As a decision-maker, you don’t ordinarily need to understand every technical detail behind the systems that make your organisation tick. However, with technology advancing apace, staying ahead of the curve is essential. As technology evolves, so do the options for optimising network architecture. One such option that has gained prominence is Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN).

What is SD-WAN?

To understand how SD-WAN works, we first have to understand the challenges it addresses.

Even in relatively straightforward businesses, multiple devices are connected to networks. These devices need to be configured and managed. This can result in complexity in network operations and maintenance and a less-than perfect user experience.

Network devices essentially operate on three planes: management, control, and data or forwarding. In traditional networking, each of these planes operates independently. To address the complexity that flows from this, software defined (SD) networking was developed.

In essence, a central management unit manages all the network devices. This model also allows for the automation of basic network monitoring and troubleshooting, continually aligning the network to current business needs.

Your WAN is your Wide Area Network. It consists of Local Area Networks (LANs) and other networks that must communicate with one another.

With these two concepts clarified it’s easy to see that SD-WAN automatically manages your wide area network, harmonising the devices that make it work while constantly troubleshooting and monitoring your network.

In practice, this means you can connect and coordinate users, applications, and data while constantly improving performance and network reliability through automated centralised control of your network.

However, the decision of whether to embrace SD-WAN or stick with your current network solution is not to be taken lightly.

SD-WAN vs MPLS and SD-WAN vs VPN

With a profusion of acronyms to sort through, you may be wondering how SD-WAN stacks up against MPLS or VPN-based models. When it comes to MPLS, it’s hardware-based and can’t accommodate multiple vendors. At the same time, it’s very fast, and although it’s an older technology, it might still be relevant in specific scenarios due to offering various other benefits including reliability, scalability, cost-effectiveness, efficiency and reliability.

SD-WAN is software-based and allows your people to connect using any form of connection at their disposal – including MPLS. The right solution always depends on context, and hybrids can, at times, work very well!

VPNs are all about providing a connection that prioritises privacy and security. In SD-WAN networks, they contribute to network security. However, they’re unable to manage your network infrastructure in the same way that SD-WAN or even MPLS does.

The Promise of SD-WAN

SD-WAN has captured the attention of IT professionals worldwide with its potential to reshape network operations and enhance connectivity. SD-WAN benefits can be summed up as:

Enhanced Agility: SD-WAN introduces a dynamic approach to resource allocation, enabling your network to adapt swiftly to changing demands. This agility can lead to faster deployment of new services, applications, and sites.
Application Performance: With intelligent traffic routing, SD-WAN ensures optimal performance by selecting the best path for data based on factors like latency and bandwidth. This can lead to improved user experiences and more reliable applications.
Cost Efficiency: SD-WAN’s ability to combine cost-effective internet connections with traditional circuits can lead to reduced bandwidth expenses and a more flexible network infrastructure.
Security Reinforcement: Advanced security features, including centralised control and consistent policies, make SD-WAN a robust option for enhancing your network’s defences.

How is Managed SD-WAN Implemented?

Part of the beauty of SD-WAN is that it works with just about any existing hardware. That’s because it’s a software-based solution. It’s configured to manage various types and volumes of traffic, adapting as needed while simultaneously being more reliable and secure than traditional WAN networks.

The centralised control plane routes traffic based on the rules and policies that network administrators write, keeping you in control of decision-making and resource allocation. At the same time, the need to individually manage gateways and routers is significantly reduced and often completely eliminated.

Just as SD-WAN doesn’t require specific hardware, it also manages traffic across all the vehicles used to connect, for example, MPLS, broadband, LTE, etc. In addition, virtual private networks (VPNs) are installed to bolster security across WAN connections.

With the operational parameters having been predetermined, SD-WAN networks allow for the automation of network management while gathering and analysing network activity data. This allows you to monitor activity on auto, even recognising suspicious activity without human intervention.

What Are the Risks of Implementing SD-WAN?

