FEATURE
Kelly Ahuja, CEO, Versa Networks
Rather than simply directing traffic based
on routing protocols, the right SD-WAN
solution can identify, classify and secure
traffic based on the application ID.
Enterprises need this kind of software-
led approach, one that lets them set
up application-intelligent VPNs and
connectivity with minimal configuration.
For example, a site-to-site full-mesh VPN
topology can be cost-effectively and
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Issue 11
quickly deployed to deliver the highest
levels of redundancy, which supports
latency-sensitive applications like voice
and video. the full benefits that a business intelligent
WAN can provide, only an application-
aware solution that optimises the user
experience will suffice.
Hub-and-spoke VPN topologies can also be
set up to support Point-of-Sale or electronic
medical-record applications for compliance
purposes, to ensure those services are
routed through a secure hub site. Enterprises need to be looking at network
solutions that are software and cloud-
defined for the entire infrastructure that
you typically find in the wide area, in the
branch office or remote location.
SD-WANS need to be
business intelligent The right kind of SD-WAN solution will
encompass all of the traditional network
functions that typically involve multiple
Edge devices from many disparate
vendors and manage them as virtual
functions in the one piece of software.
SD-WAN that is designed for the cloud
abstracts application awareness and
intelligence from the underlying network
infrastructure, enabling enforceable
policies to be applied based on application
experience to create a business intelligent
WAN. SD-WAN can lower bandwidth costs
and reduce network operations costs,
while delivering the network agility and
reliable connectivity enterprises require.
Not all SD-WAN solutions are truly
application-aware, let alone geared to
maximise the user experience. To achieve
Within this software stack will be
contextual visibility between the all-
important intersection of security and the
performance of the network.
What organisations should be looking for
is an SD-WAN solution that is built for the
real-time app and multi-cloud era, with
‘programmable’ including security fully
embedded in the core architecture. ◊
www.intelligentdatacentres.com