How Does WAN-as-a-Service Benefit an Enterprise?

A hyperconnected business landscape requires robust and flexible Wide Area Network (WAN) solutions. Traditional enterprise WAN architectures rely on MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) or private lines. It’s an inadequate solution to meet today’s evolving requirements for modern enterprises. That’s where WAN-as-a-Service (WANaaS) can help, offering organizations a dynamic and cost-effective approach to managing wide area networks. In this blog, let’s explore the benefits of an enterprise Wide Area Network as well as why you should consider managed WAN services.

The Evolution of Enterprise Networking

Before diving into the advantages of managed WAN services, it’s important to understand how enterprise networking evolved. Traditionally, companies relied heavily on MPLS networks to interconnect offices and data centers. MPLS offered guaranteed performance and security but came with substantial costs, limited scalability and slower deployment times.

Cloud computing and the growing emphasis on remote workforces have transformed the enterprise networking landscape. Enterprises now require agile, scalable networks and capable of adapting to changing traffic patterns, which is why enterprise Wide Area Networks are becoming increasingly common. This requirement shift has given rise to software-defined networking (SDN) and, consequently, the WAN-as-a-Service model.

Understanding WAN-as-a-Service

WAN-as-a-Service, sometimes called managed WAN, is a cloud-based approach to enterprise WAN deployment and management. It leverages software-defined networking technologies to create a more flexible and cost-efficient network infrastructure. In this model, network resources are virtualized and delivered as a subscription-based service to provide an enterprise Wide Area Network as needed.

Here’s a breakdown of the core components and principles of WAN-as-a-Service:

• Virtualization of Network Resources
  WANaaS leverages virtualization to abstract and centralize network resources, allowing more efficient resource utilization and simplified network management.
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
  SDN is the technology that underpins WANaaS. It separates the network’s control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized management and dynamic configuration. SD-WAN managed services effectively and securely route network traffic across on-premises and cloud solutions. The technology helps optimize traffic flow across dispersed hybrid systems.
• Cloud Connectivity
  WANaaS often leverages cloud-based connections, allowing enterprises to connect to multiple cloud services seamlessly.
• Automation and Orchestration
  WANaaS platforms provide automation and orchestration capabilities, simplifying the management of complex network configurations. For example, Red River leverages Cisco Meraki for its scalability, reliability and efficiency.

The Benefits of WAN-as-a-Service for Enterprises

Managed WAN-as-a-Service offers advantages that can significantly benefit enterprises. Here are ten benefits of enterprise WAN-as-a-Service:

1. Cost Savings

One of the most prominent advantages of WANaaS is cost savings. By shifting to a subscription-based model, enterprises can avoid large upfront capital expenses associated with traditional MPLS networks. A pay-as-you-go approach allows for more predictable and manageable expenses.

2. Improved Scalability

WAN-as-a-Service offers the flexibility to scale network resources up or down as needed. It is particularly valuable for enterprises that experience fluctuations in demand or are expanding geographically. Scalability ensures that the network can grow with the business without significant infrastructure overhauls.

3. Faster Deployment

Traditional WAN implementations can be time-consuming, often taking weeks or even months to deploy. In contrast, WANaaS can be set up quicker, often within days. The rapid deployment capability is crucial for businesses that need to respond to changing circumstances or set up new branch offices rapidly.

4. Enhanced Performance

With the ability to optimize traffic routes and prioritize critical applications, WAN-as-a-Service can improve network performance. It ensures mission-critical applications run smoothly and user experiences remain consistent, even during peak usage.

5. Network Resilience

WANaaS platforms have built-in redundancy and failover mechanisms. These features mean that in the event of a network disruption, traffic can seamlessly reroute to maintain connectivity, minimizing downtime and business disruption.

6. Support for Cloud Integration

As more enterprises embrace cloud services, WANaaS simplifies cloud integration. It offers direct connections to popular cloud providers, which can reduce latency and improve the performance of cloud-hosted applications.

7. Centralized Management and Visibility

WANaaS provides centralized management and monitoring of the entire network. IT teams can gain real-time insights into network performance, troubleshoot issues more efficiently and make data-driven decisions.

