Benefits of SD-WAN for Remote Workforces

The times when one had a dedicated workstation are long gone. The growing number of companies that have adopted the model of remote work brings a number of challenges among which ensuring a stable and secure connection for employees working in different locations is one of the main issues. That is why there comes an innovative approach in networking called Software-Defined Wide Area Networking or SD-WAN. The purpose of the article: to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits of SD-WAN for remote workforces, highlighting its impact on productivity, security, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Benefits of SD-WAN for Remote Workforces

Improved Application Performance

Do you recall the video conversation with your distant colleague that froze in the middle of your presentation? Cloud-based applications often suffer from irritating delays and breaks because conventional WANs have to deal with inconsistent internet connections. This is resolved by getting an SD-WAN device that forwards data intelligently across multiple types of connections, such as cellular, DSL or cable. As a result, remote employees can easily connect, by ensuring that there is consistent bandwidth for critical applications such as file uploads and downloads, video conferencing and CRM.

Enhanced Security

In this age of remote workforce, security still remains a big concern to organizations. SD-WAN enhanced the security of the data by incorporating various features such as threat detection, access control, and end to end encryption. This allows the remote employees to access the company’s resources without compromising the sensitive data from illegal access and other cyber threats.23 Moreover, application-based and user-oriented granular security policies can be implemented through SD-WAN.

Cost-Effectiveness

By adopting SD-WAN, organizations will be able to significantly reduce expenditures. The use of cheap broadband connections instead of high-cost MPLS lines helps enterprises cut down on their network resources without compromising on performance levels. For this reason, the architectural improvement of the SD-WAN solution makes it economical for many organizations because of the simplified management which gives less demands on IT support.

Flexibility and Scalability

The demands of your off-site team may shift at a moment's notice. Hence, SD-WAN is intended to deliver flexibility. It makes it easy to scale up resources and bandwidth when there are more employees or greater workloads. This ensures consistency in network performance even as your remote workforce increases in number.

How SD-WAN Works for Remote Workforces

Centralized Management

By adopting a centralized management system, SD-WAN provides IT administrators with unprecedented efficiency. It enables the management of numerous remote work connections through an easy-to-use interface, thus freeing administrators from the burdens of configuration and maintenance of each remote access device. This in turn favors administrative tasks, decreases the level of intricacy, and brings about increased efficiency in the design of the whole network.

Some of the specific advantages of centralized management are

· Easier management: IT managers can assess network status and repair, if necessary, any of its components as well as apply security controls seamlessly from any remote site.

· Better management: In addition to performance monitoring, centralized management includes traffic monitoring which helps network administrators address performance degradation before it occurs.

· Less complicated solutions: With the management of tasks undertaken via the use of SD-WAN being on a single management interface, there will be no more adoption of complex network designs and installation which prone mistakes.

· Better (additional) scalability: While managing workforce in the field is aggravating at best, the growth of those remote employees would be easier with their infrastructure being managed centrally and enabling the progression of the network without introducing much hurt.

Application Prioritization

SD-WAN technology enables businesses to determine which applications are important for remote workers and give them priority. Such strategies help businesses to ensure that there is operational continuity even in times of extreme usage by managing the resources available to different operations depending on their application levels. The practice of doing so helps to maintain the productivity of the organization at a good level and also helps in averting congestion.

Implementing SD-WAN for Remote Workforces

Assessing Network Needs

Step one is understanding the bespoke network requirements of your out-of-the-office employees. This includes aspects such as acceptable levels of latency, volume of bandwidth consumption, and the element of safety. With a thorough assessment, you are able to personalize your SD-WAN architecture to satisfy your particular needs.

Choosing the Right SD-WAN Solution

No two organizations can adopt the same SD-WAN solution, as each presents different challenges. Take time to analyze different suppliers looking especially at their offerings, price models, and level of service. Do not hesitate to request for examples and demonstrations to ensure that you choose the most appropriate solution according to your requirements and budget.

Integrating SD-WAN with Existing Systems

For SD-WAN to yield the expected benefits, it must be effectively integrated into the existing IT architecture. To create a cohesive networking landscape that meets all the operational needs of the organization, it is necessary for businesses to understand how to meld SD-WAN with other components such as firewalls, load balancers and VPNs.

The technology landscape of SD-WAN is always changing and introducing beneficial features especially for the work-from-home and hybrid work models. If and when you’re considering SD-WAN for your home-based employees, the following factors should be considered:

• Know your network requirements: Prior to moving forward with implementation, be clear and precise on what your exact needs are.
• Engage with a suitable provider: Assess the prospects and their offerings, prices and support and see whether they meet your expectations.
• Get set, go: In order to ease transition and provide better delivery, SD-WAN has to be built on top of existing infrastructure.

All in all, the use of SD-WAN technology will serve to better the experience of your employees who work away from the office by providing a reliable and secure connection, thereby boosting productivity, increasing security and minimizing expenses.

Prepared to dive into the world of SD-WAN and its ability to enhance the remote workforce? You are in the right place as we have a team of professionals available to assist you. Reach out to our team of professionals, here at Anticlockwise, right away to talk about your requirements and find out how we can tailor make an SD-WAN solution to achieve your objectives.