When deploying SD-WAN, it’s important to protect network traffic from outside threats. Firewall solutions can help by adding a virtual WAN edge and providing advanced security. These solutions also offer a variety of additional features, including a cloud-based sandboxing feature and network-based security. These features can help you reduce operational costs and streamline your WAN architecture. They can also improve application performance through multi-path control and application steering.
Public internet connections can be used for middle-mile transmissions, but public internet connections are not secure and can cause performance problems. If sensitive data needs to be transmitted, it should be transmitted over a private network. Some SD-WAN providers allow you to use a secure global network. Otherwise, public internet connections should only be used for non-critical workloads or failover scenarios.
Firewalls can provide adequate SD-WAN security but must be integrated into the solution. In addition, firewalls must be tested by independent labs, and the vendor should have a solid reputation.
SD-WAN is an increasingly popular network infrastructure solution that offers a variety of business outcomes for companies. SD-WAN improves business productivity and reduces costs by streamlining network architecture and simplifying network management. It also allows remote sites to connect securely to multiple clouds and data centers while offering better performance and connectivity.
What is SD-WAN Edge-Platform?
SD-WAN edge-platform is a technology that allows you to extend your private network to the edge. This network will enable you to secure your data in real-time and protect your network from cyberattacks. With SD-WAN, your business can harden the entire network from the cloud to the edge with advanced security features.
Business-driven SD-WAN
A business-driven SD-WAN edge platform enables enterprises to optimize application performance. Unlike essential WAN solutions, which direct traffic down a single path and dynamically redirect it to a better-performing link, a business-driven SD-WAN continuously monitors and adapts to changes in network conditions and can overcome challenges like packet loss and latency. As a result, businesses can enjoy the highest QoS.
This software-driven platform automates connectivity to cloud infrastructure, secures direct internet access, and streamlines data transfers across multi-cloud deployments. It also delivers an excellent user experience for both IT and end-users. By addressing these network challenges, a business-driven SD-WAN edge platform can be deployed across thousands of branches and sites.
Business-driven SD-WAN edge-platform solutions deliver best-in-class application performance and high-quality voice and video. In addition, it offers the flexibility to choose between a physical or virtual appliance and a centralized policy-management tool. It also provides optional WAN optimization capabilities.
Why Should You Install a Firewall with SD-WAN?
Using SD-WAN makes it possible to separate traffic between different types of networks. With SD-WAN, traffic from other applications is routed differently, and there is no risk of a mismatch between network traffic from separate IP addresses. With a traditional WAN, traffic has to pass through a central firewall, which adds latency and leads to poorer performance. SD-WAN is a great way to avoid this issue and let remote sites use their cloud applications directly.
When implementing SD-WAN, replacing your current firewall with an SD-WAN appliance is a good idea. The SD-WAN appliance handles WAN connections, while the firewall protects your internal network. A firewall also enables you to apply policies to individual and group applications.
The emergence of cloud-based computing has made cyber threats more serious. Constant breaches and DDoS attacks have created a high-risk environment for cloud-based applications and services. As a result, more forward-thinking organizations are increasingly implementing “as-a-Service” frameworks and deploying stateful firewalls. Furthermore, managed network security services can help you set up a secure SD-WAN network.
Apart from enhancing security, SD-WAN also improves business productivity. It prioritizes business-critical traffic, such as VoIP, and steers it along the fastest path. The system also prevents packet loss and reduces latency issues.
Which solutions are available
There are several solutions available for firewalling SD-WAN connections. Some are cloud-based, while others are appliances. Advanced solutions can implement role-based access control and zero-trust network segmentation. These technologies help ensure that only authorized users and IoT devices can connect to the network. The answers can also use virtual overlays to map security policies to network destinations.
SD-WAN security features include advanced firewalling and VPN solutions. It should also support hybrid deployments. Finally, SD-WAN security should support cloud applications and mobile users.
How to install a firewall with SD-WAN
If you’re using SD-WAN, you should be careful about how you install your firewall. While many SD-WAN solutions allow you to use the same firewall as your SD-WAN device, others require you to disable firewall features.
First, enable SD-WAN on your firewall by acquiring an SD-WAN license. You’ll need one for each firewall in your network. Then, open SD-WAN Connection Groups in your Firewall Management interface. This will allow you to see which firewalls are connected and their status.
