Enterprise WAN: How to Connect Geo-Dispersed Networks

An Enterprise Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that connects geographically dispersed locations, such as branch offices, data centers, and remote employees, to support the communication and data exchange needs of a large organization. 

Enterprise WAN utilizes a mix of public and private infrastructures, including leased lines, MPLS, and broadband connections to provide secure, reliable, and high-speed connectivity. 

Some of the main features of enterprise WAN include centralized management, traffic optimization, and robust security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. Enterprise WANs enable seamless collaboration, resource sharing, and access to cloud services, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency across the organization.

Enterprise WAN infrastructures

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

MPLS is used by enterprises and service providers to build next-generation, intelligent networks. These networks can deliver advanced, value-added services over a single infrastructure. It does this by attaching labels to packets, which help direct data more efficiently and quickly than traditional IP routing.

MPLS is flexible and can integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures like IP, frame relay, ATM, or even Ethernet. This means your current setup doesn't need a massive overhaul. 

If you have different types of access links, MPLS can aggregate them on an MPLS edge without requiring changes. It’s like having a universal translator that speaks multiple network languages.

One of the big advantages of MPLS is its ability to combine multiple components, including Layer 3 VPNs, Layer 2 VPNs, traffic engineering, Quality of Service (QoS), generalized MPLS (GMPLS), and even IPV6. 

These components help create highly efficient, scalable, and secure networks. You can even guarantee Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring your network performance meets specific standards.

To get an idea of how MPLS works, consider that you have an enterprise network across multiple regions. MPLS can handle this with ease. It ensures that each data packet takes the most optimal path, reducing latency and improving service quality. If a part of your network fails, MPLS can quickly reroute traffic to avoid downtime.

MPLS and SD-WAN are like cousins in the networking world. SD-WAN represents an evolution of MPLS technology. While MPLS has powered private connectivity for over two decades, SD-WAN brings a software abstraction that’s applicable to wider scenarios.

So, MPLS is definitely worth considering if you're looking to build a powerful and efficient enterprise WAN. It's robust, scalable, and integrates seamlessly with your existing setup. Plus, with advancements like SD-WAN, the possibilities are expanding even further.

SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN)

SD-WAN provides secure, private connectivity, agnostic to all kinds of links and providers, and it’s cloud-aware. Unlike MPLS, which handles failures with backup links, SD-WAN offers real-time traffic steering based on centralized policy. Plus, it delivers comprehensive analytics across your entire WAN backbone, globally.

SD-WAN offers a software-defined approach that makes it much easier to handle the complexities of modern networking. It reduces costs through transport independence across MPLS, 4G/5G LTE, and other connection types. This flexibility of not being locked into a single provider is key for businesses with multiple branches or remote offices.

Traditional WAN had its limitations. It was designed to connect users at branch offices to applications hosted in a centralized data center. Typically, these connections were made over dedicated MPLS circuits to ensure security and reliability. 

But let's face it, traditional WAN just doesn't cut it in a cloud-centric world. As businesses adopt SaaS and cloud-based applications, WAN traffic explodes, causing performance issues and increasing management complexity.

SD-WAN solves these problems elegantly. It gives you a centralized interface to manage your network. This makes it easy to scale cloud-based applications across thousands of endpoints, whether they're in a branch, campus, or public cloud environments like AWS and Azure. And the best part? It’s all managed through a simple, cloud-based interface.

SD-WAN improves application performance by dynamically routing traffic based on real-time conditions. This means your critical apps get priority, ensuring a better user experience. 

For example, if your sales team accesses Salesforce or your employees working on Microsoft Office 365, with SD-WAN, the connectivity is optimized, making these applications run smoothly.

SD-WAN also strengthens your security posture. Traditional WANs often leave gaps when it comes to securing internet-bound traffic. SD-WAN integrates advanced security features like end-to-end encryption and next-gen firewalls. 

If you're running sensitive applications that require stringent compliance, SD-WAN provides the necessary security measures right at the branch level.

SD-WAN also offers the benefit of operational efficiency. With traditional WANs, any change or update could mean a lot of manual configuration. SD-WAN simplifies this with automation and zero-touch provisioning. 

You can roll out a new application or policy across hundreds of sites in minutes, not days. It’s this simplicity that makes SD-WAN a favorite among IT teams.

The flexibility extends to cost management as well. By leveraging broadband and other cost-effective transport options, SD-WAN can significantly reduce WAN expenses. 

Gone are the days of relying solely on expensive MPLS circuits. You can now mix and match different types of connections to create a resilient and efficient network. This is particularly useful for businesses with fluctuating traffic patterns or those expanding into new regions.

