SD-WAN
Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) technology creates a virtual network overlay over the physical infrastructure of an enterprise WAN. Explore how SD-WAN works, the benefits and challenges, troubleshooting advice and deployment best practices.
Top Stories
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Conference Coverage
15 May 2025
Cisco Live 2025 conference coverage and analysis
Cisco Live 2025 will largely focus on the need to modernize infrastructure with AI capabilities. Use this guide to follow along with conference news and analysis. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2024
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN gets satellite support
Satellite connectivity lets Broadcom offer the VeloCloud SD-WAN as an option for linking IoT devices to the global network from environments without reliable internet access. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2024
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN gets satellite support
Satellite connectivity lets Broadcom offer the VeloCloud SD-WAN as an option for linking IoT devices to the global network from environments without reliable internet access. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jul 2024
CASB vs. SASE: What's the difference?
CASB and SASE enhance network and SaaS application security. CASB acts as a security layer for cloud services, while SASE integrates networking and security into one framework. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2024
Compare 5 single-vendor SASE providers
SASE has broad enterprise appeal because it combines security and connectivity. With so many vendor options available, enterprises might need help narrowing the search. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Jul 2024
HPE Discover 2024: Aruba Networking moves to center stage
HPE has made enterprise networking a critical part of its portfolio, with updates around AI, Aruba's networking tools, and the upcoming acquisition of Juniper. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 May 2024
SD-WAN vs. load balancing: How are they different?
Load balancing is beneficial for network traffic distribution. SD-WAN can use load balancing for WAN connections, but it doesn't require load balancing to reap other benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
SD-WAN security
SD-WAN security refers to the practices, protocols and technologies protecting data and resources transmitted across software-defined wide area network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2024
SASE reality check: What should organizations expect?
Enterprises interested in SASE must grapple with challenges and misinformation about the tool. Businesses should discern SASE's true benefits before adoption. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2024
What is SD-WAN (software-defined WAN)? Ultimate guide
Software-defined WAN is a technology that uses software-defined networking concepts to distribute network traffic across a wide area network, or WAN. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2024
How SD-WAN for home offices supports remote work
The market maturation of SD-WAN is leading companies to consider extending the technology to remote workers. Companies should ask three important questions before taking that step. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2024
SASE vs. SD-WAN: What's the difference?
SASE and SD-WAN are two similar architectures administrators use to provide secure network access, but they differ in terms of deployment, security, connectivity and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2024
VPNs persist amid the rise of ZTNA, other VPN alternatives
VPN use continues despite its outdated status in the networking industry. But usage has declined as enterprises make room for remote access alternatives, like ZTNA, SASE and more. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
04 Mar 2024
SASE drives network and security team collaboration
Successful SASE implementation requires network and security team collaboration. Research from EMA reveals shared responsibilities and multivendor strategies enhance teamwork. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2024
4 key SD-WAN trends to watch
Managed services, secure remote access, AI applications and 5G wireless network connectivity are four important trends that should propel the SD-WAN market. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Nov 2023
Palo Alto Networks SASE Converge updates boost security, UX
With the announcement of its latest SASE portfolio updates and the acquisition of Talon, Palo Alto Networks connects the dots between security and performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Nov 2023
SASE vs. NaaS: What's the difference?
SASE and NaaS are network models with different goals. SASE combines SD-WAN with cloud-based security, while NaaS lets businesses outsource network management via a subscription model. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2023
SD-WAN deployments feed SASE network and security convergence
Enterprise Strategy Group's Bob Laliberte discusses the latest findings in his newly released report and why SD-WAN's direct cloud connectivity feeds SASE business initiatives. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2023
5G and SD-WAN bring benefits to branch locations and beyond
Individually, 5G and SD-WAN promise many benefits for businesses. As a pair, 5G and SD-WAN could specifically enhance network connectivity for remote employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Aug 2023
SD-WAN consumption to change as NaaS market matures
NaaS is a cloud model that could provide a compelling way for enterprises to consume SD-WAN and other network services. Despite its potential, though, growth projections are slow. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
VMware revamps cloud software for edge management
VMware's new Edge Cloud Orchestrator, formerly VMware SASE Orchestrator, manages VMware's edge compute and SD-WAN systems. Carmaker Audi plans to use the product in its factories. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2023
5 trends for SD-WAN managed services
Enterprises interested in managed SD-WAN must evaluate essential considerations. Top trends include hybrid operations, vendor consolidation and AI-driven networking. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2023
Network modernization benefits and challenges
The benefits of network modernization include better visibility and automated configuration. The challenges include integration with existing tools and cost concerns. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2023
Automation, orchestration software fuel network modernization
In some ways, network modernization means cutting manual configuration errors and relying on automation and orchestration to achieve unified network management. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
01 May 2023
The creeping threat and challenges of multivendor SD-WAN
Geographic considerations are often a key reason why organizations adopt multivendor SD-WAN. But these network environments have significant disadvantages. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Apr 2023
In WAN evolution, is software-defined now implied?
