Modern 4G-LTE and 5G technologies can supplement conventional cable connections in the SD-WAN orchestra – and are often the first choice, for example, when non-stop availability of Internet connections is essential. In the case of company branches or branches, there are a few unique features to consider.

A small group of risk points is responsible for most network problems. The following six failover strategies can counteract this.

Connectivity Diversity At The Edge

WAN connections to branch offices are usually based on just one or two lines from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) shared by several consumers. This connection to the corporate network and cloud is vulnerable because it can be disrupted in various ways, such as weather events or construction work.

Connections such as 4G LTE and 5G gigabit-class are more flexible and faster than wired lines. With the help of such wireless connections, special wireless routers create a failover in the event of a network failure. Network managers can also use these connections to monitor and troubleshoot the router and other devices in the branch office.

Dual Carrier Connectivity

Dependence on just one cellular network operator or Internet provider can be risky for uninterrupted operation: Network congestion, routing, DNS problems, and network core failures can cause disruptions. In wireless WAN architectures, at least two connections from different operators should therefore be used because it is unlikely that both networks will fail simultaneously.

LTE or 5G routers with at least two modems or a SIM card extension can be set up for this carrier redundancy. Both connections can be bundled for additional capacity at peak times.

Hardware Redundancy

Redundant or mirrored routers often also protect against failures. They monitor each other and create automatic failover if the primary router or WAN link fails. Updates, configuration changes, and other maintenance work can be carried out without jeopardizing communication.
Modern end devices use the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to configure and coordinate the failover. The routers are connected directly via a cable or an Ethernet switch, share a virtual gateway address and a DHCP table, and thus act as a router for other devices in the network. During the failover state, the former primary router continually monitors its WAN connection and signals the backup router when it can switch back over.

Secure Connection Via VPN Tunnel

Multiple direct Internet connections via VPN tunnels to various input devices can ensure uninterrupted communication between the branch and head offices. A configuration of so-called dynamic multipoint virtual private network tunnels (DMVPN) is possible from each branch to redundant devices.

Each tunnel is routed independently over the Internet, and the data traffic is dynamically routed via the most effective connection. If network or hardware problems disrupt a tunnel, traffic is sent over the alternate path.

Cushion Traffic Peaks

Increasing video usage, file sharing apps, software updates, and the increasing number of connected devices often contribute to spikes. A backup connection based on mobile communications can offer relief here. Routers with SD-WAN functionality dynamically load balance traffic to the best available path. When the peak traffic subsides, the wireless connection is automatically and invisibly disconnected in the background, allowing employees to continue working without interruption.

Remote Management In Routine And Emergency

Cellular wireless connections can also provide an alternate network connection when the end device is unreachable over primary links. Routers configured for use at the edge of the network have so-called out-of-band management functions. The responsible persons access the device remotely via a wireless connection to solve problems without an on-site visit.

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SD-WAN Networks, The Best Solution For Communications

Cloud technology and the various technological advances in the business world are providing companies with succulent benefits, especially related to the management and optimization of resources. However, at the same time, these great results are generating a series of very important challenges to face, especially related to data security and the growth and management of more powerful and complex networks.

But what is the primary goal of this solution? Mainly simplify the management of their networks and make life easier for companies. During this year the volume of information on the Internet is being higher than ever, hence new alternatives such as SD-WAN networks are created to guarantee the security of corporate information.

How The Transformation Of An Sd-wan Networking Environment Is Taking Place In Companies

In the first place, for this migration to take place in the business world, we must understand SDN networks fully associated with the Network Virtualization concept (virtual networks) compared to traditional networks, which are much more complex.

This new, more advanced deployment is capable of:

• Incorporate different resources from different providers through an API.
• Software networks are also prepared to adapt new IT solutions to ensure the digital transformation of corporations

Thus, this new form of management within companies fundamentally means carrying out an IT substitution of a hardware network towards a context in which the software is managed from the network itself. From this perspective, one or more separate networks can be conceived that depend on a single physical network and that eliminate all possible barriers.

Also Read: The Key Features Of The SD-WAN

The Future Of SD-WAN Networks Where Are We Going

In one of the recent meetings and webinars on the analysis of the ‘SD-WAN. Current situation and market trends’, in which different experts from the most important firms in the market participated, analyzed what is the nearest future of SD-WAN networks. The analysts, who coincide in affirming the exponential growth and evolution of this type of solution, spoke of more agile and distributed networks.

