
On-the-Go Connectivity: Exploring the Benefits of SD-WAN for Mobile Users
Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is a preferred technology for organisations looking for agility and flexibility in their networks. SD-WAN principles virtualise physical devices so that the network functions seamlessly, irrespective of hardware. SD-WAN is beneficial for both remote and mobile workers. Let us explore the top benefits of SD-WAN for mobile users.
How does SD-WAN manage mobile users’ connections?
The primary feature of SD-WAN is to create a single network infrastructure using various connection types like Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), cellular connections or broadband. This cost-effective approach allows customers to leverage public connections at a lower cost, relieving them from the burden of expensive private MPLS connections. SD-WAN technology facilitates a change of transport from cable to wireless, aiding the headquarters in connecting to the branch and data centres. The transport is used to mix and match the bandwidth availability. As new locations need to be accessed, the network connections can be churned up faster and more quickly when compared to hardware-based networks, providing a sense of financial relief.
Now, organisations need not purchase expensive hardware; instead, they can provide their connectivity and services from headquarters or the cloud. This allows the organisation to scale up and down the connectivity depending on its demands. Moreover, SD-WAN helps improve branch and mobile user connectivity so businesses can avoid overprovisioning and reduce WAN expenses.
The benefits of overlaying SD-WAN technology
The biggest advantage of SD-WAN technology is its user-friendly virtual overlay, which shifts the focus from hardware to software. This abstraction allows for centralised control to regulate network traffic seamlessly. The overlays assist in monitoring the real-time performance of the underlying networks and selecting the ideal network for applications based on their configuration policies. With SD-WAN, businesses can confidently design and deploy networks from a centralised location, implement changes, and push updates faster onto the routers and switches, instilling a sense of security and confidence in the technology.
Using SD-WAN technology, people can make the network more dynamic and efficient without consuming much network resources. The network is ideal for businesses with multiple branches or mobile workers. Though initial investment in new deployment is essential, in the long run, the investment yields good returns.
Benefits of SD-WAN for mobile workers
- SD-WAN delivers reliable and secure connectivity across various network environments, making it safe for mobile workers.
- With optimised bandwidth, the network can dynamically allocate bandwidth based on the criticality of the applications by promising efficient usage of network resources.
- SD-WAN offers enhanced cybersecurity for cellular connections, making it secure for mobile workers. Centralised authentication and policy enforcement provide secure access to cloud and corporate resources.
- Organisations can adapt to changes by scaling up and down their networks for optimal performance. Easy adaptation to changes brings reliability.
- SD-WAN gives mobile workers access to multiple connections, such as cellular, broadband, and fibre internet, without outages.
- SD-WAN is a cost-effective connectivity solution for the mobile workforce. It simplifies network management and cuts down on telecom costs. Moreover, there is no need to invest in expensive hardware or IT support for manual configuration.
- SD-WAN allows for optimised network and traffic performance through dynamic data routing, depending on the application’s requirements.
- Enriched user experience through a seamless and secure network and cloud services connectivity.
- SD-WAN facilitates real-time mobile worker monitoring by minimising downtime and enhancing network performance.
- Increased visibility and detailed analysis are pluses for organisations adopting SD-WAN for mobile workers. With SD-WAN, problems can be easily identified and troubleshooted quickly.
SD-WAN simplifies communication between geographical sites by creating a software-managed overlay over the physical structure. Better visibility, superior performance, flexibility and availability make SD-WAN the best option for the mobile workforce. It connects to remote locations suitable for workers on the move. Digital transformation is easy, giving you an edge when adopting new applications. Extending SD-WAN to mobile devices is an innovative step towards enhancing performance for employees working in different environments. SD-WAN is available on Mac and Android devices, making it accessible for smartphones, tablets and laptops.
SMOAD SD-WAN for road warriors allows remote partners and mobile users to access the centralised applications while on the go without compromising on security. SMOAD soft edge enables SD-WAN tunnel, allowing mobile users to secure the business apps from any location. Business-critical applications can be routed through the tunnel and offload internet-bound traffic directly through the local internet. Want to know more, contact us for a demo.