Word of the Day: SD-WAN (software-defined WAN)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |January 4, 2018

SD-WAN (software-defined WAN) Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) is a technology that distributes network traffic across wide area networks (WAN) that uses software-defined networking (SDN) concepts to automatically determine the most effective way to route traffic to and from branch offices and data center sites. Most forms of SD-WAN technology create a virtual overlay that is transport-agnostic -- it abstracts underlying private or public WAN connections, like MPLS, internet broadband, fiber, wireless or Long Term Evolution (LTE). Enterprises can keep their existing WAN links, while overlay SD-WAN uses the multiple tunnels to optimize bandwidth by directing WAN traffic along the best route to and from branch offices and data center sites. SD-WAN technology centralizes network control and enables agile, real-time traffic management over these links. SD-WAN is managed by a centralized controller. The software enables IT staff to remotely program edge devices and reduce provisioning times, thus minimizing or eliminating the need to manually configure traditional routers in branch locations. While SD-WAN products and services vary among providers, most are based on one of two types: overlay SD-WAN or network as a service. With an overlay SD-WAN, a vendor provides an edge device to the customer that contains the software necessary to run the SD-WAN technology. For deployment, the customer plugs its WAN links into the device, which automatically configures itself with the network. Providers that offer SD-WAN as a type of network as a service enable their customers to access their own private networks. SD-WAN functionalities, like traffic prioritization and WAN optimization methods, are incorporated into the service. Read more... Quote of the Day "Over time, SD-WAN will provide enhanced support for IoT, mobility -- like Wi-Fi and 5G -- and evolve toward the concept of the software-defined branch." - Lee Doyle   Trending Terms overlay network WAN optimization IPsec MPLS VoIP hybrid WAN   Learning Center Cloud culture calls for flexible networks Cloud-based workloads demand more flexibility, so how can businesses rethink their WAN strategies to accommodate this. SD-WAN 2.0: What SD-WAN trends to look for in 2018 SD-WAN technology will continue to mature in 2018, but here are some of the major SD-WAN trends to keep an eye out for in the future. What are the top SD-WAN management concerns? SD-WAN deployments are increasing, but IT pros still have concerns about SD-WAN management. Expert Lee Doyle addresses some of the most common issues. SD-WAN explained: Getting your questions answered Read this compilation of questions and answers about SD-WAN, explained by SearchSDN experts. And let us know what SD-WAN questions you have. How does a managed SD-WAN service work? Networking expert John Burke discusses managed SD-WAN services and why providers hope offering such services to customers will win them a piece of the SD-WAN pie. Writing for Business There are a number of methods you can use to capture VoIP calls ___ a LAN. a. off b. off of Answer   Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.