SDWAN vs SDN: What You Need to Know

November 5, 2023May 11, 2024 Bill

In this article, we will explore the difference between SDN and SD-WAN. These two software-defined technologies are transforming the way networks are designed and managed. We will also look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each technology. We will also explore some of the common use cases for both technologies.

What is SDN?

SDN stands for Software-Defined Networking, an approach to network architecture that gives users the power to intelligently control the network using software. Operators can both centrally control the network and customize its performance to suit the organization’s unique needs. To program the network, users employ application programming interfaces (APIs) instead of relying on controls physically located on individual pieces of hardware.

SDN was originally developed to support the computing needs of data centers and service provider networks, where scalability, flexibility, and automation are essential. The goal was to create dynamic, adaptable, and efficient connectivity to support changing demands within the data center and on core networks.

SDN works by decoupling the control plane from the data plane. The control plane is responsible for making decisions about where traffic is routed’ The data plane is responsible for forwarding traffic according to those decisions. By separating these two functions, SDN enables centralized management and control of the network, as well as programmability and automation of network functions.

Advantages of SDN:

Centralized control: SDN allows network administrators to manage the network from a central location. This can simplify network management and reduce administrative costs.
Automation: SDN can automate many network management tasks, such as network configuration and provisioning. This can reduce errors and improve network efficiency.
Agility: SDN allows network administrators to quickly and easily adjust network configurations to meet changing business needs.
Scalability: SDN can easily scale to support large and complex networks, which can be difficult with traditional network technologies.

Disadvantages of SDN:

Complexity: SDN is a complex technology that requires skilled IT professionals to design and maintain.
Cost: Implementing SDN can be expensive, especially if it requires specialized hardware and software.
Security concerns: SDN can introduce new security risks. Proper security measures need to be in place to protect the network.

Typical use cases for SDN:

Scaling data center operations: Amazon and Google have used SDN to form scalable data centers, meaning engineers can engage more or fewer resources to efficiently manage the storage and use of data.
Deploying applications: Managers can use SDN to release and manage applications across a network—all from a centralized location.
Securing Internet-of-Things (IoT) architecture: While IoT devices offer convenience and introduce possibilities, they also open multiple access points for hackers and other data thieves. With SDN, IoT engineers can provide a centrally located, customizable layer of protection to help make the process more secure.
Easing the burden on edge components: A properly programmed SDN can sense an overload condition in each of its connected components and, in the case of a network that incorporates edge computing, route traffic away from the edge devices and prevent potentially harmful latency. It can also reduce latency by giving the edge device a boost in bandwidth or processing power.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network, a technology that delivers a wide area network (WAN) that connects multiple sites with each other.

SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. This technology delivers a wide area network (WAN) that connects multiple sites with each other. It is based on SDN principles. However, it focuses on providing secure, reliable, and optimized connectivity between geographically distributed locations and remote users.

SD-WAN works by creating a virtual overlay network on top of existing physical WAN connections, such as broadband internet, MPLS, or LTE. This overlay network abstracts the underlying WAN infrastructure and enables centralized management and control of the WAN. SD-WAN also uses intelligent routing algorithms to dynamically select the best path for each application based on factors such as bandwidth availability, latency, jitter, packet loss, and security policies.

Advantages of SD-WAN:

Improved performance: SD-WAN can optimize traffic routing to improve application performance and reduce latency.
Centralized management: SD-WAN provides centralized management and control, which can simplify network management and reduce administrative costs.
Scalability: SD-WAN can easily scale to support large and complex networks.
Cost-effective: SD-WAN can reduce costs by using low-cost commodity hardware and by optimizing traffic routing to reduce bandwidth usage.

Disadvantages of SD-WAN:

Complexity: SD-WAN is a complex technology that requires skilled IT professionals to design and maintain.
Security concerns: SD-WAN can introduce new security risks. Proper security measures need to be in place to protect the network.
Dependence on service providers: SD-WAN depends on service providers for connectivity, which can lead to downtime if the service is disrupted.

Typical use cases for SD-WAN:

Connecting branch offices: SD-WAN can provide secure and reliable connectivity between branch offices and the headquarters or the cloud, without requiring expensive MPLS links or complex VPN configurations.
Supporting remote workers: SD-WAN can enable remote workers to access corporate applications and resources with high performance and security, regardless of their location or device.
Migrating to the cloud: SD-WAN can facilitate the transition to cloud-based services, such as SaaS, IaaS, or PaaS, by providing seamless and optimized connectivity to the cloud.
Enhancing network visibility: SD-WAN can provide real-time visibility and analytics into the network performance and application usage, which can help network administrators monitor and troubleshoot the network.

What is the difference between SDN and SD-WAN?

The primary difference between these technologies is that SD-WAN delivers a wide-area network (WAN) that connects multiple sites with each other, making it, in some ways, an SDN in the WAN. On the other hand, SDN can be used to form networks that can be quickly changed according to what an organization needs, operating on a local-area network (LAN) or a service provider network.

Another difference is that SDN is fully programmable by the customer or user and offers efficient change and configuration management. While SD-WAN is built on SDN technology, the programming is managed in the background by the SD-WAN provider, eliminating complexity for the end user.

Both SDN and SD-WAN rely on a centralized software controller to manage and orchestrate network resources. However, SDN controllers are typically located within the same network as the devices they control. SD-WAN controllers are usually hosted in the cloud or in a data center.

SDN and SD-WAN also differ in their scope and objectives. SDN aims to provide a flexible and dynamic network infrastructure that can support various applications and services. SD-WAN aims to provide a secure and optimized network connectivity that can support specific business needs.

Conclusion

SDN and SD-WAN are two software-defined technologies that offer different benefits and challenges for network design and management. While they share some common principles and features, they also have distinct differences in their architecture, functionality, and use cases. Depending on the organization’s goals and requirements, one or both of these technologies may be suitable for enhancing network performance and efficiency.

SDWAN vs SDN: What You Need to Know