In today’s fast-changing world of enterprise networking, you’ve probably heard of “software-defined access” (SD-Access) and “software-defined wide area network” (SD-WAN). These technologies have brought big changes to the industry over the last 20 years. They solve old problems with traditional networks. But do you really get what makes them different and when to use them?
SD-Access and SD-WAN are more than just buzzwords. They are major changes in how companies manage and connect their networks. Even though they both use software-defined ideas, they serve different needs. SD-Access makes network management easier from edge to cloud. SD-WAN, on the other hand, makes cloud and on-premises apps work better.
Understanding these network transformation tools takes new skills. You need to know both old and new networking ways. Getting the hang of SD-Access and SD-WAN can make your network simpler, safer, and better for apps.
Key Takeaways
- SD-Access and SD-WAN are big changes in enterprise networking in the last 20 years.
- They solve old problems with traditional networks, bringing new abilities.
- SD-Access makes network management easier from edge to cloud. SD-WAN improves app performance in the cloud and on-premises.
- Using these solutions right needs both old and new networking knowledge.
- Knowing the differences and use cases of SD-Access and SD-WAN is key for a better network.
Introduction to Network Transformation Technologies
The world of networking has changed a lot, thanks to new needs in business. Old ways of networking are now replaced by new software-based solutions. These changes bring more flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Intent-based networking and network virtualization are leading this change.
Evolution of Traditional Networking
Old networks were based on hardware and needed a lot of manual work. This made them hard to change and limited in what they could do. As networks grew, so did the need for something better.
The Need for Software-Defined Solutions
Software-defined infrastructure has changed how we build and manage networks. It makes networks more flexible and easier to control. This lets businesses quickly adapt to new needs and tech.
Impact on Modern Enterprise Networks
The use of intent-based networking, network virtualization, and software-defined infrastructure has changed networks a lot. These technologies make networks easier to manage, more secure, and faster to change. This helps businesses stay ahead in a fast-changing digital world.
| Technology | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Intent-Based Networking |
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| Network Virtualization |
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| Software-Defined Infrastructure |
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By using these new network technologies, businesses can move faster, be more secure, and work more efficiently. This helps them stay competitive in the market.
Software-defined access (SD-Access), Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN)
In today’s digital world, companies are looking for ways to make their networks better. They want to improve security and make apps work faster. Cisco’s software-defined access (SD-Access) and software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) are leading the way.
Cisco SD-Access uses new networking ideas to make things easier. It helps set up and manage networks from edge to cloud. Cisco SD-WAN focuses on making apps run smoothly, no matter where they are.
Cisco SD-Access and Cisco SD-WAN both help manage networks better. But they serve different needs. SD-Access is great for places that need tight security, like hospitals. SD-WAN is perfect for companies with many locations and cloud apps.
| Feature | Cisco SD-Access | Cisco SD-WAN |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Focus | Campus and branch networks | Wide area network across multiple locations |
| Security Model | Zero-trust security within internal networks | Enhances connectivity and cloud integration |
| Performance | Emphasizes network design and operation simplification | Optimizes cloud and on-premises application performance |
| Scalability | Provides consistent policy management across network-connected devices | Extends scalability across various transport mediums and long distances |
| Cost Implications | May involve higher initial costs, but offers long-term efficiency gains | Reduces connection costs and unplanned downtime |
Companies using Cisco’s SD-WAN and SD-Access see big benefits. They get better user experiences, more security, and faster cloud connections. These tools are changing how networks work, making them smarter and more flexible for today’s businesses.
Core Components and Architecture
Software-defined access (SD-Access) and software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) are changing how companies manage their networks. It’s important to know the key parts and setup of these technologies to use them well.
SD-Access Building Blocks
SD-Access uses one network fabric for a smooth experience on both wired and wireless networks. It has Cisco DNA Center as the main controller for automation. This allows for network segmentation, software-defined segmentation, and policy enforcement based on user identity and group membership.
SD-WAN Infrastructure Elements
The SD-WAN setup includes parts for application-aware routing, security, and management. It can be set up in different ways, like on-premises, cloud-enabled, or a mix. It also offers better network security, like end-to-end segmentation and secure internet access.
Control and Data Plane Separation
SD-Access and SD-WAN split the control plane from the data plane. This makes network management more efficient and improves performance. It lets network operators manage the network from one place, while the data plane handles traffic, making the network faster and more efficient.
