How does SD-WAN enable workers on the move to stay connected and productive?
If you want to drive success in a remote work environment, connectivity is the key. Enterprises worldwide are working efficiently to attain top performance. The rise in hybrid networks post-pandemic has increased technological challenges. The remote work environment calls for a reliable and agile network to keep connectivity life around the clock. Today, IT teams are flooded with options, and choosing the right one has become challenging.
The SD-WAN has emerged as a suitable option for internet solutions as it comes with software, not hardware, to manage network connectivity. SD-WAN is a reliable option for enterprises looking for high-quality connectivity for workers on the move. The SD-WAN comes with configurable tools to keep your dispersed office connected with critical applications and services at an affordable cost.
Earlier mobile workers used to rely on corporate VPNs; though these were secure, they were expensive, and the corporates faced challenges like the inability to scale up during expansion. Especially during the pandemic lockdown, companies could not add access points due to high costs. This resulted in poor productivity. Here, SD-WAN can help mobile workers provide uninterrupted and secure connectivity. Installing an SD-WAN edge device at the home office can provide safe and high-quality connectivity at an affordable cost.
Reasons to choose SD-WAN for your mobile workforce
SD-WAN comes with the technology to improve application accessibility and bandwidth at a low cost compared to VPNs. SD-WAN comes with intelligent routing, faster connectivity, and centralised management. The focus of SD-WAN lies in improving user experience, and the following eight attributes help to establish robust connectivity for SD-WAN:
- Security
- Stability
- Resilience
- Performance
- Flexibility
- Visibility
- Scalability
- Handling traffic (voice and video)
How does SD-WAN provide flexibility for the mobile workforce?
There is no longer an exclusive in-premises or remote office network model. There is a need for a hybrid work model that can address all types of workforce, whether inside or outside the office. Today, modern offices use SD-WAN to support their branch offices and mobile workforce.
Using SD-WAN for multi-cloud deployments
Over the years, SD-WAN has become the favourite option for connecting to multiple clouds to speed up the delivery of cloud-based resources. Irrespective of where the assets are deployed, SD-WAN can connect to a multi-cloud environment. The following are required for reliable access to cloud-based resources:
- Granular control
- SLA-based application steering
- Dynamic failover
- Application availability
Public networks are congested, and they do not redirect traffic. For this purpose, organisations need solutions that can join colocation sites to cloud-based application accelerators to improve cloud connectivity.
An SD-WAN solution with a built-in connector for intelligent connection flexibility without backhauling application traffic through SD-WAN vendors.
SD-WAN is the key to scaling up the performance of your workforce. Organisations depend upon cellular links to improve real-time data access and collaboration with mobile workers. The cellular connections give standalone connectivity by disconnecting from the corporate WAN connectivity. SD-WAN approaches the problem differently. Here, a software layer is added on the top of the multiple data transport option. Depending upon their needs, organisations add broadband, fibre internet, cellular, or satellite services for better connectivity. In SD-WAN, the software intelligently routes data depending on your application requirements and network.
Using SD-WAN, you can make the most of cellular services to support IoT and mobile workers, especially during a disruption in traditional WAN links. Cellular services can be seen as a temporary option until the primary link is provisioned. Moreover, it can be used in remote locations where WAN services are unavailable.
SD-WAN gives greater visibility into network traffic for true mobility and reduced telecom costs. SD-WAN overcomes the challenges of traditional WAN by providing centralised authentication and policy enforcement. It offers layered security controls and end-to-end encryption. Some other advantages of using SD-WAN for mobile workers are traffic shaping and application prioritisation, among others. Now, you have the flexibility of improving the bandwidth for better performance.
Cellular links can be temporarily backed by adding to the SD-WAN router, appliance, or gateways. You can integrate broadband, cellular service, and other plug-and-play units with mobile SD-WAN solutions for better network accessibility.
SMOAD SD-WAN for mobile workers allows remote and mobile partners to access centralised business applications securely. SMOAD Soft Edge enables an SD-WAN tunnel, allowing mobile users to access business applications from anywhere while on the move. The technology allows remote monitoring and manageability. It comes with fast access and reduced latency.
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