SD-WAN
Software picks the path; encrypted overlays ride on top.
How widely is it used?
Adoption is rising quicklyThe mainstream enterprise WAN choice, actively replacing MPLS circuits.
How it works
Edge devices measure every available link — broadband, LTE, MPLS — and steer each application over the best one, with IPsec or TLS overlays providing the encryption.
Connects
Sites, clouds and users
Protocols
IPsec, TLS, Vendor overlays
Typical users
Enterprises modernising a WAN
Main use case
Replacing expensive private circuits with managed internet links.
Advantages
- Central policy and visibility
- Per-application path selection
- Cheaper transport
Limitations
- Vendor lock-in is real
- Licensing costs add up