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Are you the owner of a business that strives to keeps pace with digitalisation? Perhaps you wish to learn more about the advantages of SD-WAN solutions and how it can help your company grow? In this article, we have created a small introduction to the smart and reliable cloud-based wide area network and why you should consider implementing it. 

What is SD-WAN?

The continued increase in data transfer is increasing the demand on networks. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) is also seeing an increased demand for a high performing network - to avoid unstable and unsecured network connections associated with traditional solutions. It is time to switch to a modern Software-Defined WAN that uses the best practice in cloud infrastructure.

SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. Simply put is it a more extensive version of the Local Area Network. You might recognise LAN from at home or at the office. SD-WAN offers a flexible wide area private network. Why stick to local, when you can go bigger with your private network? That is where SD-WAN comes into the picture.

What is the difference between WAN and SD-WAN?

What separates the two is exactly how the architecture is put together. To explain how a traditional WAN network works, you are first presented with a data centre, which stores and manages input and output from each geographical branch, for example one of the offices. The WAN will connect multiple LAN's together, which will make it possible to communicate over a larger geographical area. In addition, each on premise server will need security applications to be deployed and managed individually. 

Traditionally business WAN provided through MPLS bandwidth connections are less flexible to deploy as they can take many weeks to months. This means setting up operations is a time consuming effort.

SD-WAN has taken the traditional WAN architecture and made it all software-based. This removes the need for backhauling traffic via a central data centre or on premise server infrastructure, where inspections made by security would have to be made. The streamlining of this process through cloud-based software makes the service much faster while keeping integrated security.  

How SD-WAN can help improve your business performance

Cloud SD-WAN is almost certainly relevant for you and your business. If your business requires a secure communication channel with other branches across a large geographical area, or you need high-quality network functions that can keep up with an increasing demand to maintain business-critical communication across wide areas, then SD-WAN is a necessity. 

Cloud services have become very popular in modern business because of its ease of acquisition, deployment for new sites and the high quality of the service. Getting started on using SD-WAN in your business is simple. Leading telecommunications companies like China Telecom (Europe) offer high quality advanced solutions for future-proofing your business with Software-Defined WAN.

Why exactly should you consider switching to a Software-Defined Wide Area Network? There are multiple areas in which a cloud-based WAN can enhance and streamline internal network connection processes. Some of the advantages of incorporating SD-WAN in your business include:

• Lower IT & Network Management costs while still maintaining strong SLAs

• High flexibility & Real-time adjustment to network conditions

• Highly stable connection & Improved overall end-user experience

• Enhance application traffic management

• Incorporated cloud security & Reduced WAN Complexity

SD-WAN by China Telecom (Europe) offers better connectivity and reduces the risk of high latency in your network. If network issues should arise, the IT department will be able to fix the problem remotely. Become more effective with increased productivity and lower the costs of managing critical applications, all while keeping your network secure

In a world that requires complex connections globally, SD-WAN is truly a must for the agile and modern business.