Introduction

As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based applications and services, the demand for a reliable and efficient wide-area network (WAN) has become more pressing. In response, software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) has emerged as a popular solution that offers businesses a more agile and cost-effective way to manage their network infrastructure. However, with so many different deployment strategies available, it can be challenging for businesses to know which approach is right for them. In this blog, we'll explore some of the factors to consider when choosing an SD-WAN deployment strategy and provide guidance on how to select the right approach.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a software-defined networking approach that enables businesses to build and manage their WANs in a more agile and efficient manner. By leveraging software-based technologies, SD-WAN allows businesses to use a mix of public and private networks to connect their branch offices, data centers, and cloud resources. SD-WAN solutions offer several benefits over traditional WANs, including:

• Increased network agility and flexibility
• Improved application performance and availability
• Reduced network complexity and cost
• Enhanced security and compliance

SD-WAN Deployment Strategies

When it comes to deploying SD-WAN, there are several different strategies that businesses can choose from. The right approach will depend on a range of factors, including the business's existing network infrastructure, its budget, and its goals. Here are four common SD-WAN deployment strategies:

On-Premises SD-WAN

With an on-premises SD-WAN deployment, the SD-WAN infrastructure is installed and managed on the business's own premises. This approach is best suited for businesses that have a significant investment in their existing network infrastructure and want to maintain control over their SD-WAN solution. On-premises SD-WAN solutions typically require a higher upfront investment but can offer greater control and flexibility in the long run.

Cloud-Managed SD-WAN

In a cloud-managed SD-WAN deployment, the SD-WAN infrastructure is hosted and managed by a third-party provider. This approach is best suited for businesses that want to minimize their upfront investment and rely on a third-party provider for ongoing management and support. Cloud-managed SD-WAN solutions offer greater scalability and ease of management but can come with higher ongoing costs.

Hybrid SD-WAN

A hybrid SD-WAN deployment combines both on-premises and cloud-managed SD-WAN solutions. This approach is best suited for businesses that want to leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud-managed SD-WAN solutions. A hybrid SD-WAN deployment can offer greater flexibility and scalability, but can also come with increased complexity.

SD-WAN as a Service

SD-WAN as a Service (SD-WaaS) is a fully managed SD-WAN solution offered by a third-party provider. This approach is best suited for businesses that want to completely outsource their SD-WAN infrastructure and management. SD-WaaS solutions offer the greatest ease of use and minimal upfront investment, but can come with the highest ongoing costs.

Choosing the Right Approach for SD-WAN Deployment

When choosing an SD-WAN deployment strategy, businesses should consider a range of factors, including:

Existing network infrastructure: Businesses with a significant investment in their existing network infrastructure may prefer an on-premises SD-WAN deployment, while those with limited resources may prefer a cloud-managed or SD-WaaS solution.

Budget: The upfront and ongoing costs of each SD-WAN deployment strategy can vary widely. Businesses should consider their budget constraints when selecting an approach.

Scalability: Businesses that anticipate significant growth may prefer a cloud-managed or SD-WaaS solution that offers greater scalability.

Ease of management: Businesses with limited IT resources may prefer a cloud-managed or SD-WaaS solution that requires minimal IT expertise and management.

Security: Businesses that prioritize security may prefer an on-premises or hybrid SD-WAN deployment that allows them to maintain greater control over their network infrastructure.

Once a business has considered these factors, they should work with their SD-WAN provider to select the deployment strategy that best meets their needs. Some SD-WAN providers offer a range of deployment options, allowing businesses to tailor their solutions to their specific requirements.

Conclusion

SD-WAN has emerged as a popular solution for businesses looking to improve their network infrastructure. When choosing an SD-WAN deployment strategy, businesses should consider a range of factors, including their existing network infrastructure, budget, scalability requirements, ease of management, and security concerns. By selecting the right approach, businesses can realize the full benefits of SD-WAN, including increased agility, improved application performance, reduced costs, and enhanced security.

Table Of Content

• Introduction
• What is SD-WAN?
• SD-WAN Deployment Strategies
  • On-Premises SD-WAN
  • Cloud-Managed SD-WAN
  • Hybrid SD-WAN
  • SD-WAN as a Service
  • Choosing the Right Approach for SD-WAN Deployment
• Conclusion