Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2ArchitectureMedium
A global enterprise is evaluating options for connecting its branch offices to its data centers and to each other. The primary goals are to improve application performance, reduce operational costs, and enhance security across diverse WAN links. Which solution provides the most comprehensive approach to achieving these objectives?
- ALeased lines with redundant links
- BMPLS VPN with dedicated internet backup
- CSite-to-site IPsec VPNs over the internet
- DSD-WAN
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. SD-WAN
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is designed to address all these objectives by intelligently routing traffic over various WAN links (MPLS, broadband, LTE), optimizing application performance, enabling centralized policy management, and enhancing security through integrated functions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Leased lines are expensive and less flexible, offering limited application performance optimization and cost reduction compared to SD-WAN.
- B. MPLS VPN offers reliability but is less flexible and cost-effective than SD-WAN for diverse links and application optimization.
- C. IPsec VPNs over the internet can be cost-effective but lack the application-aware routing and centralized management capabilities of SD-WAN.
SD-WAN Benefits
SD-WAN optimizes WAN performance, reduces costs, and enhances security by centralizing control and intelligently routing traffic over various transport services.
- Application-aware routing for optimal path selection.
- Centralized management and policy enforcement.
- Reduced reliance on expensive MPLS links.
- Enhanced security with integrated firewall and VPN capabilities.
Memory trick: SD-WAN: Smartly Delivering Wide Area Networks.