SD-WAN vs. WAN: What’s The Difference?

Knowing the difference between SD-WAN vs. WAN can make all the difference—but what is the difference between the two?   Let’s discuss what they are and how they work, and compare their modern business compatibility. Finally, we’ll talk about why […]

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Knowing the difference between SD-WAN vs. WAN can make all the difference—but what is the difference between the two?

 

Let’s discuss what they are and how they work, and compare their modern business compatibility. Finally, we’ll talk about why one is better than the other for your growing business.

What Is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN (software-defined wide-area network) utilizes software via a centralized control function to virtualize traditional WAN connections and services using cloud-native private networks. It works by treating WAN services as a resource pool, and by meeting service-level agreements with advanced software-driven security. This is done to deftly handle priority-based traffic, quality of service, and security requirements. 

 

SD-WAN intelligently directs traffic that is hosted at any location, and does so simultaneously with a single application. It is designed to resolve network problems like congestion, packet delay and loss, and service outages.

What Is WAN?

To back up a bit, WAN (wide-area network) is a collection of local-area networks, or even a network of networks. What started in the late 1950s as a way to interconnect the U.S. radar defense system is now basically just known as “the internet.” 

 

Traditional WAN routes data packets between WAN locations. This is done by moving traffic via independent packet switching to optimized (usually lower-cost) network links. Each packet is broken into several parts and sent in triplicate, verified for accuracy and security, and then reassembled at its destination. 

No Comparison Between SD-WAN vs. WAN

WAN, while once the go-to technology for IT, voice, and data networking infrastructure, has recently fallen out of favor with modern businesses working in a fast-paced, global world. One of the reasons for this is that WAN has to be continually upgraded with higher bandwidth and matched network links. Whenever a business wants to scale, the WAN must be scaled manually, which takes time and decreases efficiency. Additionally, if there is an internet delay or outage, WAN suffers downtime. All of these scenarios raise the costs of continuing to use WAN. 

 

To make comparing SD-WAN vs. WAN easy, here are the pros and cons of SD-WAN. We’ll examine the benefits later.

 

SD-WAN pros:

 

  • Separate control functions are centralized to automate continuous monitoring, simplify operations, and increase efficiencies. This is done through an on-premise application, a remote branch, or a cloud service.
  • Traffic is directed to whichever specific network connection fulfills security policies, priority, service quality, and failover scenarios.
  • The number of transactions and networks sent is reduced by streamlining data, managing standards-based protocols, and addressing bandwidth. Faster response times result.
  • Zero-touch provisioning discovers and sets up new network appliances, allowing for an automated, streamlined deployment and integration. 
  • Connection remains secure by always identifying next-gen firewalls, web gateways, and VPNs. This allows for easy changes that rapidly respond to secure services.

 

SD-WAN cons:

  • No on-site security function is available, so standards will need to be implemented to ensure protection against outside threats.
  • While it does generally offer fast speeds, SD-WAN is not immune to slow performance.
  • It may be necessary to retain the existing WAN router to support the new SD architecture.

Honestly, there is no comparison between SD-WAN vs. WAN services because SD-WAN wins every time. It’s the current standard.

Why You Should Choose SD-WAN by FirstDigital for Your Business

There are many reasons why SD-WAN by FirstDigital is the best answer for your business. Just take a look at all these SD-WAN benefits:

  • It can cost less because you won’t need to over-provision.
  • It deploys and integrates quickly and seamlessly, without any interruption.
  • It automatically accounts for and applies all security policies.
  • It offers high-quality audio, video, and cloud-based app service and reliability.
  • It eliminates human errors and reduces technical problems. 
  • It easily and affordably scales.

Grow Your Company with SD-WAN

If you want to grow your company by deploying SD-WAN services, FirstDigital has you covered. Our world-class service (with a local touch) is designed from the ground up to help you succeed. 

Let’s chat!