Future of SD-WAN and Workers on the Move: Innovations and Trends
Workers are no longer confined to the office space; they prefer to work from anywhere, anytime. They seek a flexible work environment to improve efficiency and performance, meeting global timelines. Organisations are moving towards remote working to meet their expansion goals, giving them the flexibility to satisfy clients in any time zone. Here, SD-WAN technology plays a pivotal role by offering state-of-the-art network technology to meet the demands of remote work environments. In this article, let us discuss the future of SD-WAN for the workers on the move, the new trends, and innovations. So, let’s begin.
A brief on SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Network uses software to simplify the management of WAN. Unlike traditional networks that rely on bulky hardware, SD-WAN depends on software-driven solutions to optimise network productivity.
How does SD-WAN address the challenges in remote work environments?
Remote workspaces are multifaceted, and with them come bandwidth and latency issues. Bandwidth-thirsty applications like video calls, cloud applications, etc., can perform their best with multiple connections like broadband, 4G LTE, 5G, etc., minimising downtime. SD-WAN helps overcome security issues through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and encryption. Employees can access the company network from anywhere without compromising work security. SD-WAN is growing into a highly dependable, adaptable, and scalable solution for a remote workforce. It comes with features like cloud integration, allowing access to resources from any location.
Future of SD-WAN for workers on the move
The possibilities are unlimited for SD-WAN, with new technologies taking shape. Emerging trends in SD-WAN for remote workers will transform the landscape of remote work environments. Some of the trends in SD-WAN for remote workers are discussed below:
Edge computing: Save on data transmission time as the data is brought closer to the source with edge computing. The performance of critical applications is improved as latency is reduced, improving the remote working experience. The integration of SD-WAN with edge computing improves the overall user experience.
5G experience: Speed is the essence for remote workers. You can improve the transmission speed with 5G networks. SD-WAN prioritises traffic depending on their critical nature to deliver them at unprecedented speed. SD-WAN offers optimal performance for workers on the move.
Artificial intelligence: AI is the next big thing that has happened to SD-WAN. With AI, SD-WAN solutions have become smarter and more secure. Network issues can be mitigated smartly using AI solutions. AI can provide troubleshooting, improved security, effective policy definition, and monitoring network infrastructures. Network automation can be achieved through AI, thereby simplifying networks.
Multi-cloud deployment: The options are unlimited with multi-cloud. With employees choosing remote work environments, cloud technology powered by 5G connects users to hyperscalers and overlays via the cloud.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): SASE uses SD-WAN through a native cloud framework. This model combines networking and security for simple security, less use of hardware, and reduces security risks. The five significant technologies of SASE are integrated SD-WAN, firewall, secure web gateways, cloud access security, and zero trust network access. The good news is SASE can support distributed teams across the globe. SASE improves performance by reducing latency and delivering performing network-adding PoPs globally. The web gateways provide reliability and safe access for users.
The other trending innovations in SD-WAN are simple operation, scalability, reliability, automation, and solutions with versatile business models.
Trends in SD-WAN for remote workers
The rise in demand for remote working environments is responsible for the growing trends in the industry. SD-WAN as a Service provides value-added services like prioritising traffic and policy-driven route optimisation. AI is redefining the landscape of SD-WAN for remote workers. There is more to it, with innovative solutions like wireless links for end-user connectivity soon to take over.
Undoubtedly, SD-WAN is the future of networking technology, leaving MPLS services far behind. The option to customise solutions to meet different network infrastructure specifications can help meet stiff goals.
Remote environments face multifaceted challenges, and SD-WAN helps optimise traffic, strengthens encryption, and reduces latency. When speed and efficiency are the key, a 5G network is the way to go. 5G aggregation brings the speed required for high bandwidth applications, making your remote working experience seamless.
SMOAD Soft Edge is specially designed for the mobile workforce to access centralised business applications in a secure format. Unique features like SD-WAN tunnel, custom routing, remote control, easy downloads, and high-speed access improve your network experience. For more details, call us for a demo.