Networking trends and innovations, such as automation and network as a service, have started to ingrain software-defined principles into WAN environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2023
SD-WAN and MPLS costs more complementary than clashing
An SD-WAN vs. MPLS cost comparison is not always an either-or decision. Organizations often implement both technologies to enhance network traffic performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2023
A deep dive into SD-WAN troubleshooting and monitoring
Whether in the throes of SD-WAN issues or preparing for the future, network teams should have practical steps to follow when troubleshooting SD-WAN environments. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2023
Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN: How do they compare?
While comparing traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN, network professionals can see the many benefits of SD-WAN, including centralized control and dynamic traffic management. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2023
5 common SD-WAN challenges and how to prepare for them
SD-WAN technology has its fair share of risk factors, some of which include cost reduction and management. Find out how your IT team can prepare for these challenges. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2023
WAN optimization (WAN acceleration)
WAN optimization -- also known as WAN acceleration -- is a collection of technologies and techniques used to improve the efficiency of data transfer across a wide area network (WAN) between organizations' centralized data centers and their remote locations. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2023
How to build an SD-WAN RFP to evaluate vendors
There are key questions that belong in your SD-WAN request for proposal. Use them to better assess vendor features and capabilities, architecture, cost savings and PoCs. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2023
5 steps to migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN
To migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN, you need a plan. Use these five steps as a guideline to avoid MPLS contract disasters, unexpected costs and delayed installation. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
Follow these 9 steps for SD-WAN testing before deployment
Before an SD-WAN implementation, you'll want to run the system through a battery of tests to check for things like failover, packet delivery and traffic segregation. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
WAN (wide area network)
A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically distributed private telecommunications network that interconnects multiple local area networks (LANs). Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2023
Top 9 SD-WAN benefits for businesses
Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2023
SD-branch
SD-branch is a single, automated, centrally managed software-centric platform that replaces or supplements an existing branch network architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2023
SD-WAN comparison chart: 10 vendors to assess
This SD-WAN vendor comparison chart is a useful starting point to evaluate information about deployment options, pricing, security, cloud connectivity and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2023
3 important SD-WAN security considerations and features
Device onboarding, control plane security and data plane security are three crucial SD-WAN security considerations enterprises should research when choosing an SD-WAN vendor. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2023
Cisco Viptela SD-WAN integrates with SASE for better security
Cisco Viptela SD-WAN integration with Cisco+ Secure Connect brings cloud-based security to remote workers and easier collaboration between IT security and networking teams. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Extreme Networks extends network fabric to the edge
Extreme Networks extends its SD-WAN network fabric to the edge to unify wired, wireless and WAN networking for simpler network control and more application performance monitoring. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Feb 2023
How hybrid access as a service supports hybrid work
Hybrid access as a service from a startup helped a global company secure optimized connectivity over home broadband connections. Could HAaaS replace VPNs? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2023
The role of automation in SD-WAN
API integration, machine learning and AIOps are vital to achieve the benefits of SD-WAN automation, which include better network performance and faster operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2023
Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning
Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2023
Industry outlook on MEF's new zero-trust, SASE standards
MEF recently released new zero-trust and SASE standards. Standardizations can help with interoperability, but are they necessary for vendors and service providers to follow? Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2022
Cisco teases new capabilities with SD-WAN update
Cisco SD-WAN 17.10 enhancements give enterprises the option of using security service edge providers Cloudflare and Netskope in secure access service edge deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2022
Evaluate various SASE approaches for deployment
Enterprises must choose between single- or multivendor SASE approaches, as well as DIY or managed service options. Experts suggest considering use cases to simplify SASE deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2022
5G for WWAN interest grows as enterprises go wireless-first
As interest in wireless-first WAN connectivity increases, network pros might want to consider using 5G to enable WWAN links. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Sep 2022
Planning the journey from SD-WAN to SASE
Enterprises need integrated security and networking frameworks to manage distributed IT environments and are looking to SD-WAN and security options like SASE to get the job done. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Valmont Industries tests network as a service to improve WAN
Valmont Industries wants an agile WAN that the company can modify in days instead of months. The global manufacturer is testing network-as-a-service provider Graphiant. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2022
SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges
SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2022
What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know
Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
Extreme Networks integrates acquisitions with SD-WAN, switch
After five major acquisitions in six years, Extreme Networks is prioritizing a unified, cloud-managed environment with SD-WAN, switches and a digital twin. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2022
How enterprise networks use WAN virtualization
SD-WAN is the most common form of WAN virtualization. But virtual WAN strategies are evolving to include software-defined perimeter and cloud concepts. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2022
Network virtualization benefits in the LAN, WAN and data center
Better traffic performance, scalability and security are some of the network virtualization benefits that enterprises can realize across their network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2022
Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services
Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2022
Cisco's SD-WAN Version 17.8 supports OnRamp for more apps
The newest version of Cisco's SD-WAN brings Cloud OnRamp support to NBAR applications like Slack or GitHub and custom apps and adds greater visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2022
Is it time to ditch the WAN for other connectivity options?
