Businesses with multiple locations used to rely on MPLS, a private, carrier-managed network. It’s reliable but expensive. SD-WAN offers an alternative.

What is SD-WAN?

Software-defined WAN uses regular broadband, fiber, or LTE/5G links, and software to decide how traffic travels between sites and the cloud.

Key benefits

– Lower cost than MPLS circuits

– Multiple connections combined or used for failover

– Smart routing that prioritizes voice, video, and critical apps

– Direct cloud access without sending all traffic through headquarters

– Central management of all sites

– Faster deployment of new locations

Hardware needed

Each site gets an SD-WAN appliance (or a firewall with SD-WAN features). Many modern firewalls include it.

Things to consider

– Quality of local internet at each site

– Security: integrate firewall and filtering features

– Voice and video quality requirements

– Management and monitoring approach

– Contract terms with internet providers

When it fits

Companies with two or more sites, heavy cloud usage, or expensive legacy WAN contracts.

Start small

Pilot with one or two sites, measure performance, then expand.

DBR Soft can design a multi-site network that cuts costs and improves reliability. Contact us for more information.