The Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a specific application of software-defined networking (SDN) technology applied to WAN connections, which are used to connect enterprise networks, branch offices and data centers – over short or large geographic distances. In the past years SD-WAN providers have become very popular alternative to leased-lines and ISP-managed MPLS VPN networks, thanks their easiness to deploy over any type of infrastructure and lower cost compared to ISP leased lines.

This section aims to cover SD-WAN network technologies in great depth to help readers understand if they can truly benefit from them and discover how SD-WANs replace old and costly leased-line WAN solutions with high-speed low-cost reliable and secure links. We also analyse other important aspects of SD-WANs such as Management, Architecture, Design, Advanced Security Services, VPN, Redundancy, Quality of Service, Mobility, Firewalls and much more.