With the prevalence of remote work, cloud applications and internet connectivity, will enterprises ditch the WAN to save money and time? Maybe not everyone. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2022
7 steps of an SD-WAN implementation
Organizations interested in implementing SD-WAN need to collect site profiles and requirements, analyze their options, perform tests and evaluate the results. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2022
Cisco adds Webex support to SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp
Cisco's SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp integration with Webex brings the number of supported cloud platforms and SaaS applications to 14. Cisco plans to add automation to Cloud OnRamp next. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jan 2022
Pairing SD-WAN, UCaaS together has benefits and challenges
Organizations may combine SD-WAN and UCaaS to gain synergies and avoid multivendor complexities. But the combination of the two technologies can create challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2021
Explore 9 essential elements of network security
Network security isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy. Dive into the various segments of network security, and learn how they overlap and interact with each other. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2021
5 trends in enterprise networking that defined 2021
In 2020, enterprises shifted to remote work due to the pandemic. The trend continued in 2021, along with four other networking trends that defined the year and will extend into 2022. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Dec 2021
The top 5 networking technology trends for 2022
A yearly check-in on the top networking technology trends reveals more of the same themes, including the ongoing development of SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2021
Aryaka releases SASE, managed SD-WAN offerings
Aryaka's managed SD-WAN and SASE products for midsize enterprises deliver their services over the company's new L3 private core. Aryaka plans to ship the products next year. Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2021
Aruba unveils EdgeConnect Microbranch for home office
IT staff can use the Aruba Central management console to onboard EdgeConnect Microbranch devices, which deliver wireless connectivity, security and traffic management. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
Comcast Business to acquire network service provider Masergy
Masergy could bring needed midsize to large enterprise business to Comcast Business. Masergy, based in Plano, Texas, provides managed SD-WANs, cloud security and UCaaS. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2021
Cloud-based network management leads 2021 network investments
A recent ESG survey shows that many enterprises speeding their digital transformation plans are also increasing 2021 network investment, emphasizing cloud-based network management. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2021
Aruba product integrations advance its SASE strategy
Aruba's latest SASE-related integrations involve the Silver Peak-based SD-WAN, Threat Defense and the ClearPass Policy Manager. More product integrations are likely. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2021
VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud optimizes edge device connectivity
VMware's SD-WAN product provides optimized edge device connectivity to deliver workloads and data to end users, but a few issues dampen its benefits. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2021
Pandemic pushes enterprise connectivity to take a new path
COVID-19 delivered a connectivity shock to businesses. But savvy network execs were primed -- and are now showing the way forward in 2021 with SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2021
News briefs: Koch Industries picks Alkira, Palo Alto
Koch industries combines Alkira networking and Palo Alto security for remote office connectivity; Cisco promotes three women on International Women's Day; AT&T, Fortinet partner. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
08 Mar 2021
Enterprise edge is telecom operators' new frontier
Network operators have an opportunity to sell new bundles of dynamic enterprise edge services that include SASE, SD-WAN and virtual security if they size it and price it well. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2021
Juniper adds Mist AIOps to its 128 Technology-based SD-WAN
Juniper has brought Mist's cloud-based analytics to the 128 Technology SD-WAN that the company acquired late last year. Juniper also launched Mist integration with the SRX gateway. Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2021
News briefs: Cisco investigates embezzlement scheme in China
Cisco has started an investigation of employees in China who allegedly made payments to workers at state-owned enterprises. Cisco disclosed the probe in an SEC filing. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2021
SASE hype includes SD-WAN, but does it need to?