8. Enhanced Security

Security is a paramount concern for enterprise organizations. WANaaS often includes built-in security features, such as encryption and access control to protect data in transit. Additionally, centralizing network control simplifies security policy enforcement.

9. Flexibility for Remote Workforces

The rise of remote work has necessitated more flexible network solutions. WANaaS makes connecting remote employees securely easier and provides them with the resources they need to be productive from anywhere.

10. Reduced Maintenance

When an enterprise adopts WANaaS, it outsources its network infrastructure management to a service provider. The third-party provider is responsible for maintaining the physical and virtual network components, such as routers, switches and SDN controllers. The enterprise no longer needs to allocate resources and personnel for these devices’ day-to-day management and upkeep. In a traditional network, scaling up requires investing in additional hardware that requires ongoing maintenance. WANaaS allows for easy scalability without purchasing, configuring and maintaining new physical devices. The service provider can allocate other resources as needed, saving the enterprise time and capital expenses.

Real-World Applications of WAN-as-a-Service

To better understand the practical benefits of WAN-as-a-Service, let’s explore some real-world scenarios where enterprises have successfully adopted managed WAN services:

• Retail Chains

  Retail businesses with multiple locations often rely on WAN connectivity to manage inventory, point-of-sale systems and customer data. WANaaS allows them to scale their network as they expand, quickly onboard new locations and ensure fast and secure data exchange.

• Global Corporations

  Multinational corporations need a global network infrastructure that can adapt to different regions’ specific needs. WANaaS facilitates this by offering centralized control and the ability to optimize network traffic across borders.

• Healthcare Providers

  Healthcare institutions require secure and reliable network connections to transmit sensitive patient data, including electronic health records (EHRs). WANaaS can help healthcare providers ensure critical data’s confidentiality, integrity and availability.

• Financial Institutions
  

  Banks and financial institutions rely on high-performance networks to support real-time financial transactions, customer service and compliance requirements. WANaaS enhances network agility and security, enabling these institutions to meet stringent regulatory standards.

• Manufacturing Companies
  

  Manufacturers with multiple facilities must connect and manage production lines, logistics and inventory systems. WAN-as-a-Service offers the flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and connect globally distributed operations.

• Financial Institutions
  

  Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions depend on high-performance networks to support real-time financial transactions, customer service and compliance requirements. WANaaS enhances network agility and security, enabling these institutions to meet stringent regulatory standards and ensure uninterrupted financial services.

• Educational Institutions
  

  Schools, colleges and universities use WANaaS to support distance learning, online courses and administrative operations. WANaaS enables reliable connectivity for students, teachers and administrators, facilitating access to online resources, collaboration tools and virtual classrooms.

• Government Agencies
  

  Government organizations at various levels, from local municipalities to federal agencies, require robust and secure networks for delivering public services, managing databases and maintaining communication among different departments. WANaaS can enhance the efficiency and security of government network infrastructure.

• Professional Services Firms
  

  Law firms, consulting companies and accounting practices often have geographically dispersed offices and require secure, high-performance networks to share confidential client data and collaborate on projects. WANaaS simplifies connectivity and ensures data security for these professional services firms.

• Technology Startups
  

  Emerging technology companies with limited resources can benefit from WANaaS by avoiding the high capital costs associated with traditional networking infrastructure. It allows startups to quickly establish a reliable and scalable network, supporting their growth and innovation efforts.

• Nonprofit Organizations
  

  Nonprofits operating in multiple regions or countries can leverage WANaaS to efficiently connect remote offices, coordinate humanitarian efforts and manage donor databases securely. It helps nonprofit organizations streamline their operations and better allocate their limited resources.

• Remote Workforces
  

  With the increasing prevalence of remote work, WANaaS plays a critical role in connecting remote employees securely. It enables businesses to extend their networks to home offices and remote locations, ensuring remote workers can access the resources they need to be productive and collaborate effectively.

• Content Delivery Networks
  

  CDNs that deliver web content, videos and other online services rely on WANaaS to optimize content distribution and ensure low latency. It allows CDNs to route traffic efficiently, reducing load times and enhancing the user experience.

These real-world applications demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of WAN-as-a-Service, making it a valuable solution for organizations across various industries seeking reliable, scalable and cost-effective networking solutions.

SD-WAN: An Evolution of Enterprise Wide Area Networks

Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) is increasingly a WANaaS best practice. But this technology continues to evolve with enhanced capabilities such as AI-driven routing, better security integrations, cloud-native designs and more.

To stay competitive and secure, enterprises should closely monitor these trends and assess how they can leverage these developments to enhance their network capabilities. Additionally, they should choose managed WAN services providers that can adapt to these trends and offer the latest features and security measures. For example:

• Security is a top concern for enterprises, especially as networks become more distributed and cloud reliant. WANaaS providers are incorporating advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) directly into their offerings to provide a holistic and integrated approach to network security.
• Edge computing, which brings processing closer to the data source, is gaining momentum. WAN-as-a-Service is evolving to better support edge computing applications by ensuring low-latency, high-performance connections to edge locations.
• As more businesses embrace multi-cloud strategies, WANaaS focuses on seamless connectivity to various cloud providers. This service includes optimizing cloud traffic and providing direct, secure connections to popular cloud platforms.
• Hybrid WAN, which combines traditional MPLS networks with SD-WAN and internet connections, is rising. This approach offers the reliability of MPLS for critical applications and the flexibility of SD-WAN for cloud and remote access.
• AI and machine learning are being incorporated into WANaaS solutions to provide predictive analytics, traffic optimization and security threat detection. These technologies can help automate network management and improve overall performance.
• WANaaS providers are working to support the growing number of IoT devices and take advantage of 5G networks to enable efficient, high-speed connectivity for these end-users.
• NAC is an emerging concept that treats network configurations and policies as code, enabling more efficient network management and automation. WANaaS is moving toward NAC to offer greater flexibility and control.
• Environmental sustainability is becoming a more significant concern for organizations. Some WANaaS providers focus on reducing energy consumption, optimizing network resources and providing metrics to help enterprises reduce their carbon footprint.
• Modern application development often uses containers and microservices. WANaaS is adapting to support these architectures by providing low-latency, high-throughput connections for microservices running in different locations.
• To simplify network deployment and management, WANaaS is moving towards zero-touch provisioning. Devices can automatically configure and go live without manual intervention, reducing the need for on-site IT expertise.
• Enterprises are looking for more control and customization. Some managed WAN services providers are developing self-service portals that allow businesses to configure and manage their network settings, giving them greater autonomy.

Managed WAN Services with Red River

Red River’s Managed SD WAN Services make it easier for even the largest enterprise organizations to manage IT networks remotely. Our service extends beyond hardware to designing and implementing highly secure, high-speed infrastructures to propel your business forward. WAN as a service is particularly effective for federal agencies struggling to meet the needs of their constituents while staying compliant with regulatory rules.

The advantages of SD-WAN managed services include:

• Automating managed network tasks
• Improving network stability
• More effective end-to-end management
• Ability to deploy multiple WAN endpoints
• Better security
• Frees up internal IT teams to focus on other tasks

With over 25 years of IT experience, Red River is one of the most highly regarded managed services firms for organizations seeking to improve and secure their IT architectures. We assess, deploy and manage your infrastructures to improve time, speed and security. Contact us today to learn how we can help your organization maximize its IT expenditures and improve the end-user experience.

Q&A

What is the difference between LAN and WAN?

LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) are IT networks that differ in size and scope. A LAN typically covers a limited geographical area, like a single building or campus and is designed for high-speed localized communication. A WAN spans larger geographic regions, often connecting multiple LANs across cities, countries or continents, and it uses various technologies to ensure data transmission over longer distances.

Why is SD-WAN so important?

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) outshines traditional WAN (Wide Area Network) in several ways. SD-WAN’s dynamic, software-driven approach optimizes network performance by intelligently routing traffic, reducing latency and enhancing application responsiveness. It’s more cost-effective as it leverages economical internet connections in addition to pricier MPLS links. SD-WAN’s agility allows for quick adjustments to network configurations and improved adaptability to changing business needs. Integrated security features add robust protection, and centralized management simplifies network administration. This scalability, reliability and support for cloud services make SD-WAN a superior choice for modern businesses seeking efficient, resilient and secure wide area network solutions.