The advent of SD-WAN has changed how we think about networking and connectivity. While technology opens possibilities to reduce costs, increase security, and generate new revenues for service providers, it’s important to know what the pitfalls are.
While ‘moving to the cloud’ is probably the biggest buzz-phrase of this decade, networking is one area where the cloud has created a wealth of opportunity for businesses. SD-WAN (or Software-Defined Wide Area Network) technology has done more to level the playing field. Where traditional networks were capital intensive, software defined networks offer a host of scalable, customisable options that can be offered at scale, or in bespoke packages to smaller firms.
SD-WAN also enables network slicing, where numerous firms can (securely) share cloud-based infrastructure to have the sophisticated security features of a large network, while only paying on a per-user or pay-per-use basis.
One of the biggest savings firms have realized through SD-WAN is the reduced cost of connectivity. Where, previously, security relied on dedicated links to secure their virtual private network (VPN) connections between sites, this can be theoretically achieved with any type of connectivity (like 5G or home fibre) to the cloud.
However, it’s probably not a great idea to dump all your network kit just yet. Many firms are struggling to realize the performance benefits and integration benefits, and we’ll look at some of the reasons why.
Firstly, most firms have evolved their networks organically, many over several decades. Others have the challenge of integrating multiple legacy networks inherited through mergers and acquisitions. Many traditional WAN architectures are not ready for cloud, and this can lead to performance bottlenecks and latency issues.
It’s also a common misconception that SD-WAN completely replaces WAN infrastructure. The reality is that you need both, and finding the optimal blend of services and infrastructure is an intensive exercise, that can carry some risks to data security and productivity. It also requires managing new protocols over and above TCP/IP, such as OMP (Overlay Management Protocol), and how to integrate legacy MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) infrastructure.
Connecting via consumer broadband services also means there is a lot of inconsistency in the quality of the connection (quality of service, class of service, etc.). Most firms will also use multiple cloud-based solutions (CRM, office automation, productivity, etc.) not all of which are best served by consumer connectivity products. Firms are also under pressure to minimize downtime (since this essentially halts production completely in most firms). In the case of a retailer, an hour of downtime can result in millions of rands in cumulative losses. Many are also opting for a blended connectivity solution (fibre, microwave, LTE, and even legacy copper) to ensure total uptime. However, some of these carriers are not conducive to the performance needs of cloud applications. One solution is to opt for application-aware or dynamic path selection enabled solution. While application-aware solutions can flag potential issues, a dynamic path selection algorithm can actively select the best connectivity route for the application and potentially load balance for best performance. However, these tend to be more expensive options, and require more extensive skills to implement and manage.
SD-WAN is a wonderful solution, until something goes wrong. Being a relatively new solution, skills are scarce, and troubleshooting requires experience that we’re still learning. SD-WAN vendors also haven’t set clear standards. Solutions can very vastly, and this is not an easily transferrable skill from vendor to vendor. The training and recruitment costs could be significant and should be factored into any project plan.
AI-driven networking is going to be a game changer. Combined with the power and flexibility of cloud, an AI solution will allow networks to dynamically manage and respond to changing conditions and environments. This will build incredible resiliency in networks, but also realise operational efficiencies and savings for firms, with little or no human intervention required.
While AI-driven networking is the future and is likely to completely dominate networking in the next five years – we’re not there yet. Right now, not having complete visibility into security, with multiple connections over consumer connectivity products could present a significant risk to organisations. Firms need to take a phased approach to SD-WAN. A dedicated business connectivity product is still the most reliable option to ensure security, availability, and a fit-for-purpose to ensure that businesses have a product that consistently performs on demand.