The Best SD-WAN Vendors & Solutions – Updated 2024

SD-WANs offer an easy, cost-effective way to unify the networks of a multi-site business. Learn which SD-WAN systems will get your LANs merged into a WAN easily and efficiently.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses are increasingly reliant on efficient and robust network solutions to stay competitive. One of the most effective ways to unify the networks of a multi-site business is through Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs). SD-WANs provide a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approach to network management, allowing businesses to seamlessly integrate multiple local area networks (LANs) into a comprehensive wide area network (WAN).

Why Use an SD-WAN?

Implementing an SD-WAN can significantly reduce the complexity and cost associated with traditional WANs. Here are some key benefits:

1. Cost Savings: Traditional WANs often require expensive leased lines and extensive infrastructure. SD-WANs leverage the internet for connectivity, reducing costs significantly.
2. Improved Performance: SD-WANs optimize the use of available bandwidth, ensuring high performance for critical applications.
3. Enhanced Security: SD-WAN solutions often include integrated security features such as encryption, firewalls, and threat detection.
4. Scalability: SD-WANs can easily scale to accommodate new sites and increased traffic, making them ideal for growing businesses.

SD-WANs and UCaaS

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) is a cloud-delivered solution that combines SD-WAN capabilities with unified communications. This integration simplifies network management and enhances communication efficiency. UCaaS provides:

• Centralized Management: All traffic from different sites is routed through a cloud-based hub, simplifying management.
• Encryption and Security: Secure connections between sites and the cloud hub using encryption and encapsulation.
• Real-time Monitoring: Network administrators can monitor traffic and performance in real-time through a centralized console.

The Best SD-WAN Vendors

Here is a comprehensive list of the top SD-WAN vendors in 2024, each offering unique features and capabilities:

1. VMWare SASE SD-WAN

Key Features:

• Cloud Integration
• SASE Upgrade Path
• Multi-Site Capability
• Transport Flexibility
• Appliance Requirement

Pros:

• Trusted Virtualization Expert
• MPLS Support
• VMware Ecosystem Integration
• Intuitive Interface

Cons:

• Platform Compatibility
• Specialized Hardware Need

VMWare's SD-WAN solution is highly regarded for its seamless integration with cloud services and the broader VMware ecosystem. It's ideal for businesses of all sizes, offering both cloud-based and appliance options.

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2. Citrix SD-WAN

Key Features:

• SaaS Flexibility
• Traffic Management
• VoIP Optimization
• MSP Design

Pros:

• Virtualization Giant
• Advanced QoS Features
• Robust Failover Systems
• MSP-Friendly

Cons:

• Complex Configuration

Citrix SD-WAN excels in optimizing traffic flows and providing robust failover mechanisms. It is particularly well-suited for businesses with extensive virtualization needs.

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3. FortiGate Secure SD-WAN

Key Features:

• Flexible Deployment
• Cloud Compatibility
• Application Prioritization

Pros:

• Security Expertise
• FortiGate Integration
• Cloud Versatility

Cons:

• Additional Management Tool Requirement

FortiGate Secure SD-WAN leverages Fortinet's extensive security expertise, making it a top choice for businesses prioritizing network security alongside WAN optimization.

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4. Aruba EdgeConnect

Key Features:

• Physical and Virtual Appliance Options
• Integration with Other Products
• Unified Platform

Pros:

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise Backing
• Comprehensive Solution
• High Performance

Cons:

• Higher Initial Costs

Aruba EdgeConnect provides a robust SD-WAN solution with extensive integration capabilities, backed by the reliability of Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

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5. Aryaka Networks

Key Features:

• Managed Service
• High Performance
• Global Reach

Pros:

• Comprehensive Managed Service
• Eliminates Need for In-House Network Admin
• Wide Global Coverage

Cons:

• Potential Higher Ongoing Costs

Aryaka Networks offers a fully managed SD-WAN service, making it an excellent option for businesses that prefer to outsource their network management.

