A software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN), is a network that is abstracted from its hardware, creating a virtualized network overlay. Operators can remotely manage and quickly scale this overlay, which can span over large geographical distances. It is an application of software-defined networking (SDN).
An SD-WAN can connect several branch locations to a central hub office or cover multiple locations in a large campus such as a university campus.
Because SD-WAN is abstract from hardware, it is more flexible and available than a standard WAN. It relies on four central components:
• Edge connectivity abstraction
• WAN virtualization
• Centralized management
• Elastic traffic management
The Benefits of SD-WAN
The global SD-WAN market is predicted to swell to $5.25 Billion in 2023, according to an IDC forecast in July 2019, as more businesses embrace the benefits of a virtualized network.
The key benefits include:
• Increased bandwidth at a lower cost since the network traffic can be provisioned for optimal speeds and throttle low-priority applications.
• Centralized management across branch networks through a simple management console, which reduces the need for manual configuration and on-site IT staff
• Full visibility into the network, as the controller gives operators a holistic view of the network.
• More options for connection type and vendor selection, since the network can reside on COTS hardware and use both private and public connections to route its traffic.
Source :
https://www.sdxcentral.com/networking/sd-wan/definitions/software-defined-sdn-wan/