As businesses face the growing complexity of modern networks, Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) has emerged as a key solution for reducing costs, improving network performance, and providing flexibility in managing hybrid and cloud-based infrastructures. SD-WAN enables centralized control of network traffic, delivering benefits like enhanced application performance and lower operational costs. However, deploying SD-WAN is not without its challenges. Businesses should be aware of the potential pitfalls that can undermine the success of their SD-WAN implementation.

Here are some common pitfalls that IT managers in business should avoid when deploying SD-WAN:

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• Lack of Visibility & Analytics

Visibility into network performance is critical for any SD-WAN deployment. Without it, businesses may struggle to monitor the health of WAN links, track application performance, or identify potential security threats. This lack of insight can lead to poor decision-making, particularly when it comes to capacity planning and optimizing traffic flow.

Visibility is especially vital for security monitoring. As cyber attackers develop increasingly sophisticated methods, businesses with sensitive data traffic face heightened risks. Unfortunately, some SD-WAN appliances offer only basic security features, which may not be sufficient to protect critical data.

To avoid this pitfall, businesses should ensure that their SD-WAN platform includes robust visibility and analytics tools. Solutions like Antares Performance Management or Illuminate Advanced Traffic Analytics provide deeper insights into WAN performance and user behavior, enabling more effective network management and security measures.

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• Operating SD-WAN in a Silo

A common mistake businesses make is deploying SD-WAN in isolation, without integrating it with other critical systems like security tools, cloud services, and local network infrastructure. By operating SD-WAN as a standalone technology, companies miss out on important capabilities, such as improved security, automated threat response, and enhanced overall performance.

As the SD-WAN market matures, many businesses are moving beyond standalone SD-WAN platforms and embracing integrated solutions, such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). SASE combines SD-WAN with cloud-based security functions, such as cloud-hosted firewalls, secure web gateways, and cloud access security brokers. These integrated architectures ensure that businesses can maintain high levels of security and performance across both WAN and cloud environments.

For example, Fusion’s SD-WAN is designed to integrate seamlessly with any upstream or downstream security service, ensuring that businesses don’t need to operate SD-WAN in a vacuum. This flexibility makes it easier to implement additional security measures or improve performance. It also has a best of breed cloud connector.

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• Implementation & Performance Headaches

While SD-WAN has been praised for its simplicity in comparison to legacy WAN setups, implementing SD-WAN still requires careful planning. Many businesses assume that SD-WAN’s Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) capabilities will make deployment a breeze, but the reality is that very few vendors offer truly automated setups.

Most SD-WAN projects face delays due to incomplete planning, especially around security requirements or traffic optimization. Moreover, many SD-WAN solutions perform better with specific types of traffic but may struggle with others, making it critical to choose a platform that fits the company’s specific needs.

For example, Fusion’s SD-WAN simplifies deployment using Juggler, a ZTP service that automatically provisions devices with minimal manual intervention, reducing the risks of implementation delays.

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• Failure to Innovate

As SD-WAN technology evolves, businesses must future-proof their deployments to take advantage of emerging technologies, such as 5G. Failing to consider how newer connectivity options like public or private 5G might benefit their SD-WAN architecture could leave organizations stuck with outdated infrastructure.

One of the key advantages of SD-WAN is its ability to centrally manage multiple WAN links, including cellular connections like 5G. Cellular connectivity offers rapid deployment, making it an attractive option for backup or even primary connectivity in the future. Companies should evaluate how their SD-WAN strategy can incorporate 5G to remain competitive and agile as network technologies advance.

Fusion’s SD-WAN integrates with any connectivity medium, including 5G, ensuring businesses are well-positioned for future connectivity needs.

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• Unknown Cost Efficiencies

One of the most common selling points for SD-WAN has been cost savings, particularly by shifting from expensive MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) networks to cheaper internet links. While some organizations have seen reduced costs by adopting SD-WAN, many have found that the savings are not as substantial as promised.

In many cases, businesses have retained MPLS connections for mission-critical traffic while supplementing them with internet-based links. This hybrid approach may reduce per-megabit costs, but the overall costs often remain high due to increased bandwidth demands and the addition of new SD-WAN infrastructure.

Additionally, the cost of SD-WAN products has risen in recent years, particularly with Silicon Valley-based offerings, where both hardware and software costs have increased. As a result, some businesses find that their SD-WAN operational costs actually increase over time.

However, Fusion’s SDWAN has avoid the feature and cost bloat associated with Silicon Valley companies.

It’s important to carefully evaluate the cost-benefit ratio when considering SD-WAN. While there are savings to be had, they may not be as dramatic as initially expected—especially if businesses fail to phase out MPLS entirely or implement increased resource and bandwidth utilization.

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Wrap

While SD-WAN offers numerous benefits for modern businesses, from improved application performance to greater agility in managing network infrastructure, it is not a silver bullet. Organizations must be aware of potential pitfalls such as limited visibility, implementation challenges, and the risk of operating SD-WAN in isolation.

By selecting an SD-WAN solution that prioritizes visibility, security integration, and future-proofing—such as Fusion SD-WAN—businesses can avoid many of these pitfalls and fully capitalize on the promise of software-defined networking. Careful planning and a clear understanding of business needs will ensure a successful and cost-effective SD-WAN deployment that supports future growth and innovation.

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Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Fusion Broadband South Africa - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. Learn more about the best SD-WAN in the world: 👉Contact Fusion🚀

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