Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a network architecture that provides organizations with a flexible, secure, and cost-effective way to manage their networks. SD-WAN technology abstracts the underlying network and provides an intelligent layer of abstraction, making it possible to manage network traffic and dynamically control the flow of data. SD-WAN technology is an attractive option for organizations looking to improve the performance and security of their networks.
When it comes to implementing SD-WAN, organizations have two options:
- Managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
- DIY (Do-It-Yourself) SD-WAN
DIY SD-WAN involves organizations building and managing their own network, while Managed SD-WAN involves outsourcing network management to a third-party provider. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and organizations must consider factors such as cost, control, and expertise when choosing between DIY and Managed SD-WAN. Keep reading as we compare the pros and cons of each option to help organizations make informed decisions.
Managed SD-WAN
Managed SD-WAN entails contracting out the deployment and management of SD-WAN technology to a third-party service provider. With a Managed SD-WAN solution, organizations receive expert support and management from the service provider, but they may have limited control over certain aspects of their network. This section discusses the pros and cons of using Managed SD-WAN solutions.
Pros of managed SD-WAN
Managed SD-WAN provides enterprises with a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable network solution. Here are some of the advantages of using a managed SD-WAN solution:
- Increased efficiency: Managed SD-WAN provides organizations with a high level of automation, which enables the network to dynamically adjust to changing traffic patterns. This results in a more efficient network that can deliver better performance and lower latency. The network provider is responsible for monitoring the network and making any necessary adjustments, freeing up IT resources for other tasks.
- Reduced costs for hardware, administration, and support: Managed SD-WAN eliminates the need for organizations to purchase and maintain expensive hardware, such as routers and switches. The service also comes with routine maintenance and support, eliminating the need for an in-house IT support team and reducing the overall cost of network management.
- Greater scalability: Managed SD-WAN enables organizations to quickly and easily scale their networks up or down as their needs change. This helps to ensure that there is always the right amount of bandwidth available for all users. Ultimately, the greater scalability advantage is enabled by the fact that the network provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the network, enabling organizations to focus on other areas of their business.
- Ability to comply with industry regulations: Managed SD-WAN providers are experts in industry regulations and can ensure that the network is compliant with any relevant standards. This can provide organizations with peace of mind and reduce the risk of penalties for non-compliance.
Cons of managed SD-WAN
While Managed SD-WAN has many tangible advantages, it has some shortcomings that organizations should be aware of:
- The main disadvantage of using a managed SD-WAN solution is the loss of visibility and control. Since their network is managed by a third-party service provider, organizations have less control over it.
- Furthermore, managed SD-WAN can be difficult to customize to meet the unique requirements of an organization. This can limit the network's flexibility and impair its ability to deliver the desired results.
- Finally, there are privacy concerns because the managed service provider has access to all of the organization's network data. By definition, managed SD-WAN solutions are managed by a third-party provider, making it difficult for the organization to guarantee the integrity of sensitive data and the ability to quickly resolve issues.
DIY SD-WAN
DIY SD-WAN is an in-house solution that requires organizations to purchase, install, and configure their own hardware and software. It entails developing the SD-WAN technology internally, without the assistance of a third-party service provider. This approach gives organizations full control over their SD-WAN implementation, but it requires in-house IT resources and expertise for setup and ongoing maintenance. This section of the article explores the pros and cons of using DIY SD-WAN solutions.
Pros of DIY SD-WAN
DIY SD-WAN offers several benefits that can help organizations improve the control, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of their networks:
- Full control over the network: DIY SD-WAN provides organizations with complete network control, including the ability to monitor, administer, and make any necessary adjustments. Due to this level of control, organizations may benefit from increased network visibility and the ability to detect and address problems faster.
- Ability to customize the network: Using DIY SD-WAN, organizations can customize their network to meet their specific needs. This can significantly boost the functionality and effectiveness of their network while achieving the desired results.
- Cost-effective in the long run: The upfront cost of implementing DIY SD-WAN may be greater compared to Managed SD-WAN, but it can be more cost-effective in the long term. This is because organizations won't have to pay for ongoing management and support and won't incur the costs associated with outsourcing network management to a third party.
Cons of DIY SD-WAN
There are two main cons to using DIY SD-WAN solutions:
- First, DIY SD-WAN requires a high level of technical skill and expertise to set up and manage the network. Organizations must have the resources to build, maintain, and troubleshoot the network, which can be time-consuming and challenging.
- Secondly, DIY SD-WAN solutions pose the risk of network instability and security breaches. If the network is not properly managed and maintained, it can become unstable, leading to performance issues and security breaches. This can impact the performance and security of the network and can also result in data loss and other security incidents.
Conclusion: which one should you choose and why?
Ultimately, both DIY SD-WAN and Managed SD-WAN have advantages and disadvantages, so businesses must decide which is best for their needs. Managed SD-WAN is ideal for businesses that prioritize increased productivity, lower costs, and greater scalability; however, it may necessitate a compromise in terms of visibility and control. DIY SD-WAN, on the other hand, is ideal for businesses that value complete network control and the ability to customize it. However, it may necessitate more technical knowledge and be more costly in the short term.
When deciding between DIY and Managed SD-WAN, organizations should consider the factors that are most important to them, such as their available skills and resources, the complexity of their network, and their budget. Regardless of the option chosen, end-to-end monitoring is critical to ensuring network stability and security. Finally, organizations must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option before selecting the one that best meets their needs and objectives.