SD-WAN as a Service: Benefits and Challenges

The evolution of networking technologies has led to the emergence of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) as a transformative solution for modern enterprises. SD-WAN as a Service (SD-WANaaS) takes this a step further by offering SD-WAN capabilities through a cloud-based, subscription model. This approach provides organizations with the flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency needed to meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment. However, the transition to SD-WAN as a Service is not without its challenges.

This article explores the benefits and challenges of SD-WANaaS, detailing the advantages like scalability, cost reduction, and centralized management. It also includes case studies and software comparisons to illustrate real-world applications and challenges.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a technology that simplifies the management and operation of a WAN by decoupling the networking hardware from its control mechanism. This is achieved through the use of software-defined networking (SDN) principles, which allow for centralized control and programmability of the network. SD-WAN enables organizations to use a combination of transport services, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet, to securely connect users to applications.

What is SD-WAN as a Service?

SD-WAN as a Service (SD-WANaaS) is a cloud-based offering that provides SD-WAN capabilities through a subscription model. Instead of deploying and managing SD-WAN infrastructure on-premises, organizations can leverage the service provider’s infrastructure and expertise. This model offers several advantages, including reduced capital expenditure (CapEx), simplified management, and enhanced scalability.

By leveraging the advantages of the SD-WANaaS, organizations can achieve significant improvements in network performance, security, and cost-efficiency. SD-WANaaS provides a modern, flexible, and scalable solution that meets the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.

Benefits of SD-WAN as a Service

SD-WAN as a Service (SD-WANaaS) offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive option for modern enterprises. These benefits include scalability, cost reduction, centralized management, enhanced security, and improved performance.

Scalability

One of the most significant advantages of SD-WANaaS is its scalability. Traditional WAN solutions often require significant upfront investment in hardware and software, making it challenging to scale the network as the organization grows. SD-WANaaS, on the other hand, allows organizations to scale their network resources up or down based on demand. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with fluctuating bandwidth requirements or those undergoing rapid expansion.

Real-World Example: A retail chain with multiple locations can easily add new stores to its network without the need for significant capital investment. The service provider can quickly provision additional bandwidth and resources, ensuring seamless connectivity across all locations.

Cost Reduction

SD-WANaaS offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional WAN solutions. By moving to a subscription-based model, organizations can reduce their capital expenditure (CapEx) and shift to a more predictable operational expenditure (OpEx) model. This eliminates the need for costly hardware investments and reduces the burden of ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Real-World Example: A mid-sized manufacturing company can reduce its networking costs by transitioning from an MPLS-based WAN to SD-WANaaS. The company can leverage cost-effective broadband internet connections while maintaining secure and reliable connectivity, resulting in significant cost savings.

Centralized Management

SD-WANaaS provides centralized management and control of the network through a cloud-based portal. This allows network administrators to monitor and manage the entire network from a single interface, simplifying network operations and reducing the complexity of managing multiple devices and connections.

Real-World Example: A global financial services firm can use the centralized management portal to monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and apply security policies across all its branches. This reduces the need for on-site IT staff and ensures consistent network performance and security.

Enhanced Security

SD-WANaaS offers advanced security features, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS). These features are integrated into the service, providing a comprehensive security solution that protects the network from threats and vulnerabilities.

Real-World Example: A healthcare organization can leverage SD-WANaaS to ensure secure connectivity between its hospitals and clinics. The integrated security features protect sensitive patient data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA.

Improved Performance

SD-WANaaS optimizes network performance by dynamically routing traffic based on real-time conditions. This ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency, resulting in improved user experience and productivity.

Real-World Example: A software development company can use SD-WANaaS to prioritize traffic for its cloud-based development tools and collaboration platforms. This ensures that developers have seamless access to the resources they need, regardless of their location.

Flexibility and Agility

SD-WANaaS provides organizations with the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs. Whether it’s adding new locations, integrating cloud services, or supporting remote work, SD-WANaaS allows businesses to quickly and easily adjust their network infrastructure.

Real-World Example: A global consulting firm can rapidly deploy SD-WANaaS to support remote work during a pandemic. The solution provides secure and reliable connectivity for employees working from home, ensuring business continuity and productivity.

Simplified Deployment and Management

SD-WANaaS simplifies the deployment and management of network infrastructure. The service provider handles the complexity of configuring and maintaining the network, allowing organizations to focus on their core business activities.

Real-World Example: A small business with limited IT resources can quickly deploy SD-WANaaS without the need for specialized expertise. The service provider manages the network, ensuring optimal performance and security.

