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February 15, 2024

Future of SD-WAN, Quantum Computing, and Security: Innovations and Trends

Modern businesses are undergoing a revolution with innovations in networking, Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, and other technologies. These innovative technologies have forced companies to renew their present connectivity strategies to improve performance and security. Enterprises are required to harness new technologies and embrace digitalisation to automate their operations. Among the emerging technologies are SD-WAN and quantum computing, which enhance network security for offline and online workspaces.

The blog explains how SD-WAN and quantum computing trends can simplify and speed up connectivity.

SD-WAN is a game changer in networking, and small, medium, or large enterprises are taking advantage of its features. The beneficial features of SD-WAN include agility, reliability, and low OpEx. TeleGeography has estimated that by 2024, around 5000 of the world’s biggest enterprises will have SD-WAN deployed at 61% of their WAN sites, and it is expected to grow by 81% by 2026.

Moreover, quantum computing is the next big thing in computing, and it has arrived with a bang. Confidential communication is the key for any business, which can be achieved with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). It is an encryption technology that can make your communication confidential. Quantum computing signals are more complex to decode when compared to traditional network technology. In 2024, the world can experience a productive quantum network that can test QKD over long distances. For this purpose, the quantum internet requires optimised data pathways to reduce the travel time of communication.

The future of SD-WAN and trends to watch
Software-defined Wide-area networks are constantly evolving, and the technology has much in store for the future. Here are the trends.

  • Cloud-based SD-WAN: Businesses are shifting to the cloud, an upward trend. Cloud-based SD-WAN services have become popular in recent years due to their easy network deployment and management.
  • Improved security: The future will see advanced security options like firewalls and VPNs, among other security features.
  • Zero-touch deployment: SD-WAN technology is being automated, increasing zero-touch implementations in the future. This will allow the ability to configure and deploy SD-WAN solutions with little human intervention.
  • Consolidating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML have become integral to SD-WAN solutions. These technologies can now be optimised to reduce downtime and enhance security and performance.
  • Embracing 5G network: 5G plays a vital role in SD-WAN solutions, and with the expansion of the 5G network to improve bandwidth, reduce latency, and increase reliability, it is convenient for businesses to deploy SD-WAN.
  • Multi-cloud adoption: Cloud-based services have become a necessity rather than an option. With Multi-Cloud SD-WAN solutions, you can connect and manage multiple cloud-based applications and services.

The future of quantum computing and trends to watch
Quantum computing has arrived, and it is expected to move upward in the next decade. You can expect to see quantum computing in large corporations as they move from the labs. However, the problems are unlimited, especially regarding security threats. Yet many think quantum computing is complex and challenging to deploy.

There are physics challenges. Qubits exist in a physical state, are highly unstable, and need to be confined in a supercooled environment even for a few nanoseconds to exist. This proves that Quantum Computing is expensive, and only large enterprises can afford it.

Similar to how traditional computers moved from the lab to companies, the same may be mirrored in the case of Quantum Computing. This transition can happen from mainframes to minicomputers to microcomputers. Quantum computers can see their potential in traffic flow monitoring, processing massive amounts of data crucial for AI and ML.

Quantum computers can pose encryption threats, and a defence strategy is necessary. For this purpose, a layered approach should be adopted by deploying PQC algorithms besides tools to provide strong security assurance. Technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can come in handy here. QKD relies on quantum mechanics to secure communications. QKD allows the exchange of a key and ensures it is not intercepted. This means if the key is exchanged, there is no threat even if the encryption is broken. Though it is not in practice today, the future sees that organisations may use QKD to be better prepared for cryptographic challenges.

SMOAD presents Quantum Secure SD-WAN that combines the goodness of SD-WAN and advanced Quantum-resistant security measures. It provides robust protection from quantum threats.

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