Your network is crucial to your business, but slow speeds, high costs, and security threats can hold you back. With the rise of remote work, cloud apps, and branch offices, you need a fast, secure, and easy-to-manage solution. Software-Defined Wide-Area Networking (SD-WAN) can transform how you connect and protect your operations. Layer8 Consulting, a Fortinet SD-WAN expert, helps Maryland businesses like yours determine if SD-WAN is the right fit. Ready to learn more? Let’s explore how SD-WAN can benefit you.
Upgrading your network isn’t a guessing game. When considering SD-WAN, you need to carefully assess your current setup, business goals, and growth plans. SD-WAN offers flexibility, cost savings, and security, but is it the best fit for your needs? With Layer8 Consulting’s expertise, backed by Fortinet certifications, you can make an informed decision. By identifying your network’s pain points, you can ensure SD-WAN delivers real value, not just buzzwords. Are you ready to assess your network’s compatibility with SD-WAN?
What is SD-WAN? It’s a virtual network architecture that uses software to manage different connections like broadband, MPLS, or cellular. For a more in-depth explanation, see Layer8’s guide, SD-WAN Basics Explained. Unlike traditional WANs, which require costly hardware and MPLS circuits, SD-WAN creates a flexible overlay that separates software from physical infrastructure. This allows you to optimize traffic, cut costs, and centralize control. Fortinet’s SD-WAN, a Layer8 specialty, adds security features like firewalls and Zero Trust, making it ideal for modern networks.
Layer8’s experts are here to help you clarify common questions about SD-WAN’s role in your network, such as:
SD-WAN provides significant benefits for your business. At Layer8 Consulting, we use Fortinet’s SD-WAN to help your network succeed.
Slow applications can be frustrating for both employees and customers. SD-WAN improves performance by selecting the best route for traffic. It uses dynamic routing and health checks to monitor latency and packet loss. With Fortinet’s SD-WAN, powered by ASIC-based FortiGate firewalls, you can handle heavy traffic and ensure uptime with circuit redundancy. This means you’ll have reliable access to cloud apps like Office 365, as shown in industry analysis.
MPLS circuits can be costly, with monthly fees running into thousands of dollars. SD-WAN reduces costs by using affordable internet or cellular links. Since Fortinet’s SD-WAN is part of FortiGate’s base firmware, there are no extra licensing fees. You can also save by consolidating devices, replacing separate routers and firewalls, and cutting operational costs, as detailed by Layer8.
Managing multiple sites can be overwhelming for IT teams. SD-WAN simplifies this task with centralized control through Fortinet’s FortiManager, providing a single-pane-of-glass interface. You can set up policies once and apply them across all devices, reducing maintenance time. According to Future Market Insights, the SD-WAN market is expected to grow to $80 billion by 2034.
Weak networks are often targeted by cyber threats. SD-WAN helps strengthen your network’s security. Fortinet’s SD-WAN includes NGFW, web filtering, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for secure traffic segmentation. With Layer8’s Fortinet-certified expertise, you can help ensure compliance with HIPAA or NIST 800-171, reducing the risk of fines up to $50,000 per violation. This helps protect your data and avoid costly breaches, which average $4.45 million globally, according to IBM’s 2024 report.
Before diving into SD-WAN, evaluate your current setup to identify performance issues, such as slow cloud app access or frequent downtime. Hub-and-spoke networks that backhaul traffic to data centers often struggle with latency, as Forbes notes. If you use MPLS or manage multiple branches, SD-WAN can help by providing direct cloud access and redundancy. Also, consider scalability – can your network support growth? Layer8’s assessments can show where SD-WAN fits best.
You may struggle with high MPLS costs, complicated device management, and security gaps. SD-WAN addresses these issues by reducing reliance on costly circuits, simplifying control, and adding security layers like ZTNA. For example, Layer8 deployed a 300-site solution using MPLS, DIA, and cellular for flexible, cost-effective connectivity. If your network faces these challenges, SD-WAN might be the solution.
SD-WAN isn’t just plug-and-play; there are challenges to consider. The initial setup can be complex, requiring integration with existing systems. Ongoing monitoring requires expertise, and picking the wrong vendor can lead to interoperability problems. Layer8’s SD-WAN services, backed by Fortinet certifications, streamlines deployment and management. You can avoid issues by working with a trusted provider like Layer8, ensuring smooth integration and support.
SD-WAN excels in various sectors, providing tailored solutions to meet unique needs.
SD-WAN is a good fit if you face high costs, performance problems, or complex management. Key signs include reliance on MPLS, frequent cloud app slowdowns, or expanding branch sites. Layer8 Consulting has over 15 years of experience as a Fortinet partner and offers free consultations to assess your needs. Take the next step; contact Layer8 to explore SD-WAN for your business.
What problems does SD-WAN solve? It addresses high costs, slow performance, complex management, and security gaps.