What is Software Defined Wide Area Network SD WAN?

Understanding Software Defined Wide Area Network SD WAN

Is an extension of the SDN practices to connect to entities spread across the internet to support WAN architecture especially related to cloud migration. SD WAN applies software-defined networking principles to wide area networks using centralized control and programmability to dynamically route traffic across multiple connection types MPLS broadband cellular based on application requirements network conditions and security policies. This provides flexibility cost optimization and improved performance for distributed environments. SD-WAN technologies are referenced in industry standards and best practices from organizations like MEF and NIST. Organizations implement SD-WAN through edge devices central controllers orchestration platforms and integration with security services. For example a retail chain with hundreds of locations might implement SD-WAN to intelligently route traffic across different connection types using MPLS for payment processing broadband for general internet traffic and 4G backup links while applying consistent security policies across all sites from a central management platform significantly reducing management complexity and improving application performance while reducing costs. Related terms WAN optimization Network virtualization Software-defined networking MPLS Hybrid WAN Cloud connectivity Application-aware routing Network as a service.