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For IT and network administrators, creating a better, faster, seamless network has always been a top concern. However, the use and ubiquity of third-party platforms in the business ecosystem, including big data and analytics, cloud, and hosted applications, are straining the existing networks, hampering the productivity of the organisations. In this context, the role of SD-WAN (an acronym for Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is much appreciated. SD-WAN has become the most efficient solution for procuring integrated application connections. It significantly eases routing and network management, boosting security, helping in cost-savings for IT teams, and providing a more straightforward route to the hybrid cloud.

How SD-WAN Helps In Bettering Application Performance?

SD-WAN comes with several benefits that help accelerate the application’s performance.

• Swiftness and Flexibility There are specific applications like VoIP and Unified Communications that demand high bandwidth. Most such applications use WAN optimisation technologies. But in several instances, these WAN solutions need to be more sophisticated to support bandwidth-intensive applications. SD-WAN offers an excellent solution in this regard. SD-WAN offers immense visibility and flexibility, making it the preferred platform for running such applications. With the help of hybrid deployment, users can shift traffic between MPLS and Public Internet connections. As such, SD-WAN offers a seamless and undeterred experience as far as application performance is concerned. With enhanced speed, organisations using SD-WAN can better their application performance manifold times.

• Better Load Balance Different applications require different levels of services, and IT networks are filled with applications that come with their specific requirements. Each application has a unique set of specifications. Performance-sensitive applications tend to congest the network and hamper the performance of other applications. SD-WAN solutions help in this regard. They provide adaptable pathways in keeping with individual application requirements. This way, the congestion in the network is done away with as the traffic is diverted to alternate channels that are not so busy. This also helps with a data transfer that is far more trustworthy and is not lost or blocked as in other cases.

• Affordable Price SD-WAN is far more affordable and flexible than traditional WAN. However, traditional WAN provides each site with pricey custom routers and carrier MPLS. This kind of solution is not only expensive, but it is also tough to change as per requirements. It is especially true for businesses operating internationally or with highly advanced IT environments. Businesses can utilise any available connection to provide connectivity in the case of SD-WAN. These sites can be quickly turned up, thanks to the versatility of SD-WAN. The SD-WAN, along with off-the-shelf hardware, decreases capital expenses, does away with the requirement of maintenance contracts, and eliminates the need for deploying expensive professional services to set up the network. With SD-WAN, network characteristics and hardware profiles are automatically configured and deployed. Adding new websites to the existing WAN becomes easy with SD-WAN; all it requires is a click of a button and a few data entries.

As is apparent, using SD-WAN enhances the performances of the applications to entirely new heights altogether, but simply switching over to the SD-WAN platform does not help. SD-WAN is only a part of the solution; there are other requirements that businesses need to acquire to improve their application performances. One such requirement is WAN optimisation. SD-WAN solutions with WAN optimisation and application acceleration technology are the real game changers. Solutions like these help businesses to open files over 100 Mbps connections in just 90 seconds. Similar file-opening processes would take close to 20 minutes in an environment without SD-WAN. With the help of such solutions, businesses cannot only enhance their productivity to new levels but the cost incurred in installing such a solution would be paid off within a month itself, thanks to such high productivity levels.

A combination of cyber security measures is synergised to mutually support one another to deliver a higher level of protection. A unified system of various network security is called integrated network security. Through integrated network security, multiple levels of protection can be engulfed into a single cohesive system. The different layers coordinate to offer wholesome protection for your enterprise data. Creating an integrated network security system includes selecting the right hardware & software, services, deployment, and configuration.

Integrated network security is also known as the defence-in-depth approach. The focus is on protecting data from different angles in contrast to just a single strategy. With multiple security levels, it is the right way to secure your network.

The significance of Integrated Network Security Architecture It helps to protect from cyber threats. It gives a panoramic view of the network, which is necessary to maintain a reliable and secure network. It is important to include it in your IT infrastructure. It helps to protect the IT resources and data of your enterprise. Every piece of data is crucial and needs to be protected, so this integrated network security architecture is the right choice.

Standard practices in Integrated Network Security Architecture

1. Conducting threat assessment It is crucial to identify the threats before determining how to neutralise them. Identify the potential risks by thinking like the attacker. The threats may be umpteen the company needs to decide on the technology and plug its vulnerabilities. Threats are harmful, while vulnerabilities are weaknesses exploited by the threats. The company should develop a strong response plan to combat threats.