Much of the hype around Secure Access Service Edge features the importance of SD-WAN with SASE, but do the two need each other to thrive? Research says probably not. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2021
Cisco adds lower-end routers to Catalyst 8000 line
The 8200 and 8500L are for branch and aggregation use cases, respectively. The 8200 is for companies requiring an entry-level device for running a Cisco SD-WAN in the branch. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
IT groups abandon DIY SD-WAN; prefer managed, hybrid model
Enterprises don't want DIY SD-WAN. Instead, they prefer managed SD-WAN, but they also don't want to outsource all SD-WAN operations to a service provider. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2021
SASE challenges include network security roles, product choice
Secure Access Service Edge blends network and security functions. While this integration has its benefits, enterprises still need to address some SASE challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Dec 2020
SD-WAN industry growth opens partner opportunities in 2021
Channel partners can take advantage of SD-WAN industry expansion by addressing customers' interoperability and security concerns, according to Spirent Communications executives. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2020
With SASE, security and networking tech come together
SD-WAN, SASE or some combination of the two -- which approach will deliver the best and most secure network connectivity in your organization going forward? Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
The role of SD-WAN templates before and during deployment
SD-WAN deployments require knowledge of network design and trust in software to take over some network maintenance duties. This is where SD-WAN templates come into play. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
Learn to onboard, provision devices in Cisco's SD-WAN book
Here's a look inside Cisco's SD-WAN book, which details design and deployment for network teams looking to deploy SD-WAN and insights for SD-WAN certification hopefuls. Continue Reading
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Quiz
30 Oct 2020
6 practice questions for SD-WAN certification training
Before you start SD-WAN certification training, try this quiz from Cisco's official SD-WAN guidebook, which covers onboarding and provisioning devices, as well as SD-WAN templates. Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2020
Bye-bye ISR, hello Catalyst 8000 for Cisco SD-WAN
The new Catalyst 8300 Series of routers replace ISRs that customers said were ill-equipped to run the Cisco SD-WAN. Cisco also introduced Catalyst 8500 aggregation routers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
Juniper's 128 acquisition needed to improve SD-WAN
Juniper Networks plans to 'enhance' its Contrail SD-WAN through the acquisition of 128 Technology. 128 has a more advanced SD-WAN that competes with Cisco and VMware products. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Oct 2020
How a network segmentation strategy works with SD-WAN
Legacy segmentation techniques are often unwieldy. But, as enterprises contemplate network segmentation with SD-WAN, they must understand their network environments and goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2020
3 SD-WAN cloud connectivity options to explore
Enterprises can connect their SD-WAN infrastructure to cloud providers' platforms using three methods: back-to-back access, private PoP connections and internet VPN. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2020
How to select and set up SD-WAN and DIA
When evaluating different options for SD-WAN and direct internet access, IT teams can't forget to consider application performance, network uptime and support for each option. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2020
Juniper Mist stretches to WAN management
Jackson Electric Cooperative expects Juniper Mist's new WAN management features to reduce the number of customer trouble tickets and simplify access to network performance data. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2020
What VMware's Nyansa acquisition means for SD-WAN
VMware's Nyansa acquisition brings new AI and machine learning capabilities to its networking suite. However, it could apply what Nyansa brings to the table to other areas. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2020
IT spending priorities in 2020 shift to network management, UC
The global pandemic has temporarily slowed SD-WAN and campus network spending, but enterprises are still investing in network infrastructure, focusing on network management and UC. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2020
HPE ups SD-WAN chops with Silver Peak acquisition
Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Silver Peak acquisition could significantly improve the software-defined WAN offering that's available today in HPE's Aruba-branded network portfolio. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2020
Gain SD-branch benefits through automation, orchestration
SD-branch technology is evolving, but don't put off learning about what this tool can do now and the advantages it will deliver in the near future. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2020
COVID-19 speeds SD-WAN evolution to elastic infrastructure
The next phase of SD-WAN requires elastic infrastructure and distributed edge access to better support remote workers. The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating that evolution. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2020
The pros and cons of SD-WAN and remote access
SD-WAN could be a compelling option for enterprises that require remote access for mission-critical jobs. But IT teams should be aware of cost, training and implementation barriers. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2020
Open Systems' SASE tech wins TechTarget innovation award
Open Systems' SASE platform helped tens of thousands of workers gain secure remote access during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about our new Network Innovation Award winner. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2020
How telemedicine, SD-WAN helped two firms get back to work
COVID-19 is forcing companies to rethink their workplaces. Medical companies TrialCard and Vohra have turned to SD-WAN and telemedicine, respectively, to keep employees productive. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2020
Cisco SD-WAN to use Google Cloud backbone
Cisco plans to launch next year SD-WAN technology that improves WAN performance by directing traffic over Google Cloud's low-latency network backbone. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2020
Dental group slashes downtime by 99% with Meraki SD-WAN
In this SD-WAN case study, a dental group with chronic network outages deployed Cisco Meraki to eliminate downtime. Learn more about the software-defined win. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
National Instruments SD-WAN case study: Bandwidth up 1,500%
In this SD-WAN case study, learn how Cisco Viptela technology transformed one enterprise WAN for the better -- from decreased costs to increased performance. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2020
Cisco, HPE counter COVID-19 impact with tech financing
Cisco and HPE are offering special tech financing to businesses struggling to keep IT projects going in an economy rocked by the COVID-19 crisis. Continue Reading