• Mainly and before carrying out this transformation on their companies, customers are waiting to see what happens in the coming months, and mainly what effects and benefits it will have on the leading companies that are implementing this type of technology.
• Another of the main effects will be flexibility. We will see how the Cloud is easier to deploy anywhere.
• The integration between different partners of different solutions will be much more viable and simple, with an increase in benefits for customers.
• Another event will have to do with the incorporation of 5G in corporate communications.
• Finally, we will begin to talk about the hybrid multi-cloud, and the entire SD-WAN network will have to convert the network point by point, point multipoint to a mesh network, where we will connect to several SaaS providers, Cloud, and that we will access through 5G.

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Multiplexed VPNs: In large organizations, virtual private networks (VPNs) are generally complex and multiple. This sometimes follows mergers or acquisitions of companies, which continue to operate as separate entities. In other cases, some departments, which have sensitive activities, require separation. For example, for security and privacy reasons, it is sometimes safer, or even mandatory, to isolate network traffic from certain services. SD-WAN thus allows organizations to segment their applications as well as Virtual Routing and Transfer (VRF), without purchasing new devices. VPN links can therefore be multiplexed into a single overlay, which allows large companies to segment and isolate their traffic, by implementing the appropriate rules for each.

Microsegmentation: Improves network security by restricting the potential lateral movements of hackers in the event of a breach. Microsegmentation has therefore been widely deployed by enterprises in recent years as it gives them sophisticated control over east-west traffic and helps protect the use of applications in the cloud or data centers. SD-WAN platforms improve this process by automating central rules, for example, to isolate the sections affected by vulnerability from the rest of the network.

Local Breakouts: Appliances allow users in remote offices to connect directly and securely to cloud applications; while eliminating the inefficiency induced by traffic destined for the edge of the network and necessarily redirected to data centers traditionally. Given the growing importance of on-demand software or infrastructure (SaaS and IaaS), efficient and reliable access to the cloud is required for many businesses. By simplifying the way traffic is directed to certain areas of the network, SD-WAN enables faster and easier local escape.

Flexible Bandwidth Distribution: Even today, many organizations continue to manually configure the bandwidth allocation for each application. This practice is time-consuming and has no added value for IT teams; it benefits from energy and resources that could be more useful elsewhere. SD-WAN offers flexible bandwidth allocation – by classifying applications into groups and then applying an appropriate level of service for each – which avoids individual manual configuration. This speeds up the process, prevents human error, and consequently minimizes the risk of poor performance, during an audio conference call for example.

Encryption Key Rotation: Data protection has never been more of a concern than it is today, especially with GDPR and the upsurge in cyber attacks. It is now up to companies to take strong measures to secure information. Encryption keys must therefore change regularly – every 90 days – to reduce any compromise. However, standard virtual private network (VPN) encryption key rotations can be a complex and disruptive process that sometimes requires downtime. On the contrary, SD-WAN offers automatic and programmable rotation, without manual intervention or system shutdown.

Zero-Touch Provisioning: Too often, installing and commissioning network equipment is time-consuming; since it requires manual configuration, installation, and a testing phase, for each remote office accessing the network. For companies with tens, hundreds, or even thousands of sites, this implementation can prove particularly costly in terms of resources. However, SD-WAN offers hands-off provisioning, eliminating the need to manually configure every device in every office. On the condition of being connected to the internet, and SD-WAN terminal will be able to obtain the appropriate template for the network as well as the parameters to configure it.

Improved Data Analysis: Information analysis is critical for many reasons, including ensuring a reliable network and in determining network capacity. SD-WAN offers improved data analysis, and therefore more granular and precise visibility into overall network performance. This information and the visibility it provides enables organizations to distribute network resources more efficiently.

Service Chaining: It allows organizations to redirect their data traffic to one or more services; including intrusion detection, prevention devices, or even security tools hosted in the cloud. Thus, enterprises can declutter networks in their remote offices. Finally, they can automate the way specific types of traffic are handled and assemble connected network services into a single chain. While limiting human needs and the resources used, the chaining service simplifies maintenance and problem-solving.

The benefits of SD-WAN are numerous and significant for sustaining a company’s business over the long term. Thanks to its flexibility and reliability, it supports and facilitates the digitization of an organization so that it can sustain its activities and gain in productivity.

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