Challenges of SD-WAN as a Service

While SD-WAN as a Service (SD-WANaaS) offers numerous benefits, organizations must also navigate several challenges to ensure a successful implementation. These challenges include integration with existing infrastructure, service provider dependence, security concerns, and performance variability.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

One of the primary challenges of transitioning to SD-WANaaS is integrating it with existing network infrastructure. Organizations may have legacy systems and applications that are not compatible with SD-WAN, requiring significant effort to ensure seamless integration.

Real-World Example: A large enterprise with a complex network infrastructure may face challenges in integrating SD-WANaaS with its existing MPLS connections and on-premises applications. This may require custom configurations and additional resources to ensure compatibility.

Service Provider Dependence

SD-WANaaS relies heavily on the service provider’s infrastructure and expertise. This dependence can be a double-edged sword, as it provides access to advanced capabilities but also introduces risks related to service provider reliability and performance.

Real-World Example: A retail chain may experience service disruptions if the SD-WANaaS provider encounters technical issues or outages. This can impact business operations and customer experience, highlighting the importance of choosing a reliable service provider.

Security Concerns

While SD-WANaaS offers advanced security features, organizations must still ensure that their data and applications are adequately protected. This includes implementing additional security measures and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Real-World Example: A financial services firm must ensure that its SD-WANaaS solution complies with industry regulations such as PCI DSS. This may require additional security controls and regular audits to ensure compliance.

Performance Variability

The performance of SD-WANaaS can vary depending on the quality of the underlying internet connections. Organizations must ensure that they have reliable and high-quality internet connections to achieve optimal performance.

Real-World Example: A global manufacturing company may experience performance variability if its SD-WANaaS solution relies on low-quality broadband connections in certain regions. This can impact the performance of critical applications and business operations.

Vendor Lock-In

Another challenge is the potential for vendor lock-in. Organizations that adopt SD-WANaaS may become dependent on a single service provider, making it difficult to switch providers or integrate solutions from different vendors.

Real-World Example: A mid-sized enterprise may find it challenging to switch SD-WANaaS providers due to proprietary technologies and configurations. This can limit flexibility and increase long-term costs.

Complexity in Multi-Cloud Environments

Organizations using multiple cloud services may face complexity in managing and optimizing SD-WANaaS across different cloud platforms. Ensuring consistent performance and security across diverse environments can be challenging.

Real-World Example: A technology company using multiple cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) may struggle to maintain uniform network policies and performance levels across all platforms, requiring additional configuration and management efforts.

Skill Gaps

Implementing and managing SD-WANaaS requires specialized knowledge and skills. Organizations may face challenges in training their IT staff or hiring experts to manage the new technology effectively.

Real-World Example: A small business with limited IT expertise may struggle to configure and troubleshoot SD-WANaaS, leading to potential downtime and inefficiencies.

Cost Management

While SD-WANaaS can reduce capital expenditure (CapEx), organizations must carefully manage operational expenditure (OpEx) to avoid unexpected costs. Subscription fees, additional services, and overages can add up over time.

Real-World Example: A growing startup may face budget overruns if it underestimates the costs of scaling its SD-WANaaS solution or adding premium features like advanced security or global connectivity.

By addressing these challenges proactively, organizations can maximize the benefits of SD-WANaaS while minimizing potential risks. Careful planning, vendor selection, and ongoing management are essential to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Retail Chain

Background: A retail chain with over 500 stores across the United States was facing challenges with its traditional MPLS-based WAN. The company needed a more cost-effective and scalable solution to support its growing network.

Solution: The retail chain transitioned to SD-WANaaS, leveraging the service provider’s cloud-based infrastructure. The solution provided centralized management, enhanced security, and the ability to scale resources based on demand.

Results: The retail chain achieved significant cost savings by reducing its reliance on MPLS connections. The centralized management portal simplified network operations, and the enhanced security features ensured compliance with industry regulations. The company also experienced improved network performance, resulting in better customer experience and increased sales.

Case Study 2: Healthcare Organization

Background: A healthcare organization with multiple hospitals and clinics needed a secure and reliable network solution to support its electronic health records (EHR) system and other critical applications.

Solution: The organization implemented SD-WANaaS, which provided advanced security features, including encryption and intrusion detection. The solution also offered centralized management and the ability to prioritize traffic for critical applications.

Results: The healthcare organization achieved secure and reliable connectivity across all its locations. The integrated security features ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations, and the centralized management portal simplified network operations. The organization also experienced improved performance for its EHR system, resulting in better patient care.