SD-WAN benefits may seem compelling, but is there an elephant in the room? The issues you may encounter include:

Trying to implement SD-WAN without outside help can be very costly. There’s a need to partner with service providers to realise economies of scale and reduce implementation and management costs.
Overlooking the need for advanced cybersecurity measures. Accepting traffic from just about every kind of network can lead to increased threat-exposure. A professional provider should have a robust approach to cybersecurity.
Teething troubles. To implement SD-WAN, network modifications may be necessary. In addition, issues like configuration conflicts can arise. Disruption can be avoided or minimised by carefully planning for a smooth transition and ensuring that support is on hand and on high alert during initial implementation.
Quality of service constraints. Even with effective SD-WAN, you’re relying on network service providers to provide bandwidth. This potential issue can be overcome by establishing redundant connections to fall back on.

There are certainly risks to the implementation of managed SD-WAN, but with an experienced service-provider to guide you through the process, plan and implement the transition, and be on hand for support, seamless or near-seamless transitions are possible.

Why Choose Advantex for Your Transition to SD-WAN?

With over two decades in creating bespoke enterprise solutions, we’ve been working with clients to help them make the change to SD-WAN for years. With multiple accreditations to our name, our services have benefited organisations ranging from schools to manufacturing concerns, transportation networks and more.

We know what matters to you: speed, reliability, security, and service, and our track-record and case studies show that we’re more than equal to the challenge of providing them. We believe in offering a best-fit approach – assessing your networking needs and developing your IT architecture accordingly.

Talk to us about your connectivity requirements and discover evidence-based solutions that work for you. Wondering if you need an SD-WAN system? Need specialised support for your existing networks? Our focus on positive outcomes ensures that we never offer you more – or less – than you really need. Get the Advantex advantage today.

Amidst the ever-changing landscape of IT infrastructure and networking, Heads of IT bear the responsibility of steering their organisations towards adaptable solutions that maximise IT efficiency and security.

Cisco Meraki, a cloud-managed networking innovation, has emerged as a transformative force, simplifying network management and bolstering performance. For IT leaders at the helm, gaining essential insights into Cisco Meraki is pivotal for informed decision-making and the seamless management of networks.

Accelerate your business with Cisco Meraki

Here, we present ten crucial insights to help navigate the Cisco Meraki landscape and harness its full potential and look at when is the right time to adopt it.

1. Centralised Network Management
Cisco Meraki’s cloud-based platform simplifies network management, offering a single dashboard to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot networks remotely. It’s ideal for organisations seeking to streamline operations and increase IT efficiency.

2. Scalability Made Easy
As your organisation grows, so can your Meraki network. Adding or removing devices, expanding to new locations, or adapting to changing requirements is straightforward, thanks to Meraki’s scalable architecture.

3. Robust Security Features
Meraki prioritises security with features like intrusion detection, content filtering, and advanced threat protection. As a Head of IT, you can trust that your network and sensitive data are well safeguarded.

4. Real-Time Visibility
Access to real-time insights into your network’s performance and traffic patterns makes decision-making easier, as you have a clear view of network operations.

5. User-Friendly Interface
Meraki’s intuitive interface minimises the learning curve for your IT team. Streamline your day-to-day operations and reduce the need for extensive training.

6. Consistency and Integration
For organisations with multiple locations, a managed Meraki solution ensures consistency across sites. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with other technologies and services simplifies network management.

7. Automation for IT Efficiency
Meraki can help you to automate routine tasks such as firmware updates and configuration changes, saving your IT team time and reducing the risk of human error.

8. Proactive Support
Meraki offers robust customer support. If issues arise, you can reply on a responsive support team to provide assistance and minimising network downtime.

9. Cost-Effective Long-Term
Long-term cost savings, reduced IT overhead, and enhanced security make it cost-effective. Cisco Capital provides flexible payment choices making it easier to acquire and manage technology through the entire lifecycle.

10. Future-Proofing
Technology evolves rapidly. Meraki’s adaptability and continuous updates ensure your network remains current and can seamlessly integrate with emerging technologies.

When is the right time to consider Cisco Meraki?

Growth and Expansion. If your business is growing or opening new locations, Meraki’s scalability can accommodate your evolving networking needs seamlessly.