The parts of SD-Access and SD-WAN work together to give companies a complete network solution. They help with cloud connectivity, network segmentation, and application-aware routing. This makes the network better and more flexible.
Key Features and Capabilities
As companies move to digital, network security and speed are key. SD-Access and SD-WAN offer features to meet these needs. Let’s look at what each solution brings:
SD-Access from Cisco Digital Network Architecture helps segment your network. It isolates users, devices, and apps for better network security. It also makes setting up user access policies easier, giving everyone a consistent experience.
SD-WAN has a cloud-first design with easy cloud management. It works well with cloud-based security solutions like VMware NSX and Cisco Meraki. This gives strong security for your network. SD-WAN also has tools for better network performance and security monitoring.
Both SD-Access and SD-WAN change how we network. They offer a modern, flexible, and smart way to meet digital demands.
“SD-WAN improves application performance, increases network agility, and reduces costs by optimizing routing of network traffic over multiple network paths.”
Looking to boost network security, app performance, or simplify management? These software-defined solutions have what you need.
Primary Use Cases and Applications
Software-defined networking technologies like Fortinet Secure SD-WAN and application centric infrastructure are changing the game for businesses. They make it easier for companies to connect, use the cloud, and manage IoT devices. These policy-based networking solutions are key to modern networking.
Branch Office Connectivity
SD-WAN is great for connecting branch offices. It makes sure teams can work together smoothly, no matter where they are. This is a big help for companies with many offices, as it makes managing the network easier.
Cloud Integration
SD-WAN is also a big help when moving to the cloud. It creates direct paths to cloud services, making apps run better and data safer. This means businesses can get more out of cloud services, making them more productive.
IoT Device Management
IoT devices bring new challenges for network managers. But SD-Access is up to the task. It manages IoT devices with identity-based policies, giving full control and visibility. This is essential for industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN and application centric infrastructure make managing networks easier. They help businesses stay ahead in the digital world.
| Use Case | Benefits | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Branch Office Connectivity | Reliable and easily managed connections, simplified network management, reduced operational overhead | Up to 73% increase in network availability |
| Cloud Integration | Optimized application performance, secure data transfer, reduced backhauling and increased cloud adoption | 27% reduction in connectivity expenses for financial services |
| IoT Device Management | Comprehensive control and visibility over connected devices, identity-based policies, enhanced security | 83% of healthcare organizations have adopted SD-WAN |
“SD-WAN and SD-Access technologies are transforming the way enterprises approach network connectivity, cloud integration, and IoT device management, driving increased efficiency, agility, and security.”
Security Implementation and Benefits
As companies move to digital, they need strong and flexible networks. Software-defined access (SD-Access) and software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) are key. They bring better security, flexibility, performance, and cost savings.
SD-WAN has top-notch security to fight threats. It quickly sets up security in the cloud with the latest threat info. SD-Access makes network segments for better security and follows rules without a big network change.
Both SD-Access and SD-WAN manage security from one place. This policy-based access control lets only the right people and devices get to apps and data. Cloud-based networking makes it easy and safe to use cloud services.
They also make sure important apps work well. This keeps business running smoothly and efficiently.
“By adopting SD-Access, organizations can build an agile and responsive network infrastructure that aligns closely with their business objectives, while also enriching overall security and compliance.”
SD-Access and SD-WAN bring big security wins. A Cisco SD-Access study found companies spend 80% less time on security issues. They also see a 48% drop in security breach impact and a 45% cut in costs.
As the digital world keeps changing, these network solutions help companies stay secure and meet their goals.
Network Management and Automation
Today’s enterprise networks need easy management and automation to meet changing business needs. SD-Access and SD-WAN solutions make network management simple. They help manage distributed campus fabric and secure connectivity environments well.
Centralized Control
These technologies offer a central control plane. This lets admins manage the whole network from one place. It makes policy enforcement, network optimization, and monitoring easier, boosting efficiency.
Policy Management
SD-Access and SD-WAN support policy-based management. IT teams can set and enforce network-wide policies that match business goals. This ensures consistent security and quality of service (QoS) across the network, lowering the chance of errors.
Zero-Touch Provisioning
Both solutions have zero-touch provisioning. This means new sites or devices can be set up quickly without needing on-site tech help. It makes network setup simpler and cheaper, helping businesses grow faster.
| Feature | SD-Access | SD-WAN |
|---|---|---|
| Centralized Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Policy Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero-Touch Provisioning | ✓ | ✓ |
Using these network management and automation features, businesses can save a lot of time and money. They also become more agile in their digital transformation journey.