Software Comparisons

A key process in implementing SD-WANaaS is to choose a provider. Below, we make comparisons between the most prominent services that are currently available.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela) vs. Velocloud SD-WAN

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela)

• Strengths: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN offers reliable security features, including encryption and firewalls. It provides centralized management through the vManage portal and supports a wide range of transport services.
• Weaknesses: The Cisco SD-WAN can be complex to configure and manage, requiring specialized expertise. It may also be more expensive compared to other solutions.

Velocloud SD-WAN

• Strengths: Velocloud SD-WAN offers a user-friendly interface and simplified management through the Orchestrator portal. It provides advanced traffic optimization and supports a wide range of transport services.
• Weaknesses: Velocloud SD-WAN may have limited security features compared to Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN. It may also require additional configuration to integrate with existing infrastructure.

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN vs. Aryaka SmartServices

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN

• Strengths: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN offers integrated security features, including firewalls and intrusion prevention. It provides centralized management through the FortiManager portal and supports a wide range of transport services.
• Weaknesses: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN can be complex to configure and manage, requiring specialized expertise. It may also be more expensive compared to other solutions.

Aryaka Secure SD-WAN

• Strengths: Aryaka Secure SD-WAN offers a fully managed SD-WAN solution with advanced traffic optimization and global connectivity. It provides a user-friendly interface and simplified management through the Aryaka portal.
• Weaknesses: The Aryaka managed services may have limited customization options compared to other solutions. It may also require additional configuration to integrate with existing infrastructure.

Aruba Networking EdgeConnect vs. Versa Networks

Aruba Networking EdgeConnect

• Strengths: Aruba Networking EdgeConnect offers comprehensive performance optimization and WAN acceleration features. It provides advanced security capabilities, including integrated firewalls and VPNs, and supports seamless integration with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
• Weaknesses: The Aruba solution can be complex to deploy and manage, particularly for organizations with limited IT resources. It may also come with higher licensing costs compared to some competitors.

Versa Networks

• Strengths: Versa Networks provides a highly flexible and scalable SD-WAN solution with strong multi-cloud support. It offers comprehensive security features, including secure web gateways and malware protection, and is known for its ease of deployment.
• Weaknesses: Versa Networks may require additional third-party tools for advanced analytics and reporting. Some users have reported challenges with initial setup and configuration.

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN vs. Citrix SD-WAN

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN

• Strengths: Prisma SD-WAN integrates seamlessly with Palo Alto’s security ecosystem, offering advanced threat prevention, URL filtering, and cloud-delivered security services. It provides excellent visibility and control over network traffic.
• Weaknesses: Prisma SD-WAN can be costly, especially for smaller organizations. Its reliance on Palo Alto’s ecosystem may limit flexibility for businesses using other security solutions.

Citrix SD-WAN

• Strengths: Citrix SD-WAN is known for its application performance optimization and support for virtualized environments. It offers strong integration with Citrix’s application delivery solutions and provides a user-friendly management interface.
• Weaknesses: Citrix SD-WAN may lack some advanced security features compared to competitors like Palo Alto. It can also be challenging to manage in highly complex, multi-vendor environments.

Juniper Networks Contrail SD-WAN vs. HPE Aruba EdgeConnect

Juniper Networks Contrail SD-WAN

• Strengths: Contrail SD-WAN offers strong automation and orchestration capabilities, making it ideal for large-scale deployments. It integrates well with Juniper’s broader networking and security solutions, providing end-to-end visibility and control.
• Weaknesses: Contrail SD-WAN can be complex to configure and may require specialized expertise. It may also be less cost-effective for smaller organizations.

HPE Aruba EdgeConnect

• Strengths: Aruba EdgeConnect provides automated application performance optimization and strong security features, including integrated firewalls and VPNs. It is known for its ease of deployment and management, particularly in hybrid cloud environments.
• Weaknesses: Aruba EdgeConnect may lack some advanced analytics and reporting features compared to competitors. It may also require additional tools for comprehensive multi-cloud management.

These comparisons highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various SD-WAN solutions, helping organizations choose the right platform based on their specific needs, such as security, scalability, ease of management, and integration with existing infrastructure.

Conclusion

SD-WAN as a Service offers numerous benefits, including scalability, cost reduction, centralized management, enhanced security, and improved performance. These advantages make it an attractive option for organizations looking to modernize their network infrastructure and meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment. However, the transition to SD-WANaaS is not without its challenges, including integration with existing infrastructure, service provider dependence, security concerns, and performance variability.

By carefully evaluating their needs and selecting the right SD-WANaaS solution, organizations can overcome these challenges and achieve significant improvements in network performance, security, and cost efficiency. As the adoption of SD-WANaaS continues to grow, organizations must stay informed about the latest developments and best practices to maximize the benefits of this transformative technology.