SD-WAN: The Journey of Progress

After a big increase in the use of software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) right after the pandemic, some are now questioning if SD-WAN is becoming outdated. For those who have been following the tech industry closely, it seems like there’s always a new abbreviation and a push for the next big thing.

In mobile technology, the hunt is always for the next generation, like moving from 4G to 5G. Older technologies can quickly be labeled as obsolete, even if they’re still perfectly functional. The same can happen in networking, where proven technologies can suddenly be seen as outdated. But just like mobile tech, SD-WAN is still valuable and evolving.

Recent trends and reports suggest that SD-WAN might be overshadowed by newer concepts like secure service edge (SSE) and secure access service edge (SASE). However, it’s important not to get caught up in the hype.

As data traffic grows and cloud-based applications become more common, SD-WAN is still growing and improving. It’s integrating with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, which helps businesses manage their networks more effectively.

SD-WAN remains a core part of modern enterprise networking and security. It works well with the SASE framework, which combines managed cloud-based security with network security.

Looking back at the last few years, it’s clear that SD-WAN is not just a passing trend. Before the pandemic, many companies were already investing in distributed networks. The pandemic accelerated these efforts, making SD-WAN crucial for business continuity and supporting new hybrid work models.

Take Darling Ingredients, a global food company. Before the pandemic, they started switching from old MPLS networks to SD-WAN. During the pandemic, their use of SD-WAN multiplied. It allowed them to get better bandwidth at lower costs and improved their Microsoft Office 365 experience by routing traffic through a dedicated network rather than the Internet.

Cloud computing has boosted the demand for SD-WAN. Even before the pandemic, companies sought faster connectivity and better network resilience. By 2024, businesses will be investing in SD-WAN to optimize cloud connections and enhance security.

According to GTT Communications’ May 2024 report, SD-WAN is still key for improving cloud connectivity and supporting productivity while enhancing cybersecurity. The research shows that most current SD-WAN deployments optimize cloud connections and strengthen security. As networks become more complex, businesses see SD-WAN as essential for linking all their cloud locations.

Many businesses are upgrading their SD-WAN systems regularly to keep up with the increasing complexity and innovation. Security remains a top priority, with many companies planning to integrate it into their SD-WAN strategies, whether through multiple suppliers or a single provider.