If your organization has poor network performance and weak security, it can be difficult to operate your business effectively.
Poor network performance often contributes to decreased employee productivity when your employees require a reliable network connection to perform daily tasks.
Additionally, poor network security can lead to vulnerabilities that result in cyberattacks that could cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your network.
Because of this, reliable network solutions should be a priority for all organizations to avoid these consequences. However, there are many network solutions to choose from so it can be challenging to select the one that is most appropriate for your organization.
Two of these alternatives are SD-WAN and SD-LAN. It is important to understand the differences between them so you can determine which one will best meet your needs.
Coeo understands how important reliable network productivity and security are to an organization and has delivered thousands of solutions to organizations that improve their network productivity and security enabling users to avoid cyberattacks.
By the end of this article, you will know what SD-WAN is, what SD-LAN is, the differences between the two solutions, and which one is the right fit for your organization.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN is an overlay network that is built on top of underlying network connections like fiber, LTE, MPLS, or broadband.
The solution is carrier agnostic meaning it can be leveraged using any number of underlying internet providers.
SD-WAN is applied as a network of SD-WAN software and hardware appliances, connected by encrypted tunnels. Data sent over an SD-WAN network travels through these encrypted tunnels to ensure proper security.
An SD-WAN solution continuously monitors the availability and performance of each network service. This enables data to always be sent over the most reliable network connection ensuring minimal downtime, latency, and data breaches.
Data traffic is also classified based on application, ensuring data is sent over the fastest, most reliable connection.
This enhances workplace productivity and efficiency by sending the most important data over the fastest, most reliable connection.
What is SD-LAN?
Software-Defined Local Area Network (SD-LAN) brings Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles to Local Area Network (LAN) architecture.
SD-LAN does not rely on ethernet connections and instead, is able to deliver programmability, automation, and flexibility benefits directly to your LAN allowing for better scalability and flexibility.
SD-LAN enables your LAN to virtualize completely so that policy control is transferred from the hardware and network switches providing better control and visibility into your network.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SD-WAN and SD-LAN or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
The differences between SD-WAN and SD-LAN
Now you understand what SD-WAN and SD-LAN are. However, you may still need a more detailed understanding of what makes these two solutions different.
Some of the key differences between the two solutions are:
Scope
The biggest difference between SD-WAN and SD-LAN is the scope of the two solutions. SD-WAN optimizes and manages connectivity over a Wide-Area Network (WAN) while SD-LAN only optimizes and manages connectivity over a Local-Area Network (LAN).
A WAN covers a wider geographic area so it can connect different office locations while a LAN typically connects devices in a smaller area such as a home, school, or single office building.
Use case
Because SD-WAN and SD-LAN serve different coverage areas as mentioned above, these solutions play to the strengths and scope of the organization’s different needs.
SD-WAN is used to enhance the performance and efficiency of WAN connections while SD-LAN is used to optimize connectivity between users and devices in the same location or locations that are in close proximity to each other.
Is SD-WAN or SD-LAN a better solution for your organization?
Now you understand what SD-WAN and SD-LAN are as well as the differences between the two. Understanding these differences will help you determine which solution is the better choice for your organization.
If your organization has a WAN and is looking to connect users and devices in different locations, an SD-WAN solution may be the better choice for your organization.
In this situation, if your organization operates in a remote work environment and is having difficulty connecting its remote workforce, an SD-WAN solution may be the right fit for your organization.
Additionally, if your organization has separate office locations and needs to connect these different locations, an SD-WAN solution will be a good fit for your organization.
However, if your organization does not operate in a remote or hybrid work environment, you may not need an SD-WAN solution and SD-LAN may be the better choice to connect users within your location.
SD-LAN is often a good solution for schools and hospitals looking to connect many devices and users in one location.
Determining which solution is the best choice for your organization
Now you know what SD-WAN is, what SD-LAN is, the differences between the two, and which one is the better choice for your organization. This will help you determine whether your organization should invest in an SD-WAN or SD-LAN solution.
Organizations can’t operate effectively with a poor-performing network and weak security that results in decreased employee productivity and network vulnerabilities. These challenges often lead to cyberattacks that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair or regain network access
Because of this, reliable network solutions should be a high priority for all organizations to avoid these consequences.
Coeo understands how important reliable network performance and security are to an organization and has delivered solutions to thousands of organizations to improve their network performance and security and help them avoid cyberattacks.
We want you to understand the differences between SD-WAN and SD-LAN so you can determine which solution is the best choice for your organization.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SD-WAN and SD-LAN or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand what SD-WAN and SD-LAN are, the differences between the two, and which solution is the better choice for your organization, check out our SD-WAN Buyer’s Guide to learn more about SD-WAN:
