13 Top Software-Defined Wide-Area Network (SD-WAN) Solutions

As businesses expand and connect across multiple locations, the demand for secure and efficient networking solutions has never been greater. The need for seamless connectivity across locations has made Software-Defined Wide-Area Networks (SD-WAN) essential for optimizing application performance and enhancing security across distributed networks.

Choosing the right SD-WAN provider is critical for improving performance, strengthening security, and reducing costs. In this article, we explore 13 leading SD-WAN solutions, each offering distinct features to help businesses manage the demands of a modern network.

What is Software-Defined Wide-Area Network (SD-WAN)?

A Software-Defined Wide-Area Network (SD-WAN) is a virtualized WAN architecture that enables enterprises to securely connect users to applications across diverse transport services, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet. By separating network hardware from its control mechanisms, SD-WAN improves network management, enhances performance, and reduces operational costs, making it a vital component that SD-WAN vendors offer to modern enterprises.

Elements of an SD-WAN Solution

A strong SD-WAN solution relies on critical components that ensure optimal network performance and security. These elements form the foundation of all successful SD-WAN deployments.

• Centralized Management: A unified control center that allows for the easy configuration, monitoring, and management of the network across all connected locations.
• Transport Independence: The ability to use multiple transport technologies, such as MPLS, broadband, and LTE, providing flexibility and redundancy.
• Application Optimization: Mechanisms that prioritize critical applications to maintain consistent performance, even under network congestion.
• Integrated Security: Built-in security features, such as firewalls and encryption, to protect data across all network connections.
• Dynamic Path Selection: The capability to route traffic through the most efficient path based on real-time network conditions.

SD-WAN Features and Benefits

SD-WAN solutions come with features designed to address the needs of modern networks, making them essential for businesses today.

• Scalability: SD-WAN solutions are highly scalable, allowing businesses to expand their networks easily as they grow without significant additional costs.
• Cost Efficiency: By utilizing a combination of lower-cost internet connections with traditional MPLS circuits, SD-WAN can reduce overall networking costs.
• Improved Application Performance: SD-WAN prioritizes business-critical applications, ensuring they receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency, leading to better user experiences.
• Enhanced Security: SD-WAN solutions often include advanced security features, such as end-to-end encryption and integrated firewalls, protecting data across the network.
• Simplified Management: With centralized management, SD-WAN allows IT teams to monitor and manage the network easily, reducing the complexity of operations.

What Are the Main Components of SD-WAN?

Understanding the key components of SD-WAN is essential to maximizing its benefits and ensuring effective network management.

• Edge Devices: These are the hardware or software-based devices located at each branch or remote location that connect to the SD-WAN network.
• Orchestrator: The orchestrator is the central management component that configures, monitors, and manages the entire SD-WAN network.
• Controller: The controller is responsible for directing traffic flow based on policies and real-time network conditions, optimizing performance.
• Security Services: Integrated security services within SD-WAN include encryption, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems, protecting data across the network.
• Connectivity Options: SD-WAN supports a variety of connectivity options, including MPLS, broadband, LTE, and satellite, providing flexibility and redundancy.

13 Leading SD-WAN Providers and Solutions

As SD-WAN becomes increasingly vital for businesses, many SD-WAN vendors now offer solutions tailored to different needs. Here, we outline 13 top SD-WAN providers, highlighting the unique features and benefits each brings to the table.

1. Sangfor Secure SD-WAN by Sangfor

The Sangfor Secure SD-WAN is designed to simplify network management and enhance performance while providing robust security. It offers comprehensive features that cater to the needs of modern enterprises, making it a strong contender in the SD-WAN market.

Features

• Centralized management: Offers a unified interface for easy network configuration, monitoring, and control across all locations.
• Dynamic path selection: Automatically selects the optimal path for data traffic, ensuring high performance and minimal latency.
• Application optimization: Prioritizes critical applications to maintain consistent performance even during peak traffic.
• Integrated security: Incorporates advanced security features like encryption and firewalls to protect data across the network.

