Top Vendors for SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) are revolutionizing how businesses connect their geographically dispersed locations. By offering intelligent traffic routing, application performance optimization, and centralized management, SD-WANs provide significant advantages over traditional WAN architectures.
In this article, we present the top 10 SD-WAN vendors catering to the global market, including India. We’ll evaluate the strengths and offerings of these top vendors, assisting you in selecting the ideal SD-WAN solution for your business based on your specific network requirements, budget, and security needs.
Our Best Picks
Tata Tele Services SD-WAN brings you iFLX, a network solution designed to provide businesses with improved network performance, agility, and cost-efficiency. Leveraging their vast network infrastructure, Tata Tele Services offers reliable and secure connectivity for Indian businesses. Powered by Fortinet, a leading security company, iFLX features application-level prioritization, integrated security, and WAN resiliency, making it especially beneficial for small and medium businesses (SMBs) aiming to optimize their network resources, improve application performance, and ensure secure connectivity across multiple locations.
Pros
- Improved network performance and agility
- Application-level prioritization and visibility
- Robust security features
- WAN resiliency for minimal disruption
- User-friendly interface for centralized management
- Strong local presence and dedicated support
- Competitive pricing for SMBs
- Reliable network infrastructure
Cons
- New features may require IT staff training
- Integration complexity with existing infrastructure
- Smaller global reach compared to some competitors
- Newer player in the SD-WAN space
2. Aryaka
Aryaka is a cloud-first SD-WAN provider with a globally optimized network and innovative technology stack. Their Managed SD-WAN solutions leverage the global FlexCore network to provide reliable and adaptable network-as-a-service for sites, users, and clouds worldwide. Aryaka’s features include high-performance, redundancy, application optimization, and various management options.
Pros
- Easy setup and top-notch performance
- Better redundancy compared to MPLS connections
- Simplified management and global reliability
- Dedicated team handling all aspects
Cons
- Potentially pricier
- Locks you into Aryaka’s network
- Limited customization and unclear security details
With over 30,000 SD-WAN customers globally, Cisco provides a reliable and scalable solution. This networking giant offers two SD-WAN solutions: Meraki and Viptela. Meraki is known for its user-friendliness and is ideal for businesses seeking a simple and scalable solution with a centralized cloud-based management platform. Viptela, targeted at larger enterprises, features a wider range of advanced capabilities, including cellular support as a primary connection.
Pros
- Extensive experience and brand recognition
- Wide range of features (Viptela)
- User-friendly interface (Meraki)
- Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes
Cons
- Can be complex for large deployments
- Potential vendor lock-in
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
Recognized as a Leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SD-WAN, Fortinet emphasizes security in its SD-WAN solutions. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN integrates top-tier SD-WAN capabilities with a next-generation firewall, delivering outstanding performance and security. This solution includes application-aware routing, self-healing features, and cloud on-ramping to enhance user experience. It streamlines operations through centralized management and provides extensive on-premises and cloud-based security. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN also establishes a robust foundation for transitioning to a SASE architecture, ensuring secure access and high-performance connectivity for users globally.
Pros
- Improved user experience with application-aware routing and optimization
- Enhanced security with a built-in next-generation firewall
- Simplified operations with centralized management and automation
- Foundation for a SASE architecture
- Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for both SD-WAN and Network Firewalls
Cons
- Potential vendor lock-in with a single-vendor SASE approach
- Complex setup for smaller businesses
- Pricing information not readily available
Juniper’s SD-WAN solution focuses on user experience, simplicity, and security. It leverages AI to streamline operations, improve user experiences, and strengthen security. Their Session Smart Routing eliminates bottlenecks and optimizes application traffic, while Juniper Mist WAN Assurance provides AI-powered insights and automated troubleshooting. This translates to faster deployments, improved uptime, and reduced IT workload. Additionally, Juniper offers zero-trust security features to safeguard users and devices across the network.
Pros
- AI-driven automation for faster deployments, troubleshooting, and simplified operations
- Improved user experiences with application-aware routing and zero tunnel tax
- Enhanced security with zero-trust architecture and built-in security features
- Strong partner ecosystem for additional services and support
Cons
- May be a complex solution for smaller businesses
- Pricing information not readily available on the website
- Potential vendor lock-in with some of Juniper’s AI-driven features
- Smaller market share compared to the giants
6. Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN (formerly CloudGenix) provides a cloud-delivered solution for secure and optimized branch office connectivity. Utilizing “AppFabric,” it intelligently routes traffic across any WAN or cloud connection. Prisma SD-WAN features app-awareness, multi-cloud support, Zero Trust security, and centralized management, compatible with any WAN or cloud provider. These capabilities result in lower costs, enhanced performance, and simplified operations. Key features include application performance monitoring, packet duplication for redundancy, and continuous service health probes.
