# 🗿What do you Need to Consider when Identifying a Last Mile SD-WAN Solution🫵

SD-WAN, offers numerous advantages, but like any technology, it also has some potential drawbacks. Here is what you need to consider when identifying a SD-WAN solution:

1. **Cost:** Some SD-WAN products, including many from some the 800 pound Gorillas, are often associated with higher costs compared to some other SD-WAN solutions. Licensing fees, hardware costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses might be considerable for certain businesses.
    
2. **Complexity:** Implementing and managing a some solutions might require specialized skills and expertise. The setup can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with that vendor's architecture and systems.
    
3. **Vendor Lock-in:** Opting for proprietary stacks and vendors with custom ASICs might potentially lead to vendor lock-in, limiting flexibility and making it challenging to switch to alternative solutions or integrate with other technologies or service chains.
    
4. **Scalability Challenges:** While many SD-WAN deployments are scalable, scaling up the infrastructure might require additional hardware investments and configurations. This could be challenging for organizations rapidly expanding their network.
    
5. **Updates and Patches:** Managing updates and patches across certain vendors infrastructure could be a hassle. Deploying these updates without disrupting network services might require careful planning and execution.
    
6. **Support Dependency:** Relying on vendor support for troubleshooting and problem resolution might lead to dependency on poor quality support services. Timely and effective support becomes critical in ensuring uninterrupted network operations.
    
7. **Resource Intensive:** Depending on the scale and complexity of the network, deploying many types of business SD-WAN solutions might demand significant resources, both in terms of skilled personnel and dedicated hardware.
    
8. **Learning Curve:** Training and upskilling staff to effectively manage and maintain proprietary infrastructure might pose a challenge. The learning curve could be steep for those unfamiliar with a particular vendor's ecosystem.
    

It's essential to weigh the above against the advantages and specific needs of your business before deciding on a SD-WAN solution. Consulting with networking experts and conducting a thorough evaluation can help in making an informed decision.

%[https://www.dqindia.com/business-solutions/10-key-factors-for-choosing-the-best-sd-wan-provider-5653472] 

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[Ronald Bartels](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldxbartels/) ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at [Fusion Broadband South Africa](https://www.linkedin.com/company/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](https://fusionsdwan.co.za/failure-proof/)

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