The future of wireless networking is here: SD-WAN, 5G and Network Slicing

5G, SD-WAN and network slicing are three of the most important technologies for the future of networking. To a certain extent, enterprises’ digital transformation will go only as far as the convergence of these technologies will take them.

SD-WAN: From MPLS replacement to cellular-integrated networking solution

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) was a tried-and-true method for routing enterprise network traffic for more than a decade. Known for its scalability, reliability and performance, MPLS allows enterprises to reliably connect locations like remote branches and data centres. So, why is this technology becoming less common among modern-day enterprises?

The main reason is that MPLS is really expensive, and as more businesses adopt cloud-based services and networks become increasingly complex, MPLS becomes less efficient and cost-effective. Many businesses have replaced MPLS with SD-WAN technologies, which allow them to prioritise network traffic. This enables the network to match the needs of the business through WAN optimisation, traffic handling and link bonding.

However, even with SD-WAN’s ample popularity, the technology has been forced to adapt as enterprises rely less on wired connections and more on 5G. Compared to traditional connectivity options, 5G and 4G provide much more scalability to allow enterprises to expand and adapt to changing environments and business needs. 4G and 5G also add another flexible type of connectivity to SD-WAN’s existing capabilities by enabling reliable WAN diversity with low latency and increased bandwidth. Cloud-managed 5G solutions that support wired and wireless links, including multiple network operators simultaneously, open up the flexibility to steer traffic between carriers with deep insights into cellular health and data usage.

SD-WAN’s application-first approach is evolving with 5G technology to orchestrate traffic flows for optimal quality of experience (QoE), quality of service (QoS) and reliability. QoS — a network’s ability to achieve maximum bandwidth and deal with other performance elements such as latency, error rate and uptime — is a critical element of any network deployment because it determines how and where an application’s data flows and the user experience within the network.

SD-WAN traffic steering

Traffic steering is a huge piece of the SD-WAN puzzle. This is the ability of a software-defined router to steer different sources of traffic to specific WAN links based on priority, use case and the cloud-managed policies put into place by the IT team. The ultra-low latency of 5G networks and general improvements in broadband quality and capacity make cellular-optimised SD-WAN traffic steering highly valuable in enterprise networking.

5G network slicing

To better understand how cellular and SD-WAN solutions can work together to improve network performance, it’s important to consider network slicing — a key capability of 5G infrastructure that provides the ability to partition radio spectrum into different ‘slices’. Network slices are virtual networks that operate on top of shared 5G infrastructure. Available only on 5G networks with a standalone core (SA core), each virtual network (or slice) is optimised for a defined business purpose by tailoring throughput, latency, coverage, speed, reliability, security and more from end to end.

Each of these network slices has its own performance characteristics and network protocol information. For example, applications that process large amounts of data, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, might be placed on a network slice that allows for high data bandwidth. Applications that process a lot of video content would be placed on a slice that has low latency.

Combining next-gen network security with SD-WAN and 5G

SD-WAN solutions should be built with key security principles in mind as IoT evolves, networks become increasingly complex and workforces become more remote. Adopting zero trust strategies is a key component of a scalable, unified security posture.

What is Zero Trust Network Access?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), a key component of 5G security at the network’s edge, is a flexible security service built on the assumption that anyone trying to access a network is a bad actor. With 5G, the authentication process is fast, and data encryption standards provide the trust enterprises are looking for.

SD-WAN and 5G in practice: Retail use case

Many industries have adopted SD-WAN into their network infrastructure to maintain reliability and security. For example, a retail chain opening new locations across regions would want SD-WAN to centralise communications across networks and scale with ease. In these situations, built-in network redundancy and low latency are critical, and 5G and 4G connections provide the reliable and fast backup connections needed to accommodate those requirements.

Growth leads to an expanding network, meaning more security threats. Microsegmentation addresses security concerns by preventing third-party users and service providers from accessing data on the main network and giving employees access to applications or devices based on their unique role (i.e. a store manager requesting access to timecards).

Inventory is a particularly time-sensitive retail application that requires real-time sync between the inventory manager requesting data and the data coming from the warehouse. With SD-WAN, broadband and cellular links are more resilient, and application-based traffic steering improves QoS.

As more connected devices and applications integrate into retail environments and managing networks becomes more complicated, uptime is critical. Whether it’s POS terminals, video cameras, or digital signage, devices need reliable connections to prevent the potentially catastrophic business impact of network downtime.

As businesses rely more and more on 5G solutions for fixed, mobile and remote sites, full wireless edge coverage, robust edge security and management from a single platform becomes more important. The technology within an SD-WAN router makes it possible to achieve that goal while serving as a conduit for enhanced security and hybrid connectivity. This successful, secure orchestration of traffic across a Wireless WAN is key to achieving business results in an agile environment.

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