Demystifying the Top 5 SD-WAN Vendors: A Deep Dive for Network Engineers
In the ever-evolving landscape of network technology, SD-WAN is a critical piece. Here's an engineer's look at the top 5 SD-WAN vendors, focusing on what matters most to us: features, deployment, security, performance, and integration
| Vendor | Key Features | Deployment Options | Security Features | Scalability & Performance | Integration & Support |
| Cisco | - Integrated routing, segmentation, and security | - Cloud, on-premises | - Next-gen firewall, IPS | - High availability across global network | - Wide ecosystem, strong support services |
| VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud | - Application-aware per-packet steering | - Cloud, on-premises, hybrid | - Stateful and contextual firewall | - Elastic multi-path optimization | - Integrates with VMware products |
| Fortinet | - Security-driven networking | - Cloud, on-premises, hybrid | - Integrated next-gen firewall, IPS | - Flexible scaling, WAN path control | - Seamless integration with security suite |
| Silver Peak (now part of Aruba) | - WAN optimization, application acceleration | - Cloud, on-premises | - Application-aware security policies | - Dynamic path conditioning | - Integrates with existing infrastructure |
| Versa Networks | - Secure access, multi-cloud support | - Cloud, on-premises, multi-cloud | - Next-gen firewall, secure web gateway | - Network and application intelligence | - Simplified management through a single pane |
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1. Cisco**
Key Features
- Integrated Routing, Segmentation, and Security: Cisco SD-WAN offers a comprehensive solution that combines WAN capabilities with essential functions like routing and segmentation. It's designed to offer enhanced visibility and control over applications and user experience.
Deployment Options
- Cloud and On-Premises: Cisco provides options for deploying SD-WAN in cloud environments or on-premises, offering flexibility based on organizational needs and preferences.
Security Features
- Next-Gen Firewall, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Security is a major focus, with integrated firewalls and intrusion prevention to protect against a variety of threats.
Scalability & Performance
- High Availability Across Global Network: Cisco’s solutions are known for robust performance and scalability, with the ability to adapt to the needs of large enterprises.
Integration & Support
- Wide Ecosystem, Strong Support Services: With a vast ecosystem of partners and strong support services, Cisco offers extensive integration capabilities and assistance.
2. VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud
Key Features
- Application-Aware Per-Packet Steering: This feature ensures that critical applications receive priority and are routed over the best available path, enhancing performance.
Deployment Options
- Cloud, On-Premises, Hybrid: VMware offers multiple deployment options, allowing businesses to choose the best fit for their unique environment.
Security Features
- Stateful and Contextual Firewall: Security measures include sophisticated firewalls that can understand the context of network traffic, providing more nuanced protection.
Scalability & Performance
- Elastic Multi-Path Optimization: This technology helps in scaling the network by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions, ensuring optimal performance.
Integration & Support
- Integration with VMware Products: Organizations using VMware products will find integration straightforward, and it offers a cohesive experience across the virtualization platform.
3. Fortinet
Key Features
- Security-Driven Networking: Fortinet's SD-WAN solution emphasizes security, integrating networking and protection in a cohesive way.
Deployment Options
- Cloud, On-Premises, Hybrid: Fortinet provides flexibility in deployment options, catering to various business needs.
Security Features
- Integrated Next-Gen Firewall, IPS: Security is robust, with next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems.
Scalability & Performance
- Flexible Scaling, WAN Path Control: Fortinet’s solution allows for flexible scaling and offers control over WAN paths, enabling tailored performance.
Integration & Support
- Seamless Integration with Security Suite: For businesses that already use Fortinet security products, integration is seamless, creating a unified and effective network environment.
4. Silver Peak (now part of Aruba)
Key Features
- WAN Optimization, Application Acceleration: Silver Peak focuses on optimizing WAN and accelerating applications, improving user experience across the network.
Deployment Options
- Cloud, On-Premises: With both cloud and on-premises options, Silver Peak provides flexibility for various organizational needs.
Security Features
- Application-Aware Security Policies: Security is managed through application-aware policies that allow for fine-tuned protection.
Scalability & Performance
- Dynamic Path Conditioning: This feature enables the network to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining optimal performance.
Integration & Support
- Integrates with Existing Infrastructure: Silver Peak's SD-WAN solution is designed to integrate smoothly with existing infrastructures, making adoption more straightforward.
5. Versa Networks
Key Features
- Secure Access, Multi-Cloud Support: Versa Networks provides secure access across the network and robust support for multi-cloud environments.
Deployment Options
- Cloud, On-Premises, Multi-Cloud: The deployment can be tailored to unique needs, including complex multi-cloud environments.
Security Features
- Next-Gen Firewall, Secure Web Gateway: Security includes next-gen firewalls and secure web gateways for comprehensive protection.
Scalability & Performance
- Network and Application Intelligence: Versa’s solution offers intelligence on both network and applications, enabling fine-tuned performance.
Integration & Support
- Simplified Management through a Single Pane: The management of the network is streamlined through a unified interface, making oversight more manageable.