Customer Reviews

5 stars (2 reviews)

Sangfor Secure SD-WAN is lauded for its intuitive interface and dependable performance. Customers often highlight its straightforward deployment and effective network management.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Strong security, easy to manage, cost-effective.
• Cons: Limited global presence compared to some competitors.

2. FortiGate SD-WAN by Fortinet

FortiGate SD-WAN is renowned for its robust security features, which are integrated within the broader Fortinet Security Fabric. This solution is ideal for businesses that prioritize network security without compromising on performance.

Features

• Advanced security: Combines SD-WAN capabilities with Fortinet’s industry-leading security, offering comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
• Application visibility: Provides detailed insights into network traffic, allowing for precise control and optimization of application performance.
• Centralized management: Simplifies network operations through a single management console, enabling streamlined configuration and monitoring.
• Integrated networking and security: Unifies networking and security functions to reduce complexity and improve overall efficiency.

Customer Reviews

4.6 stars (52 reviews)

FortiGate SD-WAN is commended for its robust security and consistent performance. The seamless integration with other Fortinet products is a standout feature frequently mentioned by users.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Best-in-class security, reliable performance.
• Cons: Higher cost, complex setup.

3. Versa Secure SD-WAN by Versa Networks

Versa Networks offers a highly flexible SD-WAN solution for businesses of all sizes. With strong security features and deep analytics, Versa Secure SD-WAN is well-suited for enterprises looking for a scalable, multi-cloud environment.

Features

• Multi-tenancy capabilities: Supports multiple tenants on a single platform, making it ideal for service providers and large enterprises.
• Deep analytics: Provides real-time insights into network performance, enabling proactive management and optimization.
• Comprehensive security: Includes built-in security features like firewalls and threat detection to protect against network vulnerabilities.
• Cloud-native architecture: Designed to seamlessly integrate with cloud environments, supporting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies.

Customer Reviews

4 stars (2 reviews)

Versa Secure SD-WAN earns praise for its scalability and adaptability. Users appreciate the comprehensive security features and detailed analytics that bolster network management.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Scalable, feature-rich, good for multi-cloud environments.
• Cons: May require a steep learning curve.

4. Prisma SD-WAN by Palo Alto Networks

Prisma SD-WAN by Palo Alto Networks is designed with a cloud-first approach. It offers secure and scalable networking for distributed enterprises and integrates seamlessly with Palo Alto’s security offerings, providing a robust solution for businesses with advanced security needs.

Features

• Cloud-based management: Delivers centralized control via the cloud, enabling easy management of distributed networks.
• Advanced security integration: Leverages Palo Alto’s industry-leading security features, ensuring comprehensive protection across all network edges.
• Zero-touch provisioning: Simplifies deployment with automated provisioning, reducing the time and effort required for setup.
• Application-aware routing: Optimizes traffic flow based on application needs, maintaining high performance and reliability.

Customer Reviews

4.4 stars (15 reviews)

Prisma SD-WAN is recognized for its strong security and user-friendly management. Customers frequently point to its seamless cloud integration and advanced protective measures.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Cloud-first approach, strong security.
• Cons: Higher cost, primarily suited for large enterprises.

5. Aryaka SmartCONNECT by Aryaka

Aryaka’s SmartCONNECT is a fully managed SD-WAN service, making it ideal for global enterprises seeking a hassle-free solution. Known for its reliability and strong customer support, Aryaka’s offering is tailored to businesses worldwide.

Features

• Global connectivity: Provides reliable connectivity across the globe, ensuring consistent performance in diverse locations.
• Managed service: Offers a fully managed service, taking the complexity out of network management for enterprises.
• Application acceleration: Optimizes application performance, particularly for cloud-based and latency-sensitive applications.
• Integrated security: Includes security features that protect data across all connections, guaranteeing compliance and safety.

