SD-What

SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. The SD-WAN replaces the routed WAN with a software-defined network solution. Simply said, SD-WAN replaces routers with next-generation technology for secure, site-to-site network communications.

SD-WAN breaks down network communications into separate logical planes of function. This is a further abstraction from existing manufacturer data and control plane separation, which focuses more on the physical allocation of resources. The SD-WAN solution takes advantage of separate logical control and data planes to allow for the specialization of each solution component or module. A routing protocol forwards traffic with the data as a payload and the control function is embedded. SD-WAN functionality forwards data in a per-packet or per-flow steering direction given by the controller based on policy. This separation between planes allows for independence of operation, resilience in communications, rapid changes, real-time security...