The Role of SD-WAN in VoIP Failover and Load Balancing
Digital transformation is scaling new horizons with Software-defined WAN. It is considered an ideal architecture to optimise data transmission across mediums. SD-WAN is often seen as an architecture for big corporations with multiple branch offices. Still, the fact is that it works fine for businesses with one internet connection relying on VoIP to interact with stakeholders. SD-WAN prevents VoIP interruption by offering a high-quality calling experience despite poor connectivity.
Optimising VoIP with SD-WAN
There are many ways to optimise VoIP using SD-WAN, and some are listed below:
Path Selection
SD-WAN leverages multiple connectivity and chooses the best path for VoIP applications. It is capable of handling high-performance applications. SD-WAN solutions include selecting the best way for maximum call delivery. It helps in re-routing call traffic during interruptions in the primary link due to latency, jitters, or packet loss. The redundancy feature of SD-WAN creates multiple copies of data packets for multiple pathways. A single connection network can also diagnose quality issues and rectify outages using a centralised control system.
Data packet priority
SD-WAN prioritises data packets based on their criticality. VoIP traffic is identified and prioritised above regular data traffic. Both incoming and outgoing traffic is prioritised using the SD-WAN cloud gateway.
Forward Error Correction
SD-WAN Forward Error Correction reduces packet errors and packet losses to a great extent, delivering excellent VoIP call quality as always. With SD-WAN, you can not only send voice packets but also send additional data packets. The recipient can use the extra data to check if everything is received.
Jitter buffering for zero fluctuations
Any fluctuation in the voice call can be removed with the SD-WAN jitter buffering feature. The data packets are converted and transmitted at regular intervals. The SD-WAN knows when to apply jitter buffering. With jitter buffering, you can reduce sound distortion by adapting to the network delay and enhancing voice call quality irrespective of network interruptions. The SD-WAN jitter buffering can be configured at the administrative level. It provides a clear connection by enriching end-user experience even with congested networks, timing shifts, and route changes.
Improving VoIP reliability with SD-WAN
Availability and resilience of the network can improve VoIP call reliability. SD-WAN provides uninterrupted services by recovering from failures quickly. Multiple WAN links create redundant networks using automatic failover and load balancing to prevent VoIP call drops. Any cyber threats are addressed with advanced security features. Meanwhile, cloud-based management helps in troubleshooting and checking the network performance.
SD-WAN and load balancing
SD-WAN is a relatively newer technology when compared to load balancing. The latter disperses traffic across multiple paths, enabling higher performance and lower latency during heavy traffic. Load balancing runs the network interface layer to the data centre or cloud. If one path is inaccessible, it selects the following available path. Here, traffic is not shared between the two links. Whereas, in SD-WAN, management and deployment are more accessible as it allow adding multiple links, providing resilience during link failure. The good news is that SD-WAN does not require load balancing, as one link can connect to multiple locations. With SD-WAN and load balancing, branch offices enjoy better connectivity.
Challenges confronted by SD-WAN for VoIP
SD-WAN for VoIP is an ideal architecture, though specific issues must be addressed before adoption. The installation, configuration, and integration of software and services must be considered. There could be interoperability and compatibility issues as each vendor has standards and policies. Trained and experienced professionals with knowledge and skills to manage network performance and security are required, and acquiring them could be challenging. There is a need to upgrade networking standards, policies, and configurations constantly. This may not be possible for SMEs with limited IT strength.
Tips to choose the right SD-WAN solutions for VoIP
The choice of SD-WAN for VoIP depends on your organisation’s goals. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to SD-WAN for VoIP. Before zeroing in on the SD-WAN vendor, the organisation should consider security, quality metrics, visibility, scalability, interoperability, and compatibility. Some factors to remember while choosing include bandwidth, resilience, availability, latency, packet loss, jitter, encryption, authorisation, VPN, firewall, authentication, antivirus, IDS/IPS, etc. The most important factor is compatibility with your current network architecture, cloud provider, and VoIP system. Finally, the cost should be worked out to meet your budget.
SMOAD SD-WAN solutions are ideal for SMEs that are burdened by budget constraints. Now enjoy uninterrupted connectivity with SD-WAN multiple links.
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