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6. Lumen SD-WAN

Key Features:

• Co-Managed Option
• High Reliability
• Extensive Coverage

Pros:

• Formerly CenturyLink
• Reliable Service
• Co-Managed Options

Cons:

• May Require Contract Commitments

Lumen SD-WAN provides a reliable and flexible service, with options for co-management to suit different business needs.

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7. Versa Secure SD-WAN

Key Features:

• Multi-Tenancy
• Optional Firewall System
• Physical Appliance Requirement

Pros:

• Suitable for MSPs
• Versatile Security Options
• Robust Performance

Cons:

• Requires Physical Appliances at Each Site

Versa Secure SD-WAN is designed with multi-tenancy in mind, making it ideal for managed service providers and businesses needing robust security features.

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8. Cato SASE Cloud

Key Features:

• High-Speed Backbone
• Proprietary Gateway Requirement
• Comprehensive SASE Solution

Pros:

• High-Speed Network
• Integrated Security
• Robust Performance

Cons:

• Proprietary Hardware Requirement

Cato SASE Cloud offers a comprehensive SD-WAN solution with a high-speed backbone, suitable for businesses requiring high performance and integrated security.

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9. Cisco Meraki SD-WAN

Key Features:

• Cloud Hub Coordination
• Meraki Gateway Appliances
• Scalable Solution

Pros:

• Cisco Reliability
• Easy Integration
• Scalable

Cons:

• Potential Higher Costs

Cisco Meraki SD-WAN provides a reliable and scalable solution, leveraging Cisco's extensive expertise in networking.

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10. Oracle SD-WAN

Key Features:

• Cloud-Based Hub
• Physical or Virtual Appliance Requirement
• Optional Firewall Services

Pros:

• Oracle Reliability
• Flexible Deployment Options
• Integrated Security

Cons:

• Requires Oracle Infrastructure

Oracle SD-WAN offers a flexible and reliable solution, suitable for businesses that already leverage Oracle's extensive cloud infrastructure.

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11. Palo Alto Prisma

Key Features:

• Cloud Service
• Local Agents Requirement
• Comprehensive SASE Solution

Pros:

• Extensive Security Features
• Cloud Flexibility
• High Performance

Cons:

• Requires Local Agents

Palo Alto Prisma provides a robust SD-WAN solution with extensive security features, ideal for businesses prioritizing network security and performance.

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Set an SD-WAN Strategy

When choosing an SD-WAN solution, consider the following steps:

1. Assess Your Needs: Identify your business's specific requirements, including the number of sites, traffic volume, and security needs.
2. Evaluate Vendors: Compare different SD-WAN vendors based on their features, performance, and cost.
3. Plan Deployment: Decide whether to use a cloud-based solution, on-site appliances, or a hybrid approach.
4. Implement and Monitor: Deploy the chosen solution and continuously monitor its performance to ensure it meets your business needs.

SD-WAN FAQs

Q: What is an SD-WAN? A: An SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a network technology that simplifies the management and operation of a WAN by separating the networking hardware from its control mechanism.

Q: How does an SD-WAN work? A: SD-WANs use software to create an overlay network that connects multiple LANs into a cohesive WAN. This overlay network leverages the internet for connectivity, with security and optimization features ensuring reliable performance.

Q: What are the benefits of using an SD-WAN? A: Key benefits include cost savings, improved performance, enhanced security, and scalability.

Q: Can SD-WANs integrate with existing network infrastructure? A: Yes, most SD-WAN solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing network infrastructure, including legacy systems.

Q: What is the difference between SD-WAN and SASE? A: SD-WAN focuses on optimizing WAN connectivity, while SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines SD-WAN with comprehensive security services, providing a unified solution for network and security needs.

Meta Description:

Discover the best SD-WAN vendors and solutions in 2024. Learn how SD-WANs can unify multi-site business networks, reduce costs, and enhance performance. Explore top vendors like VMware, Citrix, and Fortinet, and find the right SD-WAN solution for your business needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right SD-WAN solution is critical for optimizing network performance and reducing costs in a multi-site business environment. By understanding your business needs and evaluating top vendors, you can implement an SD-WAN strategy that ensures seamless connectivity and robust security for your network.

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