# 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 |

### **  
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.