Header: SD-WAN 1
SD-WAN Software-Defined Wide Area Network
Stephanie Decker
Business Data Networks and Security
Dallas Baptist University
Professor Douglas Cartwright
4/22/2020
Stephanie Decker 2
Abstract
Modern computer networking and particularly enterprise networks have significantly
influenced the utility of software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN). The networks act as
network perimeters, WAN, extranet as well as branches making them important in
cybersecurity. This paper was aimed at undertaking a qualitative systematic review in
responding to whether SD-WAN is secure at an internet-scale. Furthermore, an investigation
of the general SD-WAN security level especially at present of information technology was also
undertaken. The results showed that there is an upward surge in the need to adopt SD-WAN,
especially for multinational corporations. Furthermore, there is a general perception among the
IT community that this is the best way to enhance efficiency.
Keywords: Authorized deployment, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS),
Configuration, Broadband, ISP connection, Virtualized enterprise,
Stephanie Decker 3
SD-WAN Software-Defined Wide Area Network
Introduction
Wide area networks (WAN) which is a telecommunications network that extends over
a wide geographical area have significant roles to play in an organization. The networks,
therefore, allow companies to extend their networks through plug-in connections as well as the
use of gateways, routers, and gateways to enhance interconnectivity. There are however many
IT challenges associated with WAN (Yang et al., 2019). The need for a cloud-centric way of
securing data makes WAN a limited option. The WAN which was made to solve problems of
the past era are not able to address the sophistication that comes with cloud adoption and the
internet of things. Furthermore, it is difficult to protect an organization’s sensitive information
when such information can be accessed with ease by the workforce, vendors, partners, and
other stakeholders (Yang et al., 2019). Therefore, enabling the broadband on the WAN creates
challenges in balancing between user requirements and data security.
SD-WAN technology is quickly gaining prominence, especially in enterprise networks.
The technology’s unique applications include supporting security services like firewalls, VPN
and DPI which have continued to demonstrate their vulnerability to attacks (Yang et al., 2019).
Some of the advantages that come with SD-WAN include being highly available and with
easily predictable services. This makes the technology appropriate for enterprise applications.
Secondly, Luciani (2019) has demonstrated that technology comes with multiple hybrid active
links applicable to all network situations. Other than better applications, it has also been shown
to come with more security (Luciani, 2019).
Problem Statement
Many documented advantages come with the use of SD-WAN. However, little seems
to have been done to explain the applicability of the technology at internet scale. Secondly, at
Stephanie Decker 4
present, there is limited information on the SD-WAN security level. To fill this void, this work
seeks to use a review of secondary data to get meaningful information that can respond to the
research questions.
Objectives
1. To investigate the relationship between the use of SD-WAN and improved security in
organizations
2. To investigate the perception of IT personnel on the efficiency of SD-WAN technology
as compared to other options
3. What are the principles of SD-WAN and how does it compare with other applications
in improving the security of organizational data?
Literature Review