Threats can be categorised into two types: Technical threats are where a network is compromised through malware, interrupting the normal operations of the system. Technical threats include hacking, DoS attack, malware, etc. In this case, security vulnerabilities gain access to the data and IT resources.

Non-Technical threats are the handy work of the insiders involved in fraudulent activities like data theft, etc.

2. Business Impact Analysis It is a useful strategy to identify the impact of the disruption in the event of a cyber-attack. It helps to locate the risk in the network leading to an attack. The analysis should be done in coordination with the risk management team and the stakeholders in the organisation.

3. Strategy for overcoming security incidents Security threats have become common these days; they can negatively impact the reputation of the organisation. Devising suitable strategies with clarity on procedures, responsibilities, and priorities can protect from security incidents.

4. Analyse the intensity of the threat. The primary step while facing a security threat is to analyse the intensity of the threat. Verify if the threat needs scrutiny from an experienced analyst. If the intensity is less, a low-level employee can handle the task.

Integrated Security and SD-WAN When it comes to handling security concerns, SD-WAN is far more agile and reliable when compared to legacy WAN architectures. SD-WAN delivers centralised management making remote working seamless. This can leave room for security threats. If the remote user lacks security controls, the corporate network could be compromised. SD-WAN with integrated security can protect against unforeseen threats.

Remote users and branch offices connect to the central corporate server through dedicated carrier circuits. The internet traffic moving to and fro remote sites are backhauled across these connections. The data centre should have enterprise-class security tools to prevent threats. But as the traffic increased, the organisations looked for alternatives. Now remote users connect directly to the internet to access cloud applications. This has burdened the IT team, as they have to manage, implement and support a stack of security applications and appliances at the remote level. This has given rise to SD-WAN integrated security solutions.

SD-WAN adds next-generation firewalls (NGFW) to secure your local internet connection from threats. The NGFW has an intrusion prevention system (IPS) that monitors the network for any malicious action and violation of security protocols. Not all SD-WAN comes with security tools, and the organisation must implement these tools at an additional cost. SMOAD SD-WAN comes with advanced security features to prevent, identify and block security threats.

SD-WAN is equally lauded by industry experts alike. They all agree that it is futuristic and cannot be ignored if you want to take your business to the next level. Modern businesses rely on critical cloud applications, and SD-WAN has made this journey smooth and simple. When it comes to directing application delivery, inducing application performance, unified network management, improving business agility, and increasing revenue, industry experts have always relied on SD-WAN.

Statistics to prove the worthiness of SD-WAN

Gartner estimates that SD-WAN solutions bring 50% savings on OPEX and CAPEX compared to WAN routers. SD-WAN adoption is growing in leaps and bounds, and Gartner recommends piloting SD-WAN solutions for remote offices to compensate for the WAN transportation and equipment expenses.

Forester’s Technology Adoption Profile reveals that 90% of network managers are eager to evolve WAN using a Software-defined approach.

IDC’s Brad Casemore says that the increase in SD-WAN usage is not only because of cloud services adoption but also due to the data migration from the enterprise branch onto the internet, provisioning, and cutting down the cost of WAN management.

Expert comments on SD-WAN as the future of networking

Gartner’s analyst Andrew is a specialist in emerging network architecture technologies. In his recent blog, he registers that SD-WAN may not counter all the demerits of WAN and does not suit all branch office settings. Still, it is a simplified and affordable network, as many enterprises are unhappy with their existing WANs.

H&R Block IT architect Erik Fritzler in his magazine article, ‘A C-level view of SD-WAN,’ says that SD-WAN is not just restricted to offering cost-saving networking solutions but also offers architectural transformation, thereby cutting down on CAPEX and OPEX expenses based on what solutions are deployed.

A network designer, author, and teacher, Ivan Pepelnjak has been in networks for three decades. He says that SD-WAN has a huge role as it slowly replaces MPLS and VPN networks with encoded transport across the public internet. In SD-WAN, internet access is cheaper when compared to traditional circuits. This replacement of conventional circuits with SD-WAN will be a sure shot at saving costs.

In his article on SD-WAN, Steve Garson suggests that the market is mature enough to understand that SD-WAN cannot exist alone. It is merging with other sophisticated technologies and becoming a larger bundle where SD-WAN merges with security.

