5 Advantages and Disadvantages of SD-WAN | Pitfalls & Benefits of SD-WAN

SD-WAN: What is it?

A type of technology called Software Defined-Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is used to route traffic between several sites. The primary reason it was introduced was to solve the backhauling issue that many older networks had.

How is SD-WAN operated?

Each device's functionality in this network is divided into a data panel and a control panel. As a result, controlling every transit medium is simple. They will apply the concepts of Software Defined Networking (SDN) for the distribution purpose.


Although SD-WAN has a lot to offer the networking environment, it is not without its drawbacks. Like any other network, SD-WAN offers advantages and disadvantages of its own. The benefits and drawbacks of this technology should be thoroughly considered before implementing it.

I'll be outlining 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of SD-WAN | Pitfalls & Benefits of SD-WAN. You will learn about the pros and cons of utilizing SD-WAN from this post.

Now let's get started,

 

Advantages of SD-WAN

1. Cost

When utilizing SD-WAN, users always get long-term cost savings. An almost 50% cost savings is possible with SD-WAN as compared to an MPLS setup. 

 

All low priority jobs can be assigned to expensive links, with the exception of important data. Additionally, pricey connection lines can be used for the important jobs.


2. Performance

The performance of every application running over SD-WAN can be enhanced. Every network traffic type operates in a unique way. 

 

It is possible to automatically redirect all vital and real-time traffic to networks with greater bandwidth. This guarantees less packet loss and latency, which subsequently improves application performance.


3. Complexity

The process of digital transformation exposes the majority of networks to extra layers. Frequently, this results in subpar network performance. SD-WAN can lessen this idea by making the infrastructure simpler. 

 

Additionally, it's important to think about choosing a lower capacity SD-WAN service provider.


4. Reliability

Multiple transport media are included with SD-WAN, and each one can offer a different path. Let's say the SD-WAN consists of two or more media. Envision DSL, LTE, and Fiber. Two different mediums can be used by SD-WAN in the event of a failure.


5. Remote Access

Cloud access is one of the main reasons why SD-WAN adoption is preferred by many businesses. Employees at a branch can still access cloud apps despite its remote location. 

 

Additionally, this has better application performance. Traffic can be routed via the data center when there are applications that are essential to corporate operations. 

 

Disadvantages of SD-WAN

1. Security

In terms of on-site security features, SD-WAN falls short. Even with the standards and techniques for security that SD-WANs come with, it is still insufficient. As a result, a data breach on a single machine may have an impact on the entire company.


2. Adaptation

Companies find it difficult to adjust to SD-WAN systems. It may be difficult for the current personnel to comprehend modern technology, which makes having skilled staff members necessary. 

 

Now, this may be costly for businesses with limited resources. This is one of the reasons why companies continue to rely on long-standing relationships.


3. Interference

WAN routers cannot be supported by every SD-WAN solution. An ethernet connection in a WAN router that uses an SD-WAN setup is likely to cause issues with WAN architecture. It is recommended to employ techniques such as time-division multiplexing to prevent this.


4. Errors

With SD-WAN, every unit and connection is centralized. Consequently, using an SD-WAN invariably leads to new problems. 

 

Sometimes little mistakes brought on by improper configuration can result in significant mistakes. Apart from that, packet loss and jitters are also experienced by SD-WANs.


5. Technical Issues

Routers come pre-configured with the ability to operate without updates. However, routers with SD-WAN settings need to have their firmware updated on a regular basis.

In the case that updates are not sent, the routers may eventually malfunction or possibly cease to function. These upgrades ensure that all of the routers' features are up to date and free of bugs.