SD WAN – Technology Navigation Inc.

SD WAN

Time-Saving Tips for IT Decision-Makers: Implementing SD-WAN

technavadmin Cloud / Data Centers, SD-WAN , , , ,
save time sdwan network
save time sdwan network

Implementing SD-WAN technology can significantly enhance your organization’s network efficiency and security. However, deploying it on a tight deadline presents unique challenges. Drawing from our extensive experience, we’ve compiled key strategies to help IT decision-makers streamline the implementation process. These insights will save time and ensure a successful rollout, allowing you to focus on driving business growth.

Prioritize Security Integration

Security should be a top priority when selecting an SD-WAN provider. Opt for solutions with built-in security features such as firewalls, VPN, encryption, and threat detection. Ensuring compliance with industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR from the outset will prevent costly delays. Additionally, consider Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) options for a future-proof network security approach.

Clarify the Cost Structure Early On

Unexpected costs can derail your SD-WAN implementation. To avoid surprises, break down the total cost of ownership (TCO), including bandwidth fees, security add-ons, deployment expenses, and managed services. Align these costs with your budget early in the process to maintain financial stability and prevent last-minute revisions.

Focus on Network Performance and Optimization

Choosing an SD-WAN provider with automatic network optimization features can significantly reduce deployment time. Look for solutions that offer application-aware routing, WAN optimization, and traffic prioritization. Ensure support for multiple WAN links—Ethernet, fiber, 5G, and Starlink—to minimize latency and maintain seamless performance without bottlenecks.

Ensure Global Coverage and Scalability

If your organization has multiple locations, verify that your SD-WAN provider offers reliable global connectivity. A scalable solution will allow for easy expansion, enabling you to add new sites or increase bandwidth without extensive reconfigurations. This flexibility helps avoid disruptions as your network grows.

Opt for Centralized Management and Strong Support

Centralized management tools simplify monitoring and troubleshooting, making them essential for a smooth SD-WAN implementation. Choose a provider that offers an intuitive management interface and real-time analytics. Additionally, assess service-level agreements (SLAs) and ensure 24/7 support availability to quickly address any issues, especially if your internal team lacks SD-WAN expertise.

Streamline the Implementation Process

A well-organized implementation plan is crucial for success. Ensure your provider conducts a thorough needs assessment and provides a clear Statement of Work (SOW) covering all project details. Having an experienced Project Manager oversee the deployment can keep the rollout on schedule. Don’t overlook user and admin training, as well as a dedicated hyper-care period, to ensure a smooth transition post-deployment.

Conclusion

Implementing SD-WAN efficiently requires a balance between security, cost-effectiveness, and operational performance. By following these time-saving strategies, IT decision-makers can optimize deployment while minimizing disruptions.

At Technology Navigation, we specialize in helping organizations select and implement the right SD-WAN solutions to meet their business needs. Contact us today to explore how we can support your network transformation.

10 Must-Ask Questions Before Choosing Your Next SD-WAN/SASE/SSE Solution

technavadmin IT Security, SD-WAN , , , ,
sd-wan sase security network
sd-wan sase security network

Choosing the right SD-WAN or SASE solution isn’t just about selecting the provider with the most features—it’s about ensuring the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure and aligns with your long-term business strategy.

By asking these key questions, you can identify a secure, scalable, and high-performance solution that meets your organization’s needs—without hidden costs or unexpected limitations.

1. How Well Does the Solution Integrate with Our Existing Infrastructure?

A next-generation SD-WAN or SASE platform should seamlessly integrate with your current network architecture, security framework, and cloud environments. Ensure it works with existing firewalls, VPNs, identity access management (IAM) tools, and major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

2. What Security Features Are Included Out-of-the-Box?

A robust SASE solution should incorporate essential security components such as:

  • Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN)
  • Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS)
  • Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
  • Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Ensure these features are included natively, not as costly add-ons.

3. How Does the Solution Handle Scalability?

Your SD-WAN/SASE solution should scale effortlessly across locations and users, both domestically and globally. Verify if key security and networking functions (like traffic inspection, encryption, and threat protection) remain consistent across all PoPs (Points of Presence) and cloud regions.

4. What Level of Visibility and Control Do We Have Over Network Traffic?

Look for centralized management, deep analytics, and real-time monitoring to maintain full control over your network traffic, security posture, and application performance. A good SASE solution should offer an intuitive management portal with AI-driven insights to streamline operations.

