SD-WAN: The network strategy of the future

The SD-WAN networking strategy allows companies to replace outdated firewalls, routers, and WAN optimization appliances with a single appliance. This minimizes hardware requirements and power consumption. In addition, the entire strategy is sustainable and has a high-security profile. The project will be completed later this year.

Epidemics and recent high-profile incidents related to cyberattacks are shifting the focus to cybersecurity. In response, CETIN offers its clients a secure SD-WAN solution that also adds value by enabling companies to replace outdated firewalls, routers, and WAN optimization devices with a single appliance, thereby minimizing hardware footprint and power consumption.
The solution provided by CETIN is also in line with businesses' goals to digitally transition in a way that is more ecologically friendly. Data protection and cybersecurity are now crucial components for the success of their journey as they may include moving apps to the cloud, going paperless, and introducing new e-processes that reduce travel needs and costs. To get there, organizations frequently need to update their outdated network and information technology infrastructure, both to support their sustainability initiatives and to cut down on the proliferation of IT equipment they have amassed over time.

A climate-friendly, high-security profile network strategy

As a result, businesses are re-evaluating their networking strategies with an eye toward environmentally friendly ways to set up and run modern network solutions. And the SD-WAN steps in as a solution to all of these challenges. SD-WAN solutions from CETIN have integrated security, while enterprise traffic carried out over the SD-WAN is encrypted and protected by security technologies at all edges. 
Furthermore, the CETIN SD-WAN solution will provide organizations with increased flexibility by optimizing network communication from branches to HQs or to the cloud, and path conditioning to reduce the effect of jitter and packet loss that can plague the broadband internet experience. WAN optimization can also overcome the effects of network latency due to long distances with protocol acceleration techniques and compression algorithms. 
The CETIN SD-WAN project started in 2022, led by CETIN CZ, and is executed on a Group level including teams from the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. In Q4 2022 CETIN Bulgaria initiated the first Group Field Trial that introduces the SD-WAN technology in more than 200 locations across Bulgaria, covering all Yettel stores and corporate offices. The project will be completed in 2023 and based on 2021 data, after the SD-WAN deployment, 42% of the issues registered by Yettel Bulgaria will be better resolved online without any need for on-site visits.
What is SD-WAN

SD-WAN is a Software-Defined Wide Area Network that allows enterprises to securely connect users to applications by leveraging any combination of transport services. Due to its properties, it is meant to become a successor of the traditional WAN architectures (built on IP/MPLS and IPSEC technologies). SD-WAN provides a better user experience by protecting applications' availability and performance, while connectivity services are less expensive. It reduces bandwidth costs but can also help reduce capital costs or decrease HW equipment by allowing consolidation of networking and security features at the edge while delivering better control and performance.