In his recent post, an executive at IBM Security, Ben Hendrick, talks about the zero-trust models used in security infrastructures. Speaking of SD-WAN benefits, he says that it offers improved network security.

Roopa Honnachari from Frost & Sullivan explains the benefits of SD-WAN in her article, “The meteoric rise of SD-WAN: what is driving market demand?” She puts it that SD-WAN allows you to use a combination of public and private networks. It helps manage costs by giving enterprises the advantage of optimizing application performance at a lower price with excellent control of remote branches. SD-WAN is watched with great interest by verticals like banking, retail, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services.

A veteran in IT affairs and an award-winning journalist Dave Greenfield is working with Cato Networks as a secure networking evangelist. He talks of SD-WAN benefits in his recent post. He says that SD-WAN edge routers increase production by automating application traffic routing with live monitoring of the conditions. SD-WAN embraces zero-touch provisioning to remove the primitive command line interfaces often marred with errors and slow deployments. Modern enterprises have long moved away from legacy networking solutions like MPLS.

In his article, a Principal Research Analyst at Nemertes Research, John Burke, evaluates the present SD-WAN scenario. He clarifies that SD-WAN has redefined a vast area network with server virtualization that has changed how data centres function in a decade.

With SMOAD SD-WAN and 5G, you can have it all!

The mobile data service takes a new leap with 5G, with speed being a concern. The new buzzword is 5G in the internet space, thanks to the recent launch early this month. The recent introduction of 5G offers faster data services equal to wired WAN. In the near future, 5G radio deployments can push the bandwidth over 1GB with low latency.

Does SD-WAN fit in 5G networks?

When SD-WAN is combined with 5G services, branch offices stand to gain enhanced reliability, high-speed bandwidth, and rapid provisioning. Large enterprises can benefit from SD-WAN and 5G services, providing faster connectivity. The new technology can replace wired services with wireless services facilitating LTE at remote locations. For instance, chains of hotels, retail stores, telemedicine, etc., can benefit immensely from SD-WAN in 5G networks during downtime or slow connection in the wired circuits.

The benefits of using SD-WAN in 5G networks

SD-WAN is the preferred technology to channel traffic across WAN links. The internet link security and performance are enhanced significantly to increase the bandwidth of the WAN at an affordable price. SD-WAN offers complete visibility from LAN, WAN, cloud, and devices. 5G gives the advantage of adding SD-WAN-driven architecture. The 5G links protect from cable cuts and outages as it is simple and offers link diversity.

The cableless option is an excellent alternative to MPLS, Integrated Service Digital Networks, DSL, and broadband. Without cables, 5G is easier to manage, deploy and buy. SD-WAN comes with multiple links for redundancy, traffic segmentation, and balancing. 5G is seen as WAN transport, but did you know that it can offer out-of-band management potentiality, where network resources can be accessed through external means?

The advantages include the following:

Simple link provisioning QoS and link redundancy Diversified connectivity options for remote locations Network slicing offers superior application performance Enhanced visibility, security, and traffic management Supports edge computing Functionality of branch sites is increased Affordable costing

Before the industrial revolution and the unknown age of machines, manpower was the primary resource to run a factory. Then came machines, followed by automation. The advent of machine learning, machine communication, SD-WAN technology, edge computing, and cloud connectivity features are transforming how industries function. Adapting to automated infrastructures to enhance end-product quality has become the order of the day. Whether it is the manufacturing industry or the logistics, the importance of SD-WAN in these sectors cannot be disregarded.

The logistic wing of manufacturing units has relied on the traditional MPLS system or LTE to ensure connectivity between two sites or locations. But with the increasing use of IoT devices and communication technologies, these agencies need an intelligent and more reliable cloud connectivity solution like 4G routers and SD-WAN connectivity.

Supply Chain Connectivity & Production Efficiency with SD-WAN

For the efficient running of a manufacturing unit, instant access to the supply chain and production status is crucial. Most companies use MPLS connections to meet their logistic requirement. Still, they have access to only a limited bandwidth owing to cost constraints. With SD-WAN, this problem is eliminated. SD-WAN offers seamless connectivity over a vast geographic location, which is the most cost-effective.

How is this achieved?

