SD-WAN is a hybrid application of software-defined networking (SDN) and wide area network (WAN) connectors. Companies use SD-WAN solutions to link enterprise networks across large geographic areas. Businesses can connect remote offices and employees to securely deliver applications and information. These products eliminate a fair amount of hardware and service costs required to connect services through the cloud. The tools secure internet connections between end users and cloud-based applications. Many also provide virtualization features to enhance security even more through virtual private networks (VPN). These tools can also improve the quality and security of communications tools like voice over internet protocol (VoIP), web conferencing, and audio conferencing software solutions.
SD-WAN solutions are related to a lot of other IT infrastructure software, but have a unique set of characteristics and uses that set them apart. These dynamic software tools fulfill a range of network security, application optimization, and IT administration needs.
To qualify for inclusion in the SD-WAN category, a product must:
Support multiple WAN connectors
Ability to support VPNs, firewalls, or web gateways
Link SDN and WAN connectors
Sync networks across long distances
