SD-WAN & VPN
Implement secure network access through an
encrypted connection and additional security features.
What is the purpose?
Though SD-WAN and VPN function very differently, both are oriented to provide the user with security in connecting to a network.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WANs (Software-Defined Wide Area Networks) grant the ability to fully integrate devices, networks, and data into a secure environment, where end-to-end encryption is auto-implemented and can be remotely managed.
What is a VPN?
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are used to privately and securely connect two endpoint, such as a device and a network, through a typically unsecure space; often being the public internet.
The Differences
Scale of Effect and Security
A VPN facilitates a connection between two devices, meaning that the encryption and security is linear. SD-WANs do not share that limitation; they create a circular environment containing all authenticated endpoints and devices within it.
Due to this difference in scale, in addition to the availability of many granular management features, SD-WANs permit access to greater security functionality.
Performance
SD-WANs hold an advantage over VPNs due to their creating a secure environment, as opposed to just end-to-end tunnels. Examples of performance-optimization features offered with SD-WANs include: Dynamic Path Selection, where data traffic is selectively transported via the highest quality line available at a given time; and application-aware routing, where specific applications can be directed to take specific lines, leaving availability in higher quality lines for more important data transport.