branching out, literally. SD-branch is the next networking concept being developed with the goal of using SD-WAN technology to simplify the branch network architecture. Read Now
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Article
What's next in SD-WAN
The increase of automation in enterprises means a shift in SDN trends and SD-WAN technology becoming more prominent, as enterprises look toward network programmability and virtualized infrastructure. Read Now
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Video
Gauge some of the top SD-WAN pros and cons
This video explains some of the major SD-WAN pros and cons, including improved application performance, security and troubleshooting. Watch Now