Installation of Network edge equipment is done at each manufacturing unit. After that, a cloud-based SD-WAN controller automatically maintains connectivity to the cloud and manufacturing sites. Seamless connection and non-stop production can be achieved when you use SD-WAN routers for your company. Since SD-WAN’s connectivity improves production rates and operational efficiency, factory downtime can be eradicated. Manufacturing heads have better control over what’s being produced, and they have instant control over the production as well as supply chain process:

Easy scheduling of production resources is made possible. The supply chain can ensure that the production unit receives the materials required for assembling. Quality control can easily collaborate with the shipping unit and help reduce the cost associated with storing goods on docks.

With SD-WAN, manufacturers can rest assured that their entire business remains connected. This way, the teams will have instant information on what’s happening. If an unplanned situation pops up, everyone can collaborate and resolve it quickly.

How do Logistics Benefit from SD-WAN?

1. Cost-Effectiveness Logistic Companies quickly expand their business across different locations. Though business grows significantly, connectivity and managing operation become more and more complex. Adding WAN links to newly acquired branches increases the operational cost. SD-WAN cuts down this cost and, most importantly, quickly establishes connectivity without any manual intervention.

2. Security With SD-WAN, you can ensure the security of customers and product data. One of its main features is traffic encryption, which allows administrators to prevent traffic from coming from less secure locations. Most providers are now offering threat intelligence features that make supply chain security more accessible and efficient for administrators to manage.

3. Easy Configuration You don’t have to hire a costly tech team to incorporate SD-WAN into your locations. SD-WAN comes with an easy DIY deployment model, and you will only need the assistance of your IT team to understand how to handle the traffic.

4. Flexibility As new locations are added to your logistic business, you will need to install connectivity devices in each area. With SD-WAN, you can stop worrying about tedious manual installation work at each unit. You can deploy connectivity at any site with the help of SD-WAN and have them monitored from a centralized location.

The introduction of SD-WAN is bound to make you think it is complex and challenging to integrate and incorporate within your IT infrastructure. But once your network engineers get a grip on it, managing it and taking advantage of its benefits will be easier. It is the job of SD-WAN providers to provide a product and service offering which is simple, efficient, plug n play and can be deployed quickly across all your branch offices.

“Mark Baker, CIO of JAS, exclaimed that his network engineers had no idea about SD-WAN usage, and it took time for them to realize that they would no longer be managing networks but would be working with application developers and users instead to identify the best way to deliver an application anywhere in the world.” One of the enormous problems faced by logistic companies is latency. SD-WAN helps resolve this issue. If you are looking for ways to improve the productivity and operations of your logistics, connect with an SD-WAN provider to help you with the best connectivity solution.

STOCK MOVEMENT MADE EASY WITH SMOAD SD-WAN

SMOAD has driven the way for intelligent path selection for better signal strength and zero downtime. SMOAD SD-WAN solutions offer affordable supply chain management, ensuring the timely movement of goods. The Broadband and LTE option promises connectivity at all times. Critical traffic is moved to the primary link for priority over others. SMOAD SD-WAN is the most happening technology in manufacturing logistics.

The pandemic has taught us to manage with limited resources available to us. Most importantly, it has altered how we make purchases and pay for products and pushed millions of retail shop owners to change and adapt to business models that would suit their customers’ needs and interests. Even after the pandemic subsides, retailers will continue to equip their businesses to digitally stand out in the crowd. To support their marketing strategies, retailers must implement better connectivity and internet structures to help customers enjoy uninterrupted online purchases.

Smart Connectivity – A Necessity to Urbanise Rural Areas Maintaining a seamless connection with simple WAN infrastructure can be pretty challenging for retail owners with multiple locations. SD-WAN comes as a blessing to such stores; it uses the best available network route and enables network traffic to be prioritised as required. For shop owners operating in rural and semi-urban areas, a combination of managed wireless and IP connectivity with SD-WAN can be used instead of solely depending on MPLS or regular broadband alone. When numerous managed communications are coupled with SD-WAN, you can enjoy uninterrupted network connectivity and finally get rid of the fear of POS terminal failures resulting in sales drop.

Retailers have started using SD-WAN to centralise communication across the multiple stores they own. Stores located in remote areas (with low bandwidth) can also be managed from a single location. This centralised structure also allows easy technical troubleshooting, and the retail shop owners benefit from the cost-effectiveness and reliability that this smart connectivity option offers.