Customer Reviews

4.9 stars (10 reviews)

Aryaka SmartCONNECT is highly rated for its reliability and top-tier customer support. Organizations with limited IT resources especially value the fully managed service.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Managed service, reliable global connectivity.
• Cons: Can be more expensive due to the managed service model.

6. VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN by Broadcom (VMware)

VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN, now under Broadcom, is known for its flexibility and seamless integration with VMware’s broader ecosystem. It’s an ideal choice for businesses already invested in VMware technologies, offering a cloud-first networking experience.

Features

• Cloud integration: Seamlessly integrates with VMware’s cloud services, providing flexibility in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Dynamic traffic steering: Automatically routes traffic based on real-time conditions, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Centralized management: Offers a unified management platform, simplifying the administration of complex networks.
• Enhanced security: Includes features that protect data across the network, promising compliance and safeguarding sensitive information.

Customer Reviews

4.7 stars (12 reviews)

VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is celebrated for its flexibility and deep integration within VMware’s ecosystem. Users find it particularly effective in handling complex, multi-cloud environments.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Flexible, great for multi-cloud, strong ecosystem integration.
• Cons: Complex setup for non-VMware environments.

7. Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN by HPE (Aruba)

Aruba’s EdgeConnect SD-WAN, part of HPE, is designed for enterprises seeking high performance and scalability. With a strong focus on security and deep integration into HPE’s networking solutions, it’s an ideal choice for large organizations.

Features

• High performance: Delivers exceptional performance with low latency and high bandwidth, supporting demanding enterprise applications.
• Scalability: Easily scales to meet the needs of growing organizations, accommodating an increasing number of users and devices.
• Dynamic path control: Automatically adjusts traffic routes based on real-time conditions, optimizing application performance.
• Integrated security: Provides robust security features, including encryption and threat protection, to safeguard enterprise networks.

Customer Reviews

4.4 stars (18 reviews)

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is appreciated for its performance, scalability, and strong security capabilities. Users also commend its seamless integration with HPE products.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: High performance, scalable, well-integrated with HPE solutions.
• Cons: Higher cost, may require HPE-specific knowledge.

8. Cisco Meraki SD-WAN by Cisco

Cisco Meraki SD-WAN is widely recognized for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. It offers a cloud-managed approach with a strong focus on security and performance, ensuring reliable connectivity across distributed locations.

Features

• Cloud management: Offers a fully cloud-managed platform, enabling easy deployment and management of the network from anywhere.
• Application optimization: Prioritizes critical applications, ensuring they receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency.
• Robust security: Integrates security features like firewalls and intrusion prevention, protecting the network from potential threats.
• Automatic updates: Provides automatic firmware and security updates, reducing the administrative burden on IT teams.

Customer Reviews

4.3 stars (188 reviews)

Cisco Meraki SD-WAN is valued for its easy-to-use interface and quick deployment process. Customers often highlight its robust security and comprehensive management tools.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Easy to use, cloud-managed, strong security.
• Cons: Can be more expensive for smaller deployments.

9. Cato SASE Cloud by Cato Networks

Cato Networks’ SASE Cloud is a comprehensive solution that combines SD-WAN with security services. It’s an all-in-one platform that simplifies networking and security, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a streamlined approach.

Features

• Integrated SD-WAN and security: Offers a unified platform that includes SD-WAN, firewall, secure web gateway, and zero-trust network access.
• Cloud-native architecture: Built for the cloud, ensuring easy scalability and flexibility in distributed environments.
• Centralized management: Provides a single pane of glass for managing both networking and security across the entire enterprise.
• Advanced threat protection: Includes features like threat prevention, malware protection, and secure access controls.

Customer Reviews

4.4 stars (73 reviews)

Cato SASE Cloud is favored for its simplicity and integrated approach. Users frequently mention how it streamlines the management of both networking and security in a single platform.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Comprehensive security, all-in-one platform, easy to manage.
• Cons: Can be overkill for small businesses.

10. Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall by Forcepoint

Forcepoint’s SD-WAN solution is integrated with its Next Generation Firewall, offering a security-first approach to SD-WAN. This solution is particularly suited for organizations with high-security needs, providing advanced threat protection along with reliable networking.

Features

• Integrated firewall: Combines SD-WAN with Forcepoint’s advanced firewall technology, providing robust security across the network.
• Dynamic path selection: Ensures optimal performance by automatically routing traffic based on real-time network conditions.
• Centralized management: Offers a single management console for both networking and security, simplifying operations.
• Threat intelligence: Leverages Forcepoint’s global threat intelligence network to protect against emerging threats.

Customer Reviews

4.4 stars (34 reviews)

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is noted for its strong security and dependable threat protection. Users often emphasize its effectiveness in securing complex, distributed networks.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Best-in-class security, robust threat protection.
• Cons: May be too security-focused for businesses prioritizing other features.

11. Cradlepoint NetCloud Service by Cradlepoint

Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Service offers a cloud-managed SD-WAN solution that is particularly well-suited for businesses with mobile or remote locations. It provides reliable connectivity and robust security features, ensuring seamless operations across distributed networks.

Features

• Mobile and remote optimization: Tailored for mobile and remote locations, provides reliable connectivity wherever it’s needed.
• Cloud management: Offers a cloud-based management platform, simplifying the deployment and monitoring of distributed networks.
• Integrated security: Includes security features like VPN, firewall, and threat detection to protect data in transit.
• Flexible connectivity: Supports a variety of connectivity options, including LTE, 5G, and broadband, ensuring continuous network availability.

Customer Reviews

4.7 stars (38 reviews)

Cradlepoint NetCloud Service is recognized for its mobility, flexibility, and user-friendly setup. Honored as the Easiest Setup in Spring 2024, it’s also praised for its robust security in mobile and remote environments.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Great for mobile and remote locations, easy to deploy.
• Cons: Less suited for large, centralized networks.

12. SRX Series Services Gateways by Juniper

Juniper’s SRX Series offers a range of high-performance SD-WAN solutions with integrated security designed for businesses that require robust protection and reliable networking. Among these, the vSRX Virtual Firewall is particularly well-suited for enterprises with complex, distributed networks.

Features

• Advanced routing: Provides high-performance routing capabilities, ensuring reliable connectivity across large networks.
• Integrated security: Includes comprehensive security features like intrusion prevention, anti-malware, and threat detection.
• Scalable architecture: Easily scales to meet the needs of growing enterprises, supporting a large number of users and devices.
• Centralized management: Offers a unified management platform for both networking and security, simplifying operations.

Customer Reviews

4.5 stars (14 reviews)

Juniper’s vSRX Virtual Firewall stands out for its robust security and scalability. Users also note its reliable performance in managing complex enterprise networks.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Strong security, high performance, scalable.
• Cons: Can be complex to configure for smaller setups.

13. CloudWAN by Huawei

Huawei’s CloudWAN is designed for large enterprises seeking a comprehensive and flexible SD-WAN solution. With extensive features and global reach, CloudWAN is well-suited for multinational corporations looking for robust connectivity and advanced network management.

Features:

• Global connectivity: Provides reliable, high-performance connectivity across the globe, ideal for multinational enterprises.
• Multi-cloud support: Seamlessly integrates with various cloud platforms, supporting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies.
• Advanced security: Includes robust security features like encryption, firewall, and threat detection, ensuring data protection across all connections.
• Centralized control: Offers a single platform for managing and monitoring the entire network, simplifying operations for large enterprises.

Customer Reviews

4.9 stars (82 reviews)

Huawei’s CloudWAN receives high marks for its scalability and global reach. Users on Gartner commend its performance in large, distributed networks, and seamless integration with cloud environments. The solution was also awarded Customers' Choice in 2024.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Global reach, scalable, strong multi-cloud support.
• Cons: May be over-complicated for smaller businesses.

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