Performance Optimization and QoS
In today’s fast-paced world, software-defined technologies like SD-WAN and SD-Access are key. They help improve app performance and ensure quality of service (QoS). These solutions help companies meet the changing needs of mobility and the complexity of cloud apps.
SD-WAN makes app performance better by smartly routing traffic. It gives priority to important apps, making sure users have a smooth experience. SD-Access, on the other hand, ensures a consistent experience on both wired and wireless networks. It supports user mobility while keeping critical apps running smoothly.
Both SD-WAN and SD-Access use strong QoS to keep critical apps running well. They use advanced analytics, like encrypted traffic analytics from Cisco DNA Center, to focus on key traffic. This way, apps that need quick responses, like voice and video, get the resources they need.
“SD-WAN simplifies network complexity for organizations by providing a cloud-centric solution and hybrid WAN designs, overcoming the limitations of traditional MPLS connections.”
SD-WAN and SD-Access also make it easy to add cloud services and apps. This improves the user experience and keeps performance high. By using these technologies, companies can become more efficient, agile, and responsive. This helps teams work better and give great customer experiences.
Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Setting up software-defined access (SD-Access) or software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) needs careful planning. Companies face many hurdles, like figuring out how to move to new systems and learning to manage them. They also have to make sure these new systems work well with old ones.
Migration Strategies
Switching to SD-Access or SD-WAN must consider the current network setup. It’s important to keep business running smoothly during the change. A step-by-step plan is best, slowly moving from old to new systems. This way, the transition is smooth and doesn’t stop important work.
Integration with Legacy Systems
Linking SD-Access or SD-WAN with old systems can be tough. Companies might need to update or change their old setup to work with the new tech. A slow, step-by-step integration helps avoid problems and makes the change easier.
Training and Skill Requirements
To use software-defined branch and application centric infrastructure well, teams need training. They must learn both old and new networking skills. This includes programming, automation, and managing policies from one place. Keeping up with new skills is key to managing these networks well.
| Challenge | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration Complexity | Increased risk of human error and misconfigurations | Adopt a phased migration strategy, leverage automation and centralized policy management |
| Integration with Legacy Systems | Disruption to existing infrastructure and operations | Implement a gradual, hybrid integration approach to ensure business continuity |
| Skill Development | Lack of expertise in managing software-defined networks | Invest in training programs to upskill IT teams with both traditional and software-defined networking knowledge |
“Cisco SD-Access enables IT transformation by improving visibility, defining and applying group-based access policies, segmenting networks, reducing risk, containing threats, and achieving consistency in policies.”
Cost Considerations and ROI Analysis
Enterprises are turning to WAN optimization, network virtualization, and intent-based networking for change. They want to know about costs and return on investment (ROI). These new technologies offer big financial wins that go beyond the initial costs.
SD-WAN is a big cost-saver because it lets you ditch pricey MPLS circuits for cheaper broadband. This switch can cut down on ongoing network costs a lot. Plus, you can pick your internet service based on price or location, saving even more.
SD-Access brings down operational costs with its automation and central management. It makes network management easier and less hands-on. This means better efficiency and productivity, which saves money in the long run.
SD-WAN and SD-Access offer great ROI over time. They improve network performance, reduce downtime, and boost security. Even though there are initial costs, the long-term benefits are worth it.
“The cost savings and ROI of SD-WAN and SD-Access are truly transformative for modern enterprises. These technologies unlock greater flexibility, control, and optimization – all of which contribute to a stronger bottom line.”
When looking at the costs and ROI of these solutions, think about your organization’s needs. Look at network bandwidth, deployment models, and what features you need. This way, you can pick the right solution for your business and get the best return on your investment.
Conclusion
Software-defined infrastructure, like SD-Access and SD-WAN, is changing the game in enterprise networking. These technologies bring flexibility, security, and performance to businesses. They help companies succeed in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world.
SD-WAN technology is becoming more popular, with 52% of US businesses using it in 2020. Leaders like Silver Peak say it can save up to 80% of costs. SD-WAN improves network bandwidth, makes management easier, and boosts security and performance.
SD-Access connects the physical and digital worlds. It offers a single control plane for managing user access, device connections, and app policies. This makes it easier to manage your network.
When exploring software-defined infrastructure, it’s important to think about your business needs and goals. Understanding SD-Access and SD-WAN can help you make smart choices. These technologies can help your business thrive in the changing network landscape.
