Your business is likely using many cloud applications today, but migrating your business' IT infrastructure — servers, storage, security, etc. – to the cloud can be a big change. You may be hesitant to make the move to cloud infrastructure for a variety of reasons, particularly the potential loss of control over performance and security.
These are valid concerns that can be addressed by setting up a solid foundation with a Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN). SD-WAN simplifies network management and operation by using a centralized, cloud-based control mechanism that delivers a more scalable, stable, and secure network that's ideal for cloud infrastructure services.
SD-WAN is made up of four key components:
1. Multiple network connections, such as MPLS, broadband (e.g., cable, DSL and LTE) links, for redundancy and diversity
2. WAN optimization to improve network performance by addressing latency, jitter, and packet loss
3. Centralized control of network gateways and routers
4. Intelligent routing across connections based on network conditions or application, user, or destination
Significantly, SD-WAN uses software to manage the network between your corporate data centers and remote locations or cloud servers, eliminating the need to manage multiple network gateways and routers. This software-defined approach makes WAN easier to deploy, operate and manage across your business locations.
How does SD-WAN support cloud infrastructure services?
SD-WAN provides a solid foundation for your cloud-based IT infrastructure in several ways:
- Improved Network Performance — SD-WAN enables your business to prioritize critical cloud applications, ensuring they have the required bandwidth and improving overall performance.
- Enhanced Security — SD-WAN offers integrated security features like encryption, firewalls, and secure gateways, which are essential for protecting data in transit to and from the cloud.
- Cost Efficiency — SD-WAN enables the use of less expensive broadband connections in place of, or alongside, more costly MPLS connections, typically resulting in significant cost savings.
- Scalability — SD-WAN is easily scaled up or down based on demand as it allows your business to add or remove bandwidth and services without physical infrastructure changes.
- Reliability and Redundancy — SD-WAN can dynamically route your business traffic across multiple, diverse connections, such as MPLS, broadband, or LTE. This enables options for redundant and failover links, ensuring uninterrupted access to cloud services.
- Flexibility and Agility — SD-WAN allows your business to quickly adapt to changing network demands and easily connect to new cloud services, supporting agility and innovation.
SD-WAN can set the stage for a future move to cloud infrastructure while providing the network performance, security, and cost efficiency you can use today. As you take the first step toward the cloud with SD-WAN, Cox Business can help with expert guidance and service delivery. We offer SD-WAN solutions managed by our network engineers and monitored 24/7 by our network operations center (NOC) for SD-WAN made simple.
