Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their network infrastructure. While its primary use case is streamlining network provisioning, SD-WAN can also work wonders when it comes to providing resilient network services across various last-mile providers and media types. In this article, we'll delve into the concept of creating a resilient SD-WAN by eliminating single points of failure in wide area networking.
The Complexity of Resilient Last-Mile Networking
In the past, setting up a resilient last-mile network link was a complex and daunting task. These links could involve a mix of technologies, including LTE, Fibre, VSAT, wireless connections, and even the traditional MPLS. Managing such a diverse business branch environment was often a cumbersome and costly affair. This is where SD-WAN steps in to make things easier and more efficient.
SD-WAN's Role in Simplifying Resilience
SD-WAN simplifies the process of bonding multiple last-mile links, effectively creating a "fat pipe" for managing business branch connectivity. It's a game-changer that offers greater flexibility, control, and cost-effectiveness. But beyond these advantages, it's crucial to understand the significance of resilient network design, especially when it comes to distinguishing between last-mile outages and service provider outages.
Last-Mile Outages vs. Service Provider Outages
In my personal experience, I've found that in many cases, network outages are more likely caused by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) rather than issues with the last mile itself. Let's take a closer look at a practical example:
Imagine you're in an area served by a network provider like OpenServe, offering Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connectivity. Now, consider that you have the option to choose from multiple ISPs over the same last mile network. You can set up multiple Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connections to different service providers, such as Rocketnet or Vox, all on a single last-mile link.
Here's where the magic happens: by diversifying your service providers on a single last-mile link, you inherently improve the resilience of your network. Even in scenarios where one ISP experiences an outage, others remain accessible. To take it a step further, you can complement your link with LTE connectivity, adding an extra layer of protection and resilience to your overall network solution.
Wrap
In the world of SD-WAN, the focus is often on simplifying network management and reducing costs. However, it's crucial not to overlook the value it brings to creating resilient networks. By eliminating single points of failure and intelligently distributing connectivity across multiple last-mile providers and media types, businesses can ensure their network remains robust and available, even in the face of potential outages.
Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Nepean Networks - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. 👉 Contact Nepean
