What Is WAN Edge? WAN (wide area network) edge refers to all the security and networking infrastructure that connects various distributed enterprise locations (such as retail stores, branch offices, data centers, cloud environments, and schools) to other sites, as well as to data, applications, and services delivered from data centers and clouds. A combination of software and hardware delivers connectivity and works to provide security and reliability to the network.
WAN edge technology traditionally consisted of hardware such as edge routers (a.k.a. branch routers, which act as gateways at the edge of the network), WAN optimization solutions, and security appliances. Each item handled its own functions and the entire model centered around a conventional router. All traffic had to be backhauled from branch offices to a data center or hub in order for advanced security services to take place. This caused a significant delay, which resulted in a loss of productivity and a poor user experience.
There is an emerging need for the provision of additional capabilities over the network, such as seamlessly integrating public cloud environments, managing bi-directional connectivity to on-premise appliances, and running distributed application components at the edge. The influence of SD-WAN, digital transformation, and the increased adoption of the cloud are driving WAN edge technology improvements. Modern WAN edge infrastructure incorporates traditional routing functionality as well as network functions such as firewalls, secure routers, WAN optimization, WAN path control, SD-WAN (software-defined WAN).
Wide area networking (WAN) is a type of networking technology that provides enterprise locations with connectivity to disparate IT resources. These may include private and public data centers and cloud environments. WAN edge solutions connect users to enterprise resources as well as to IaaS (infrastructure as a service) and SaaS (software as a service).
A WAN edge technology that simplifies operations should:
The technology is evolving to a decentralized architecture capable of handling cloud workloads. Thus, WAN edge functionality can be delivered via physical or virtual appliances. In order to work, WAN edge infrastructure needs to be network-provider agnostic.
Current WAN edge technologies are increasingly influenced by SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) technologies. SD-WAN identifies business-critical applications and directs them over the most efficient route of the WAN.
WANs and SD-WANs vary in the following ways:
WAN |
SD-WAN |
|
Application Performance |
WAN architecture drives the traffic from the network edge via data centers for security checks before sending it to the network. This causes delays and issues with cloud performance. |
SD-WAN identifies and prioritizes critical application traffic. The system can detect where to send each app’s traffic, and distributes it to the closest cloud inspection service. |
Connectivity |
Transports the traffic over MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) from branch routers to data centers. |
Uses broadband and internet services, providing faster connectivity and extra bandwidth. |
Management and Visibility |
WAN architecture is typically siloed, which can be complicated when you need to orchestrate multiple licenses and vendors. |
Uses a unified management approach, with centralized policy creation and visibility. |
Security |
Typically uses a VPN (virtual private network) to create a secure tunnel and protect the data. |
Integrates advanced security mechanisms such as IPS (intrusion detection systems). |
Costs |
WAN infrastructure requires investment in hardware and it is generally expensive to update or expand the network. |
SD-WANs don’t require investing in hardware to scale or expand the network. Additionally, they use low-cost internet to transport information, thus they are cheaper than MPLS. |
Transforming the WAN (wide area network) edge by adding SD-WAN (software-defined WAN) functionality can improve productivity, simplify WAN operations and allow for better digital transformation and transition to the cloud.
Some advantages of transforming WAN edge capabilities include:
Current WAN edge technologies are increasingly influenced by SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) technologies. SD-WAN identifies business-critical applications and directs them over the most efficient route of the WAN.
WANs and SD-WANs vary in the following ways:
WAN |
SD-WAN |
|
Application Performance |
WAN architecture drives the traffic from the network edge via data centers for security checks before sending it to the network. This causes delays and issues with cloud performance. |
SD-WAN identifies and prioritizes critical application traffic. The system can detect where to send each app’s traffic, and distributes it to the closest cloud inspection service. |
Connectivity |
Transports the traffic over MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) from branch routers to data centers. |
Uses broadband and internet services, providing faster connectivity and extra bandwidth. |
Management and Visibility |
WAN architecture is typically siloed, which can be complicated when you need to orchestrate multiple licenses and vendors. |
Uses a unified management approach, with centralized policy creation and visibility. |
Security |
Typically uses a VPN (virtual private network) to create a secure tunnel and protect the data. |
Integrates advanced security mechanisms such as IPS (intrusion detection systems). |
Costs |
WAN infrastructure requires investment in hardware and it is generally expensive to update or expand the network. |
SD-WANs don’t require investing in hardware to scale or expand the network. Additionally, they use low-cost internet to transport information, thus they are cheaper than MPLS. |
Transforming the WAN (wide area network) edge by adding SD-WAN (software-defined WAN) functionality can improve productivity, simplify WAN operations and allow for better digital transformation and transition to the cloud.
Some advantages of transforming WAN edge capabilities include:
