Optimizing your traffic flow within your business network is important for several reasons. SD-WAN is a key advantage in this, as it ensures you have centralized management and simplifies deployment along the way. Another important question here is which networking and cybersecurity company provides top-notch SD-WAN solutions?
While you can find individual licensing that comes with this support, SD-WAN security is commonly integrated with today’s firewall solutions. If you aren’t already utilizing the security measures, it’s more of a must than a consideration with the current tone of modern cybersecurity.
It also comes with several benefits, not just a linear use case. From encryption to segmentation and zero-trust access, it’s a necessary component in business network architecture. This article focuses on the key solutions it brings to the table, in addition to some of the best SD-WAN providers on the market.
What Makes SD-WAN Solutions Important for Business Networks?
There are multiple angles to this, and it’s important to understand that not all SD-WAN solutions are the same. For any growing business, you want to have your eyes set on scalability and performance. Not only should it be flexible with business growth, but it shouldn’t waver on its reliability and high-speed performance along the way.
Centralized control is a big selling point here, as SD-WAN can provide a unified dashboard for certain configurations, network monitoring, as well as troubleshooting. More than ever, it’s important for businesses and IT teams to get up to speed on zero-trust integrations.
Thankfully, many modern SD-WAN frameworks easily handle continuous device and user verification. Although enterprise SD WAN solutions aren’t hard to find, you’ll also want to think about where you get them from.
Who Has the Best SD-WAN in Networking and Cybersecurity?
Over the years, the cybersecurity industry has seen a lot of new players pop up on the market. While you do have plenty to choose from, there are several leading manufacturers that come with a trustworthy track record.
It’s understandable that you’re only concerned with the best SD WAN solutions available. When it comes to where you should be looking, it starts with companies like SonicWall, Fortinet, and Cisco Meraki.
1. SonicWall
Between hardware and licensing options, there’s no shortage of SD-WAN features with SonicWall products. To help cover more than just the basics, you would do well to consider the many options under the TZ and NSA series firewalls. You can get a little more insight on this in the brief lists below.
- TZ Series SD-WAN
- NSS Labs validated high security efficacy
- WAN load balancing
- Zero-touch deployment
- Application identification and visibility
- Dynamic path selection for business-critical applications
- Cloud-based central management
- NSA Series SD-WAN
- Protects against TLS 1.3 and other advanced cyber attacks
- Secure access to HQ and public cloud resources
- Multi-gigabit next-generation firewall support with real-time threat analysis
- Leverage high port density from 10 GbE and 40 GbE connectivity
- Direct and secure access to distributed branch offices
If you know anything about SonicWall, you know they’re definitely more than this alone. Then again, it’s also important to understand the nuances to help guide your decision-making.
2. Fortinet
Not all of the best SD-WAN solutions are going to be the same. Fortinet has its own take on the matter, and they do more than just cover your base needs in network security.
Here are a few of Fortinet’s most notable SD-WAN features you should consider:
- WAN Path Controller and Link Health Monitoring for improved application performance
- Transforms secure WANs for a hybrid workforce, SD-Branch, and cloud-first use cases
- Operational efficiency at any scale with the help of automation, self-healing, and thorough analytics
- Simplified management and zero-touch deployment
- FortiGate WAN Edge powered by a single OS with a unified security and management framework
Whether you’re working with small operations or enterprise-level security needs, Fortinet has an SD-WAN-supported solution available. It’s clear there’s no shortage between these two manufacturers, but it doesn’t hurt to diversify your options.
3. Cisco Meraki
Looking at Cisco Meraki’s MX series of firewalls, you get the hassle-free benefit of SD-WAN from multiple angles. Aside from optimizing bandwidth usage for multisite deployments, you’re also getting better operational cost-efficiency.
Below offers a quick look into what you can expect from Cisco Meraki SD-WAN security:
- High performance for critical applications without compromising network security
- App optimization through Layer 7 traffic shaping and application prioritization
- Secure connectivity through Cisco Security threat defense
- IPsec VPN for secure access to cloud apps, remote offices, and data centers
- Bandwidth, routing, and security policies are consistently applied across Internet, MPLS, or 3G/4G LTE within a streamlined workflow
Although you’ll find a few similarities here and there, it should be obvious by now that not all enterprise SD WAN solutions are universal. You can definitely isolate SD-WAN options through different licenses, but today’s firewall hardware makes it easy to integrate and take advantage.
The Final Word
There’s no argument that network security datasheets come with an immense amount of technical information. However, important tools like SD-WAN and the associated features can’t be missed considering today’s cybersecurity landscape.
Now that you’re up to speed on some of the best SD WAN solutions, it’s time to narrow in on the manufacturer you align with the most. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from our team members to help you decide which route you should take for your business network security.
