VMware SD-WAN e01: Traditional vs SD WAN Architecture

Summary

In this video, Dmitry introduces SD-WAN technology and explores its benefits for businesses, particularly in overcoming the inefficiencies of traditional wide-area networks (WANs). He explains how SD-WAN optimizes traffic flow, reduces costs, and improves performance by leveraging various transport options like MPLS, broadband, and LTE. The video highlights key advantages such as simplified management, real-time visibility, and the ability to prioritize critical applications. Dmitry also compares traditional network models to next-generation SD-WAN, setting the stage for a deeper dive into VMware’s SD-WAN solution in the next session.

Takeaways

• 😀 SD-WAN technology offers significant benefits for businesses, including enhanced performance and cost savings.
• 😀 Traditional wide-area networks (WANs) are becoming inefficient due to the shift of applications to the cloud and the increasing use of personal devices and guests in the workplace.
• 😀 MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) networks can become expensive and less efficient for modern network needs.
• 😀 SD-WAN is a flexible, transport-agnostic solution that allows companies to use various network connections like broadband, LTE, and 5G to optimize traffic flow.
• 😀 One of the main benefits of SD-WAN is that it allows businesses to bypass congested centralized data centers by offering direct internet access for cloud-based applications like Office 365.
• 😀 SD-WAN can optimize traffic flow based on the quality of service, ensuring that critical applications like voice and video are prioritized over less important traffic.
• 😀 Companies can save on costs by using SD-WAN, as it reduces the need for expensive private MPLS lines and allows for more affordable internet-based transport options.
• 😀 SD-WAN solutions simplify network deployment and management, reducing the need for skilled personnel to configure network devices on-site.
• 😀 SD-WAN offers centralized management through an orchestrator, allowing for fast and remote configuration of network policies without the need for manual, CLI-based setups.
• 😀 SD-WAN improves network visibility and troubleshooting by providing real-time insights and remote management tools to detect and fix issues without on-site intervention.

Q & A

What is SD-WAN and why is it important?

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a technology that improves the performance and management of wide area networks by providing flexibility in connecting branches and data centers. It replaces traditional MPLS setups with more cost-effective, scalable, and efficient solutions by utilizing multiple transport options like broadband, LTE, and 4G.

What are the main challenges faced by traditional wide area networks?

Traditional WANs, especially those relying on MPLS, face challenges such as congestion, inefficiency, and high costs. They struggle with increased traffic due to cloud applications, user devices, guest networks, and IoT devices. Additionally, routing all traffic through centralized data centers creates latency and slows down access to critical resources.

How does SD-WAN address the issue of network congestion?

SD-WAN helps reduce network congestion by offering transport agnosticism, meaning it doesn’t rely solely on MPLS but allows the use of various broadband technologies such as LTE, 3G, 4G, and even internet connections. This flexibility enables optimal routing and reduces the need to funnel all traffic through a central data center, avoiding bottlenecks.

What is the advantage of using SD-WAN over traditional MPLS connections?

The main advantage of SD-WAN over MPLS is cost savings and scalability. SD-WAN reduces reliance on expensive private MPLS lines by enabling more affordable internet-based connections while still providing the same level of security and performance. It also allows businesses to scale their networks more easily.

How does SD-WAN improve the performance of business-critical applications?

SD-WAN improves the performance of business-critical applications by using quality of service (QoS) metrics to prioritize traffic. This ensures that high-priority applications, like VoIP and video conferencing, get the best network path and avoid delays or packet loss, which would negatively affect user experience.

What are the key benefits of SD-WAN in terms of network management?

SD-WAN simplifies network management by allowing for remote configuration and troubleshooting. It uses an orchestrator that can centrally manage network devices, apply business policies quickly, and troubleshoot remotely. This reduces the need for skilled on-site technicians and speeds up the deployment process.

How does SD-WAN provide flexibility in network connectivity?

SD-WAN offers flexibility by supporting various transport options, such as MPLS, broadband, LTE, 3G, and 4G. It allows businesses to create an overlay network that connects their branch offices to the data center and cloud resources without being dependent on any specific transport method, optimizing cost and performance.

What role does SD-WAN play in securing guest networks and IoT devices?

SD-WAN enhances security by providing visibility and control over all network traffic, including that from guests and IoT devices. By segmenting traffic and applying security policies, SD-WAN helps ensure that non-business-critical traffic does not compromise the integrity of the business network while maintaining access for guests and IoT devices.

Why is remote troubleshooting an important feature of SD-WAN?

Remote troubleshooting is crucial because it allows network administrators to resolve issues without physically visiting remote sites. This reduces downtime, speeds up problem resolution, and cuts down on travel and personnel costs, making network management more efficient and less resource-intensive.

How does SD-WAN help businesses reduce costs in the long run?

SD-WAN helps reduce costs by lowering the need for expensive MPLS lines and reducing the operational costs associated with network management. Its ability to use less costly broadband or LTE connections, combined with remote management and simplified troubleshooting, allows businesses to deploy networks more efficiently and save on both capital and operational expenditures.