5. Does the Provider Offer Integrated Threat Intelligence and Real-Time Protection?

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Your SASE platform should leverage:

  • AI-driven threat intelligence
  • Real-time anomaly detection
  • Automated response mechanisms

Ensure the provider has a proactive approach to cybersecurity, using machine learning and threat intelligence feeds to prevent malware, phishing, and zero-day attacks.

6. How Does the SASE Solution Ensure Data Privacy and Compliance?

Security and compliance go hand in hand. Ensure the platform supports industry standards like:

  • GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI DSS
  • FISMA, FedRAMP, and regional data sovereignty laws

Ask about data encryption, access controls, and policy-based governance to safeguard sensitive information.

7. What Is the Performance Like for Remote and Mobile Users?

An effective SASE solution should optimize performance for remote workers, hybrid teams, and branch offices. Evaluate:

  • Latency and jitter across multiple locations
  • Uptime and SLA guarantees
  • User experience across mobile, desktop, and IoT devices

8. Can the Solution Support Multiple Cloud and IaaS Environments?

Your SASE/SD-WAN provider should be cloud-agnostic or integrate seamlessly with major cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Ensure consistent security policies across on-prem, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.

9. What Support and SLAs Does the Provider Offer?

Strong customer support and clear SLAs are critical for maintaining network uptime and security. Look for:

  • 24/7 support with rapid response times
  • US-based account managers
  • Performance and uptime guarantees in SLAs

10. What Are the Total Costs, Including Hidden Fees?

Beyond the base price, analyze the total cost of ownership (TCO), including:

  • SD-WAN, FWaaS, SWG, CASB, ZTNA, and DLP pricing
  • Bandwidth costs and cloud egress fees
  • Portal access, management, and analytics costs
  • Deployment, integration, and ongoing maintenance fees

Find the Right SD-WAN/SASE Solution with Technology Navigation

Choosing a secure and scalable SD-WAN or SASE platform is a complex process—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Technology Navigation, we help businesses evaluate and implement best-fit networking solutions tailored to their security, performance, and cost requirements. Contact us today to ensure a seamless SD-WAN/SASE transition with expert guidance.

Is SD WAN right for you? 

technavadmin SD-WAN , , ,
Is SD WAN right for you? 

By Chis Newell
Founder & President

Before you decide if this is best for your business, let us share our insight with you. 

There are three major segments to consider with SD WAN solutions. The actual SD WAN box (including switches, security, and redundancy/resiliency), Internet circuits, and voice services.  

SD WAN

While most SD WAN providers have the same basic concept (self-service portal, multiple IP connections with aggregation, failover and resiliency), there are key items that differentiate them, such as user portals, failover speed, packet algorithms, and security elements. Some of the top providers we have seen deployed are VeloCloud, Versa, Cato, Cisco IWAN/Meraki, TELoIP, Viptela, and BigLeaf. SD WAN is just the box or service, it does not encompass the circuitry. The SD WAN boxes are purchased through a provider/vendor who then will manage the solution.  

Internet/Network

To have SD WAN services work effectively, it is important to vary internet providers, to provide different mediums of connectivity. For example, if provider #1 is a coax provider, the secondary provider’s service should run over either fiber or copper, which will provide redundancy and resiliency at the physical location.  

SD WAN & Internet/Network Providers

Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) can provide the SD WAN box along with a primary circuit. However, it has been discovered that LECs will not effectively manage the secondary internet circuit or switches. In our experience, using an aggregator for SD WAN solutions will provide the best results. The reason for this is that aggregators can provide and manage the full solution (switch, SD WAN, 1st & 2nd Internet provider, failover and security). Aggregators can order and manage all types of circuits (fiber, coax, copper, microwave, 4G, etc.) and hardware (mentioned above) to support the full solution.  

Voice Services

Voice/dial-tone phone services are as important as always. However, voice services are being delivered differently by mixing soft phones with desktop hard phones. Most aggregators have voice services available within their solution set. However, depending on which SDWAN provider you choose, UCaaS providers such as RingCentral, GoTo, 8×8, Zoom and MS Teams have direct integrations into the SDWAN box provider, which is fairly effective.  This part of the solution can be easily bundled into the SD WAN and Internet/Network solution.  

Aggregator Solution Providers

So, you are asking, who are the aggregators? Narrowing down the list of possibilities can be daunting, and we want to help you find the best fit for your needs. If you are interested in hearing more, Contact us here!