Software-Defined Wide Area Networking, or SD-WAN, is a technology that allows organizations to route and manage traffic across a wide area network (WAN) with software-defined networking, rather than with hardware such as routers and switches.

With SD-WAN, enterprises can reduce networking costs by using any combination of connection types – including MPLS, LTE and broadband internet services – to connect remote users with applications and IT resources. SD-WAN technology can also improve performance by routing traffic more efficiently to optimize speed and bandwidth.

SD-WAN plays a crucial role in cybersecurity by enabling security functions to be distributed to branch and remote endpoints rather than requiring traffic to be backhauled to a central data center for inspection.

SD-WAN uses software-defined networking (SDN) technology to create an overlay that virtualizes and abstracts network connections. This allows agnostic use of different connection types – the network can use standard MPLS connections alongside broadband and mobile networks for greater flexibility. Differences between connectivity types are minimized; data can be sent through any connection using tunnelling technology.

SD-WAN also enables centralized orchestration of network configuration and policies, significantly increasing efficiency and providing greater visibility for IT teams. Application-aware routing enables traffic to be routed with optimal bandwidth and speed to meet the demands of applications while ensuring that business-critical functions receive priority.

With the ability to use faster, lower-cost local internet connections at remote locations, enterprises can rely on SD-WAN to:

• Improve user experiences. With SD-WAN, users at remote sites can access the resources they need with lower latency, better performance and greater reliability.
• Simplify management. Centralized management enables network operations teams to monitor branches and remote sites globally.
• Enhance reliability. SD-WAN enables automatic failover, routing traffic around links that have failed or are congested.
• Reduce costs. Expensive MPLS lines can be augmented or replaced with affordable commodity connections like DSL, cable and fiber.

Most SD-WAN solutions include encryption to protect data privacy. But without integrated security, this connectivity option can be another attack vector. Superior SD-WAN technologies provide additional security capabilities as well.

As remote users connect directly to cloud applications, security that once was provided by centralized, on-premises gateways must now be enforced at each remote location or in the cloud. Secure SD-WAN solutions make this possible by incorporating key security features:

• Access control and intrusion prevention technology, typically through Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), prevent attackers from penetrating defenses.
• Web security features deliver real-time protection against advanced threats within web pages or downloaded content.
• Cloud monitoring solutions track and protect apps and data stored in the cloud to prevent abuse.

With superior SD-WAN solutions, enterprises can enable users to seamlessly connect to the cloud resources they need while protecting networks, users, and data from theft, loss and attack.

Forcepoint FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN provides direct-to-cloud connectivity and security to accelerate digital transformation. As part of Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall, Secure SD-WAN connects and protects people, places and the Internet of Things, securing the connections to the apps and data that drive business results.

The Forcepoint solution provides:

• A smart, comprehensive SD-WAN technology. Replacing multiple point products, FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN automatically balances loads and proactively surfaces performance issues before they interrupt productivity.
• Zero-touch upgrades. Schedule updates and upgrades to execute automatically without needing on-site staff.
• Centralized management. A single management console provides tools to connect to protect branch offices and remote sites globally. With the ability to manage connectivity and security policies together, IT teams can avoid gaps and push updates with just a few clicks.