MPLS technology has powered private connectivity for a long time. But SD-WAN takes it to the next level. It abstracts the best elements of MPLS and applies them in a more flexible manner. 

SD-WAN is agnostic to link types and providers. It's also cloud-aware, capable of real-time traffic steering based on the policies you set. Unlike MPLS, which often required backup links for failover, SD-WAN handles it all seamlessly with centralized control.

Deploying SD-WAN is like upgrading your old, clunky network to a sleek, efficient system. It extends intent-based networking across the branch, WAN, and cloud. This means you get integrated threat management with a simplified branch management experience.

The benefits of SD-WAN are clear: better application performance, more robust security, operational simplicity, and cost-efficiency.

Leased lines

Leased lines are a type of dedicated WAN solution that provides a constant, unshared connection between two points. They are desired for their ability to guarantee a set bandwidth and consistent performance. By not sharing the connection with others, you avoid the unpredictable fluctuations that come with public internet.

For instance, you can implement a leased line to ensure smooth video conferencing and data transfers to your central data center. This dedicated line means no competing traffic, translating to zero lag during critical meetings.

Another use case are customer service centers, where the reliability of leased lines enhances the performance of VoIP systems. The dedicated bandwidth ensures that calls are crystal clear, without the jitter and latency issues often experienced with shared connections.

On the technical side, leased lines offer symmetric speeds, which is crucial for your teams who upload large files or use real-time collaborative tools. With a leased line, both upload and download speeds are equal, which is perfect for maintaining productivity levels.

In terms of setup, there is an initial investment, but the benefits quickly outweighed the costs. You can work with your telecom provider to establish the connection.

Overall, while leased lines can be more expensive than other WAN solutions like MPLS or broadband, their reliability and performance make them a worthwhile investment for critical operations.

Broadband interne

BroadBand Internet is a versatile tand essential component to enterprise WAN strategy. Even though you can use it for regular operations, remote access, or redundancy, there are several practical approaches that you can use to tailor it to meet your specific needs. 

One of the most common methods is utilizing high-speed broadband from various ISPs. This approach can be cost-effective, especially for small to medium-sized offices.

For instance, at some of your branch offices, you can use a local broadband provider to deliver bandwidth for daily operations, including VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud application usage. 

To secure this broadband connection, you can employ an IPsec VPN. This way, you maintain encrypted communication channels between your remote site and the central data center.

You can also  use multiple broadband connections from different ISPs. This redundancy safeguards against potential downtimes. If one ISP experiences issues, the other routes traffic seamlessly. 

Moreover, broadband Internet connections are perfect for remote workers. They can use SSL VPN software on their laptops to access the enterprise network securely. This flexibility allows them to work from anywhere without compromising security or performance.

Another use case is for backup connectivity. If your primary WAN connections are via private MPLS lines, the broadband Internet can serve as a robust fallback. If your MPLS link goes down, the broadband kicks in, ensuring that your operations continue without disruption. 

In certain scenarios, you can also host services on the Internet edge. For instance, your customer-facing applications can be accessible through broadband connections. It not only provides necessary access but also offloads traffic from your private WAN, optimizing overall performance.

Satellite WAN

Satellite WAN can offer crucial support for enterprise WAN use cases. It's designed for environments with unique challenges, such as remote locations or areas with limited infrastructure. 

An example where satellite WAN may be deployed include a mining operation deep in a mountainous region or an offshore oil rig. These are places where traditional WAN solutions struggle. Satellite WAN steps in, leveraging satellite communication to provide reliable and secure connectivity.

Satellite WAN leverages cloud networking solutions, integrating seamlessly with enterprise-class WAN routing platforms. These platforms are robust, supporting a wide range of traffic conditions and ensuring consistent performance even in the harshest environments.

Some satellite WAN systems deliver advanced features tailored for remote operations. These features include traffic engineering, path computation, and self-healing capabilities. These features make WAN management as intuitive as possible, even when you're thousands of miles away from civilization.

For instance, a remote research station in Antarctica can benefit from the encrypted fabric management and predictive diagnostics provided by a satellite WAN solution. The same goes for maritime operations; ships traversing international waters rely on consistent and secure data transfer, which satellite WAN delivers flawlessly.

Adaptive overlays and dynamic path selection mean the system can adjust in real-time to changing network conditions, ensuring continuous service. This adaptability is essential for operations like live data streaming from exploration sites or real-time monitoring of remote facilities.

Hardware and software requirements for an enterprise WAN architecture 

Routers and switches

Routers and switches are essential components for building an efficient and robust enterprise WAN. They form the backbone of any network by managing data traffic, ensuring secure connections, and facilitating smooth communication between different network segments.

It's essential to choose the right router for your application and your organization’s size. Do you need high connectivity, internet edge applications, or you are a small operation but require fixed solutions with comprehensive security?

