If your organization has poor network connectivity or weak security, it can lead to poor network performance and related vulnerabilities.
These challenges can result in decreased employee productivity and a greater probability of cyberattacks that can cost organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair the damaged network.
For this reason, it is important that organizations prioritize reliable network solutions to improve connectivity and security and avoid these consequences.
Coeo understands how important reliable network connectivity and security are to an organization and has delivered thousands of solutions to organizations to improve network performance and security, avoid cyberattacks, and decrease latency.
We want you to understand the differences between SDN and SD-WAN so you can determine which solution is the best fit for your organization.
By the end of this article you will understand what SDN is, what SD-WAN is, the differences between the two, and which one is the right fit for your organization.
What is SDN?
SDN is a network architecture that uses all layers of the network to make the network more flexible and scalable.
SDN improves network control by enabling a network engineer or administrator to manage the traffic from a centralized control without having to adjust individual switches within the network infrastructure.
Instead, a centralized SDN controller directs the switches to deliver network connectivity wherever in your network it is required.
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.
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.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SDN or SD-WAN or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
The Differences Between SDN and SD-WAN
Now you know what SDN and SD-WAN are. However, it is important to understand the differences between the two solutions so you can determine which one is the better choice for your organization.
The differences between SDN and SD-WAN include:
Solution focus
One of the main differences between SDN and SD-WAN is the focus of the solutions.
An SDN solution typically focuses inward on connecting a LAN or connects you to a service provider while an SD-WAN solution focuses on connecting a WAN across geographically dispersed locations.
In short, an SDN solution connects users and devices in the same location or multiple locations in the same area while SD-WAN connects multiple locations across a wider geographic area.
Solution integration and programmability
Another difference between SDN and SD-WAN is the way they are integrated into an organization’s network.
SDN can be programmed by your organization and customized to meet your network needs while SD-WAN is typically pre-programmed by your provider.
However, some SD-WAN providers like Coeo allow you to co-manage your solution and customize it to meet the needs of your organization.
Additionally, SDN is typically a fully virtualized network with little to no hardware involved. SDN is enabled by Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture that virtualizes the entire network.
SD-WAN on the other hand, can be deployed as a virtual network like SDN or via an SD-WAN device.
Which solution is the better choice for your organization?
Now you understand what SDN is, what SD-WAN is, and the differences between the two solutions. However, it is also important to understand which solution is the best choice for your organization so you do not end up selecting the wrong one in your network.
If your organization is looking to connect users in the same location such as an office building or multiple locations in the same area such as a college campus across a LAN, SDN may be the right fit for your organization.
However, if your organization is looking to connect multiple LANs over a WAN connecting multiple locations across cities, states, or countries, an SD-WAN solution may better accomplish your objectives.
If your organization is looking for a network that is completely virtualized and programmed and monitored by your organization, an SDN solution may be the right fit for your organization.
On the other hand, if your organization wants a network that is either virtualized or connected by an SD-WAN device and pre-programmed and managed by your provider, an SD-WAN solution may be the right fit for your organization.
Additionally, some network providers like Coeo allow you to co-manage your SD-WAN solution so you can customize your solution to meet your network needs.
Determining whether SDN or SD-WAN is a better choice for your organization
Now you understand what SDN is, what SD-WAN is, the differences between the two, and which one is the better choice for your organization. This will help you determine which solution better meets your objectives.
Organizations can’t operate effectively with a poor-performing network that results in connectivity and security issues.
These issues can lead to decreased employee productivity and network vulnerabilities that result in cyberattacks that cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair the damaged network.
For this reason, it is important for your organization to prioritize reliable network solutions to improve your network connectivity and security and avoid these consequences.
Coeo understands how important network connectivity and security are to an organization and has delivered network solutions to thousands of organizations to improve their network connectivity and security and avoid cyberattacks.
We want you to understand the differences between SDN and SD-WAN so you can determine which solution is the better choice for your organization.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SDN or SD-WAN or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand what SDN and SD-WAN 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:
