SD-WAN Explained for Multi-Site Businesses

Businesses with more than one site, such as an office, a warehouse and a branch, need those locations to reach shared applications reliably. SD-WAN is one way to manage that connectivity.

What SD-WAN means

SD-WAN stands for software-defined wide area network. Instead of configuring each site’s router separately, you manage the connections between sites from a central point. Traffic can be steered across more than one internet or private link according to rules you set.

Problems it is designed to address

• Inconsistent site configuration. When each site is set up by hand, small differences build up and become hard to track.
• Dependence on a single link. A site with one connection has no fallback if that link fails.
• Limited visibility. Teams often cannot see which applications are slow, or why.
• Slow changes. Opening a new site or changing a policy can take longer than it should when every device is touched individually.

When it may be worth considering

SD-WAN is not the right answer for every organisation. It tends to be worth looking at when you have several locations, rely on cloud applications, or want one place to manage connectivity and security policy. A single-site business with one stable connection may not need it.

What to review before deciding

1. How many sites you have, and how they connect today.
2. Which applications matter most, and where they run.
3. What links are available at each site, and what they cost to keep.
4. How your firewall and security policy would work with the design.
5. Who will manage the network after it goes live.

Where to start

A short review of your current network is usually the clearest first step. NetworkAE designs SD-WAN using Fortinet, and offers a complimentary infrastructure assessment before any commitment. Read more about Network Design & SD-WAN.