MPLS
Multiprotocol Label Switching network provides an extremely fast, reliable and secure way to connect multiple locations within a private network. Requires dedicated carrier-exclusive circuits.
Wide Area Network - WAN
From enhancing communication efficiency to enabling seamless data transfer, WAN
offers many benefits that can revolutionize how organizations operate. Come to understand the
advantages, types, technologies, key components, provider considerations, and security best
practices of WAN. As your telecom broker we can assist you to navigate the realm of networking
solutions and what may best fit your business.
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Types of WAN
Managed VPNs
Managed Virtual Private Networks are also commonly used in WAN setups, allowing remote users or branch offices to securely access the corporate network over
the internet.
Wireless “Always On”
WAN solutions provide continuous connectivity through wireless technologies like 4G/5G, proprietary line of sight, or satellite connections ensuring maximum uptime even in areas without wired infrastructure.
SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Network, offers greater flexibility and agility by leveraging software-defined networking principles to both encrypt and optimize traffic routing across the network.
Advantages of WAN
Embracing WAN technology brings a multitude of advantages to businesses of all sizes. WAN enables seamless communication and collaboration across multiple locations, fostering productivity and teamwork among employees, so organizations can centralize their resources and data storage (generally in a private cloud), leading to streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency.
WAN facilitates the quick and secure sharing of information between branches or remote offices, ensuring real-time access to critical data for informed decision-making and customer service. This improved connectivity empowers businesses to provide better customer service by delivering fast response times and personalized experiences.
Additionally, WAN plays a vital role in disaster recovery efforts by enabling data backup and redundancy measures across different sites. In essence, leveraging the power of WAN opens a world of possibilities for modern enterprises seeking scalable networking solutions tailored to their unique needs.
SD-WAN Overview
SD-WAN can be deployed utilizing any combination of circuits and data is encrypted by edge devices on premise. As such could be considered a blending of the other three WAN technologies above. Although there are many vendor offerings for SD-WAN gear, the ability to obtain sub-second failover (where multiple circuits are simultaneously transmitting a single bit stream) is the current gold standard in assuring the very highest QoS for real time services.
Main Advantages of SD-WAN
Lower cost – SD-WAN can be implemented with any combination of Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), best effort wireline broadband (cable and ADSL) and wireless (point to point, cellular or satellite) circuits. Unlike MPLS, using a single circuit provider is not required, and both MPLS and internet circuits may be utilized.
Robust redundancy – An effective SD-WAN strategy is to utilize at least two if not three circuits to assure data, voice and internet survivability. If one or more circuits go down, the remaining circuits are carrying the same traffic and depending on the equipment selected, low to no downtime for the traffic from this node.
Mix and match circuits – depending on the implementation, existing best effort circuits might be paired with smaller dedicated (either DIA or MPLS) circuits to assure low cost, high downstream data needs.
Enhanced QOS – SD-WAN utilizes equipment that is constantly managing traffic and assuring the fastest most reliable path is chosen to the destination. No matter the network issue, a cable cut or shorted circuit down the street or a bad line card in a central office thousands of miles away, SD-WAN is prioritizing traffic based on customer need to assure data delivery.
Robust Real Time QOS – By the very nature of proprietary SD-WAN algorithms and equipment architecture, business IP voice and video are provided an always on, extremely dependable facility to assure high QOS VoIP and video, or any type of mission critical data priority required of the business.
High Availability (HA) deployment – Utilizing two sets of equipment per node, cross connected with redundant switches, existing redundant circuits are also cross connected to each SD-WAN box to assure that even if a piece of equipment fails, the connection is maintained and not impaired. So this is the best option for mission critical, must not fail deployments that guarantee survivability.
SD-WAN technologies work together with redundant circuits from multiple carriers to harmoniously create a robust and reliable network infrastructure for organizations operating across vast geographical areas.
Considerations for Choosing a WAN Provider
When selecting a WAN provider, it is crucial to assess your specific business needs and requirements. Consider the scalability of the provider’s solutions – ensure they can accommodate future growth and changes in your network demands.
Reliability is key when choosing a WAN provider; downtime can be costly for any organization. Look for providers with a proven history of uptime and fast response times to minimize disruptions to your operations.
Security should be a top priority when evaluating potential WAN providers. Verify that the provider implements robust security measures such as encryption protocols and firewalls to protect your data from cyber threats.
Cost-effectiveness is another crucial factor to consider. Compare pricing plans from different providers and determine which one offers the best value for your budget while meeting all your connectivity needs.
Customer support plays a significant role in ensuring smooth operations. Opt for a WAN provider that offers reliable customer service and technical support to address any issues promptly and effectively.
As your telecom broker, we have dozens of relationships with various providers and can design and propose options that are simply not available from a single carrier direct sales representative.
Best Practices for Securing your WAN
When it comes to securing your Wide Area Network (WAN), implementing best practices is crucial. Many times, we propose integrated managed security options for our customers. In this fashion the carrier provides the SD-WAN equipment, the firewall and other security equipment and software, maybe even a managed VPN component for remote workers or smaller offices, along with some or all of the circuits.
Our experience has been that this type of deployment bundles all relevant required telecom and security services, while checking the boxes for a single low-cost offering. Also, this deployment offers “one throat to choke” regarding your company’s need for the lowest cost, most efficient and easily managed Wide Area Network option. Another benefit here is allowing you to go about more important tasks, knowing you have all bases covered when it comes to data transport.
By following these key steps and staying proactive in monitoring and managing your network provider, we can help you safeguard your data and systems from potential threats. Remember, a secure WAN not only protects your business data but also ensures smooth operations and peace of mind for you, your team, and your customers. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and use us as your technology expert to select a WAN integrated with managed security if it makes sense for your business.