SD-WAN, the New Network Technology
Discover how to efficiently manage Cloud technology in the context of your company's digital transformation. Our expert Hugues Stiernon, Deputy Director & Head of Telecom Solutions, explains the advantages of SD-WAN network technology.
What is SD-WAN technology?
SD-WAN—short for “Software-Defined Wide Area Network”—is a virtual architecture that abstracts the physical elements of a network, simplifying management and offering increasingly innovative and secure services. This technological advancement is revolutionizing how networks are approached, particularly as companies seek greater flexibility with resources distributed across multiple sites.
Traditionally, connecting IT resources between two remote sites relied on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). While MPLS allowed some traffic segregation, for example to prioritize voice or video, in today’s dynamic environment it no longer provides the needed flexibility.
Conventional networks based on classic routers were never truly designed for the cloud. In contrast, the SD-WAN model is built to differentiate routing for applications hosted on on-premises data centers, public or private clouds, and SaaS services, while delivering the highest performance levels.
Pooling network resources for greater flexibility
By abstracting hardware components, SD-WAN enables much more flexible management of connectivity elements. The solution allows organizations to pool network resources between remote sites and prioritize or segregate traffic across all available bandwidth, scaling as needed. Companies can route traffic via a dedicated infrastructure or a secure public connection depending on current requirements. This virtualization of network resources also helps optimize costs without compromising security.
A technology aligned with new business challenges
In a world where IT infrastructures are increasingly virtualized, SD-WAN perfectly meets the evolving challenges faced by businesses.
Companies now require end-to-end solutions with flexible multi-cloud capabilities. With SD-WAN, they can orchestrate computing resources across multiple networks to meet diverse application needs. SD-WAN also addresses scalability, meaning the technology can grow in line with organizational demands.
Security is another critical factor. Companies need to protect internal networks and apply security measures tailored to each application across the entire network. Beyond security, network virtualization is key: businesses expect SD-WAN to provide a holistic approach, enabling secure connectivity management under a unified governance model.
Finally, SD-WAN supports remote workers. Today, companies must offer solutions for employees working from home. SD-WAN allows seamless network extension to teleworkers and mobile users.
Adopt SD-WAN technology with Proximus NXT
Beyond meeting every business networking challenge, the Nuage Networks solution implemented by Proximus NXT allows networks to scale easily as organizations grow, prioritizing usage with advanced granularity by medium, application, or process.
SD-WAN facilitates cloud migration and enables international companies to extend their networks across other territories in just a few clicks.
In Luxembourg, Proximus NXT supports organizations in deploying SD-WAN technology, helping to evolve their networks using the Nuage Networks solution. Our experts assist with needs assessment, configuration, and implementation of the most suitable network solution.