Pros
- Cloud-delivered for scalability and ease of use
- App-aware traffic management for optimal performance
- Improved security posture as part of a SASE strategy
- Reduced costs and simplified operations
Cons
- Limited experience in the SD-WAN space compared to established players
- May be a complex and costly solution for smaller businesses
- Potential vendor lock-in with Palo Alto Networks ecosystem
7. Silver Peak(by Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company)
Silver Peak SD-WAN, now part of HPE Aruba, delivers a secure and high-performance solution for connecting users and devices across various locations. It extends beyond basic SD-WAN by creating a unified fabric that intelligently links branch offices, data centers, cloud resources, and SaaS applications. This unified fabric prioritizes critical applications and adapts to network conditions to ensure optimal performance. Silver Peak integrates Zero-Trust security to protect your data and enforces consistent policies across the entire network. With centralized management, IT teams can efficiently control and monitor the network from a single console.
Pros
- Secure and reliable SD-WAN with zero-touch provisioning and WAN hardening
- Application-aware traffic steering for optimized performance
- Integrates with Microsoft Azure and AWS for simplified cloud deployments
- Offers optional WAN optimization features for latency-sensitive applications
Cons
- Pricing information may not be readily available
- Potential vendor lock-in with Aruba ecosystem
- Complex for smaller businesses to set up and manage
Versa Secure SD-WAN is a comprehensive networking solution that combines software-defined networking (SDN) with advanced security services on a single platform. It enables businesses to scale their networks, manage complexity, and optimize performance while maintaining robust security. Versa Secure SD-WAN provides unified network management, streamlined deployment, and policy configuration, along with application-aware network performance and AI/ML-powered advanced security features. Key benefits include operational efficiency, scalability, an enhanced security posture, and improved resilience and performance.
Pros
- Unified platform and automation
- Integrates into existing infrastructure
- Enhanced security posture
- Resilience & performance
Cons
- Potential vendor lock-in
- May be complex for smaller businesses
- Pricing information may not be readily available
Backed by virtualization giant VMware, VeloCloud SD-WAN provides a software-defined approach emphasizing simplicity and ease of deployment. Seamlessly integrating with existing VMware environments, it helps businesses optimize network performance, reliability, and security for both cloud and on-premises applications. Key features include centralized management, application-aware traffic steering, and multi-cloud support. The benefits of VeloCloud SD-WAN include simplified operations, enhanced application performance, and cost reduction.
Pros
- Centralized management and control
- Application-aware traffic steering
- Improved performance and reliability
- Secure connections
- Simplified branch deployments
- Supports multi-cloud strategies
Cons:
- Potential vendor lock-in
- May be complex for smaller businesses
- Pricing information may not be readily available
10. Nirad Networks
Nirad Networks, an Indian SD-WAN provider, delivers a solution that ensures high uptime and reliability for businesses. This is achieved through diverse WAN options, including 4G/5G cellular for failover, and optimized traffic management across these connections. Nirad SD-WAN features multi-cloud support, integrated security, and zero-touch deployment, all aimed at simplifying network management for businesses.
Pros:
- Diverse WAN options for high uptime and reliability
- Multi-cloud ready
- Built-in security features
- Zero-touch deployment for easy setup
- Designed for SMEs and branch offices
Cons:
- The claim of “no downtime… ever!” may be unrealistic for any network solution
- Limited information available on pricing and specific features
- Potentially less established compared to larger competitors
How to Pick the Right SD-WAN Solution For You?
With a wide range of vendors offering SD-WAN solutions, selecting the right one for your business can be overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:
- Business Needs: Clearly define your specific requirements. Do you prioritize application performance, security, or cost-effectiveness? Are you a large enterprise with complex needs or a smaller business seeking a simpler solution?
- Network Infrastructure: Consider your existing network infrastructure and connectivity options. Does the vendor offer solutions compatible with your current setup?
- Cloud Strategy: Evaluate your cloud adoption strategy. Do you require a solution optimized for multi-cloud deployments?
- Budget: SD-WAN solutions vary in cost. Determine your budget and compare pricing models offered by different vendors.
- Local Presence: Having a local support team can be beneficial, especially for troubleshooting and faster resolution times. Consider the vendor’s presence and support infrastructure in India.
- Scalability: Choose a solution that can scale with your business growth. Will the vendor’s SD-WAN offering accommodate your future network needs?
- Security: Security is paramount. Ensure the vendor provides robust security features that comply with Indian regulations.
- Vendor Experience: Evaluate the vendor’s track record and experience in the SD-WAN space.
Conclusion
SD-WAN technology has the potential to transform how businesses connect and operate. By carefully considering your specific needs and evaluating the different vendors available, you can select the ideal SD-WAN solution to optimize your network performance, security, and agility.
Remember, factors like local presence, strong support infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness become even more crucial when choosing a SD-WAN vendor. By making an informed decision, you can ensure that your business remains competitive, resilient, and ready to meet the demands of an increasingly digital landscape.