Switching gears to switches, these devices are all about expanding your network's capability. Routers handle traffic routing, but switches manage the devices within your local area network (LAN). In a well-designed WAN, high quality switches are indispensable. Such switches offer advanced features such as high port density, PoE support, and enhanced security measures. Ideally, you should choose versatile switches capable of adapting to various enterprise needs.

When selecting routers and switches, considering factors like encryption throughput, target deployments, and SD-WAN support is crucial. For example, if encryption throughput is a priority, options like routers offering up to 40 Gbps aggregate IMIX IPsec are ideal. 

For deployments, whether it’s a branch, head-end, or WAN aggregation, there are tailored solutions available. You can also choose from routers and switches supporting SD-WAN to optimize performance and manageability across your WAN infrastructure. 

These components form a solid foundation for your enterprise WAN, ensuring high performance, scalability, and security across your network.

WAN Optimizers

WAN optimizers are tools that can make your network run smoother and faster. These devices or software solutions are essential for enhancing the performance of wide area networks (WANs) that stretch across large geographical areas. 

By employing techniques like data deduplication, compression, and traffic shaping, WAN optimizers ensure that your data travels efficiently between different company locations.

WAN optimizers often sit between your company's LAN (Local Area Network) and the WAN link. Here, they analyze traffic patterns and apply different optimization techniques to boost performance. 

Additionally, many of these solutions can be integrated seamlessly into existing network infrastructures. This makes it easier for you to adopt and benefit from them without a complete network overhaul.

It's also worth mentioning the security benefits that come with some of these optimizers. Many WAN optimization solutions include built-in encryption features that ensure data remains secure while in transit. This is crucial for safeguarding sensitive business information as it travels across the globe.

Implementing WAN optimizers can transform network performance. They not only reduce latency and increase transfer speeds but also improve user satisfaction by providing a more seamless and efficient network experience. 

Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, investing in a good WAN optimizer can make a significant difference in your day-to-day operations.

Firewalls and security appliances

When it comes to managing an Enterprise WAN, firewalls and security appliances are crucial. They act as the first line of defense against cyber threats. Trust me, you don't want to skip out on these. Think of them as the gatekeepers to your network.

Let's start with firewalls. In an enterprise setting, a firewall isn't just a digital wall. It's a multi-functional security hub. It filters traffic, blocks unauthorized access, and even monitors network activity. 

For instance, next-gen firewalls do more than just block and allow traffic. They come with intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and can identify malware before it even reaches your network.

Now, onto security appliances. These go beyond the capabilities of traditional firewalls. They can include Unified Threat Management (UTM) systems, which bundle multiple security features into one. Imagine having antivirus, anti-spam, content filtering, and firewall capabilities all in a single device.

For a real-world application, consider how a company like Netflix might use these tools. Netflix handles massive amounts of data daily. They need to ensure that their content remains secure while also maintaining high performance. 

By employing advanced firewalls and security appliances, Netflix can detect and mitigate threats in real-time without slowing down their service.

We should also mention that these tools often integrate with other parts of your network. This ensures that your entire network infrastructure is cohesive and secure.

So, when planning your Enterprise WAN, don’t overlook these critical components. Ensure that your firewalls and security appliances are up to date and capable of handling the specific needs of your network. This proactive approach will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Enterprise network management systems

A network management system (NMS) is the backbone that keeps everything running smoothly. It is the command center for your network. You might, therefore, choose your NMS solution wisely. Your choice must offer comprehensive tools that help monitor and manage your entire network infrastructure. 

With an NMS, you can get real-time insights into network performance. For example, if there's an issue at a branch office, the system can alert you instantly. This allows you to act quickly, minimizing downtime. 

The NMS also simplifies tasks like configuration management. Imagine having to update the settings on dozens of routers manually. An NMS can push updates across the network with just a few clicks, saving you a ton of time and reducing the risk of human error.

Most NMS solutions also offer robust analytics. You can track metrics like bandwidth usage and latency. This data is invaluable for making informed decisions. For instance, if you notice a particular service is consuming too much bandwidth, you can address it before it becomes a problem. 

An NMS will also enhance your security. It can monitor for unusual activities and alert you to potential security threats. For example, if there's an unexpected spike in traffic from an unknown source, you'll know about it instantly. This gives you the chance to investigate and take action before any damage is done.

In a hybrid overlay network, managing both MPLS circuits and internet-based VPNs can be complex. A good NMS simplifies this by providing a unified view of the entire setup. You can monitor both types of connections from a single dashboard, making it easier to manage and optimize your network.

Network management systems are indispensable for running an efficient and secure enterprise WAN. They provide the tools and insights needed to keep everything connected and operating smoothly.