Security Concern. If network security is a top priority (and it should be), Meraki’s advanced security features can help safeguard your data and operations.

Network Complexity. If your network management is becoming increasingly complex or requires manual intervention, Meraki’s automation and centralised management can simplify operations.

Technology Updates. If your current networking infrastructure is outdated or nearing the end of its lifecycle, transitioning to Meraki can provide access to cutting-edge technology.

As a Head of IT, embracing Cisco Meraki is a strategic decision to simplify network management, enhance security, and future-proof your organisation’s networking infrastructure. It offers the tools and capabilities needed to meet the ever-growing demands of today’s digital landscape. By leveraging these insights, you can harness the full potential of Cisco Meraki, increase your IT efficiency and empower your organisation to thrive in the digital age.

FIND OUT HOW OUR MANAGED SERVICES CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS

Our array of scalable IT and Meraki support covers everything from 3rd line to comprehensive 24/7 support. Packages can be tailored precisely to meet your specific needs and for the duration you require it. In addition, we also collaborate with in-house teams to provide specialised knowledge and support, such as the highly complex field of cybersecurity.

REQUEST A CALLBACK HERE to explore how we can support and secure your business.

With cybercrime estimated to have cost UK businesses more than £30bn in 2017 and an ever-constant threat over the next 12 months, Dave Sample shares some advice to help you stay safe and secure.

Cyberspace is an attractive hunting ground for criminals and terrorists motivated by greed, a desire to interfere with people’s lives, or even bring down corporations and governments through online attacks. Hacking and malware incidents were seen as the most prevalent cause of data breaches in the third quarter of 2017, according to data from cyber-insurer Beazley – and occurrences are on the rise, with a large portion of these involving small businesses.

By 2020, it’s estimated that more than 300 billion username and password combinations will be at risk of being hacked, stolen and sold on the dark web.

The reality is that every organisation connected to the internet can expect to fall victim to cybercrime at some point as criminals expand their capabilities and intent. You need to be vigilant and prepare for the unpredictable so that they have the resilience to withstand unforeseen, high impact, and potentially commercially catastrophic, events.

The key is to be proactive, and by managing risk through some simple precautions, you can lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of cybercrime – even if you simply protected your data assets and ensured software systems were up to date, that would be a step forward.

Other practical steps that you can take to protect your business, customers and reputation include:

Network Perimeter Protection

A good first step is to protect your network perimeter and to identify known nefarious activity. There are tools, some of them free, which can block requests to malicious and unwanted destinations before a connection is even established.

Back-up data

You can avoid the crippling impact of ransomware and malware attacks, which can be devastating and effective because they block access to essential business data, by regularly and securely backing up your data. As Certified Partners of both Zerto and Acronis, we can offer a Disaster Recovery and backup solution that will protect your network, assets and people for years.

Educate the team

Employees are often the weakest link in the cyber security chain but you can invest in making cyber education a regular aspect of staff training: teach people to stop clicking on links and educate them on how to identify phishing activity to prevent criminals from obtaining usernames, passwords, and credit card details among other sensitive data.

Have a plan

A clear plan of action, which should be internally tested on a regular basis to demonstrate robustness or identify potential weaknesses, is an absolute necessity. Knowing where vulnerabilities lie and protecting sensitive data is critical, and having a plan will help you react appropriately in a stressful situation when time can be of the essence and resources limited.

Ensure you are insured

Cyber insurance is a must have given the digital nature of today’s business environment and the interconnectivity of systems and processes. The risks of a cyber-attack denying access to your systems or online platform, or the loss of sensitive data, can all be insured against. Some insurance companies not only offer comprehensive coverage for the ever-changing risk but also provide comprehensive services before, during and after an incident.

When it comes to being a victim of a cybercrime, in today’s business world it’s not a question of if but when. However, by taking precautions, the impact can be softened and the lasting damage to your company’s reputation and even its ability to stay in business, effectively managed.

Perimeter, backup, education, planning and insurance: can you afford to ignore these five key words?

If you need help developing a cyber-security plan, contact us now.