SD-WAN: How to Ensure High Availability for Cloud Service Access

As cloud solutions evolve, delivering high availability and performance are the biggest challenges. Networking teams need to prepare to meet the demands of SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service); as a result, software-defined networks become essential to ensure user satisfaction when consuming these services.

In the traditional model, all corporate resources (ERP Server, CRM Server, File Server, Email Server…) are hosted internally at the company, and for external access needs, MPLS and VPN resources are used. However, cloud computing services have brought cost reduction and reliability to companies that migrated their infrastructure. On the other hand, the complexity and cost of traditional networks have increased, especially to ensure secure access to cloud environments.

The SD-WAN model aims to simplify the connection between headquarters and branch offices, as well as provide fast connectivity to cloud environments, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly.

Source: Fortinet – https://fortinet.com/br

 

The main advantages include:

1 – Improved application access performance.

2 – Focus on the user experience when using software-as-a-service (SaaS) and public cloud applications.

3 – Reduced complexity, making network management easier.

4 – Cost optimization through compatibility with multiple paths, for example: MPLS, 4G/5G, broadband, dedicated links, and other connection types.

With the shift in how companies manage themselves, the consumption of cloud applications has been growing more and more, which makes the SD-WAN model even more suitable, since optimizing resource use and information security are essential.

Benefits of SD-WAN

1 – High availability of access to services;

2 – Multiple links for accessing resources;

3 – Finding the best path to access applications;

4 – Secure traffic on the broadband internet and cloud environment;

5 – Easy expansion;

6 – Simplified management.

 

How to get started with SD-WAN

The strategy for an SD-WAN environment is tied to how resources hosted in the cloud should be accessed. In environments where the ERP system and email are cloud-based, you should look for at least two internet link options and a Firewall solution capable of identifying the best path to reach the applications, considering latency and bandwidth. All of this is to ensure the best user experience when consuming these resources. If the company operates in a headquarters-branch model, connectivity should be considered both between locations and to the cloud, always looking for the best path.

ACT Tecnologia is a Fortinet partner, a leader in SD-WAN solutions. Interested? Get in touch with us for a conversation!