How Does SD-WAN Aid in The Digital Transformation of Retail Chains?

SD-WAN has successfully delivered reliable connectivity that retailers desire to avail for their in-store and eCommerce processes. Here are the 5 significant ways SD-WAN has assisted in the digital transformation of retail chains.

1) Free Wi-Fi in Local stores While most consumers prefer shopping online, there are chances that they would visit the physical store as well. Most consumers, especially women, prefer trying out a product in person and getting the feel of it before making a purchase. Another behaviour to be noted about such consumers is that they love comparing deals and prices which leads them to rely on connectivity even when inside a store. Hence, retailers must consider offering free Wi-Fi to consumers visiting their stores. This will help them improve consumer experience and help identify the customer’s preferences, frequency of visits, and behavioural patterns.

SD-WAN allows retail owners to offer free Wi-Fi without compromising the quality of connection, the working ability of payment portals, and other digitally reliant processes.

2) Digital Connection with Consumers Implementing digital communication and online support is essential for customers who prefer shopping online and have never visited a physical store. This allows them to connect virtually with the store’s customer relationship officer and have their questions answered and considered. SD-WAN can handle even high-bandwidth software and applications such as live video calls and audio chats. This live support service may continue even after the pandemic disappears.

3) Secure Omni-Channel Payments The pandemic has not only given rise to multiple shopping options but has also drastically changed the way consumers prefer to make payments for the goods they buy. SD-WAN helps expand connectivity across a vast region, thus allowing retailers to accept payments at different locations and mediums. With the flexibility of payment methods, security also becomes a matter of concern. With SD-WAN, retailers can enjoy secure payment options.

4) Smart Cameras When retailers install smart cameras in stores, they enjoy the benefit of the security it offers, and most importantly, it also helps analyse the customers’ purchase patterns. But with so many smart devices and applications on the network, the quality of connectivity shouldn’t be compromised. SD-WAN allows retailers to manage traffic and prevent the network from getting overloaded effectively.

5) Optimising inventory systems Efficiently managing the inventory system is the key to successfully completing a sale. The pressure from customers for eCommerce options and faster delivery has made retailers look for quicker inventory checks, automating high-demand stocks and real-time tracking. SD-WAN streamlines the operations and removes network downtime to keep your system functioning round the clock.

Most business organisations have started realising the numerous benefits that SD-WAN has got to offer. SD-WAN has helped retailers modernise the traditional Wide Area Network to ensure the supply of better connections, enhance customer experience, and efficiently manage cloud-enabled applications. If you haven’t considered implementing SD-WAN to support your business, it’s high time that you understand the benefits of embracing the capabilities of SD-WAN.

How important is good connectivity to keep your customers inside the store for a longer time?

Strong Internet connectivity is the key to running a store successfully. Due to extensive competition, adapting to new software, IoT technology, artificial intelligence, Chatbots, etc., have become a standard feature among retail store owners. POS, kiosks, Cashless Payment systems, and automatized Inventory management are some functions that deeply rely on solid network connectivity.

Gone are the days when people had to rely on a manual register to track down orders and manage inventory. Consumers have started upgrading to the latest technologies, and they would expect the same from stores they visit. To enhance the in-store experience, uninterrupted connectivity is the key.

The customer experience reaches a dead end with frequent outages. As per a recent survey report, if a point of sale (POS) system is down by even a minute, a business could suffer a loss of $4,700 on average. Besides the loss of revenue, one may have to deal with a decline in customer satisfaction, and a business may lose potential customers. Even a small outage can have a drastic impact on businesses and can quickly damage the store’s reputation.

How Does A Strong Network Communication System Help Your Business?

Stand out from the crowd, you need to be innovative if you want your business to stand out and stay ahead of all businesses. With better connectivity, you can incorporate numerous software and technologies to improve the consumer experience.

Use technology Efficiently

There are numerous software and smart technologies that can help you deliver an exceptional consumer experience. With a strong network connection in place, you can enjoy the freedom of being free from downtime.

Optimize Internet-based Software

You have to keep evolving and be better at what you offer to stay ahead of the competition. Everything, from CRM to inventory managing software, helps support easy business management. The applications have to keep evolving and improving if you want your business to excel. The growth of a business dies if there’s no space for innovation and evolvement. Hence, you must make sure that you choose a network infrastructure that caters to your current requirement and offers space for optimization.