CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsHard
A company with branch offices connected via MPLS, broadband, and LTE links wants traffic to dynamically choose the best path based on real-time performance metrics, while abstracting the underlying transport from application policy. Which technology should be deployed?
- AA standalone VPN concentrator
- BSD-WAN
- CPolicy-based static routing on core routers
- DTraditional static WAN routing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. SD-WAN
SD-WAN uses centralized software-defined control to dynamically select the optimal transport path (MPLS, broadband, LTE) based on real-time link quality metrics, abstracting the underlying WAN transport from application-level policies.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A VPN concentrator only terminates VPN tunnels; it doesn't provide dynamic path selection across transports.
- C. Static routing policies are fixed and cannot adjust automatically to changing link performance.
- D. Traditional WAN routing relies on static configurations and cannot dynamically adapt to real-time link conditions.
SD-WAN
Software-Defined WAN uses centralized control and real-time performance metrics to dynamically route traffic over multiple transport types like MPLS, broadband, and LTE.
- Abstracts transport from application policy
- Improves resiliency and cost efficiency across links
- Centralized orchestration simplifies branch management
Memory trick: SD-WAN picks the smartest road for every packet's trip.