Aided by technology, telecommuting is becoming much more popular. In order to connect your employees securely to your company data, tools, and business resources,  companies need to establish a secure networking connection infrastructure. Whilst SD-WAN and VPN are Internet-based network solutions, there are primary differences between the two.

Deciding which is the most suitable networking connection for your organization is an important decision in providing your employees with a secure Internet connection while meeting your business needs.

Let's explore both technologies to help you to answer this question.

What is SD-WAN and how does it work?

Also known as software-defined WAN, SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a virtual network technology that allows centralized control and management of all hardware on the same network through software.

This proposal makes it easier for SD-WAN provider companies to develop their own custom WAN networks. It is possible to manage bandwidth, reinforce security measures in connections through end-to-end encryption, and the possibility of being able to apply changes in real-time.

It gives wide area networks, or WANs, greater versatility, adaptability, and ease of control. In addition, as it is linked to a centralized online platform, it allows you to control and configure the network practically on the fly.

This also gives it a high scalability capacity, since, for example, it can readjust aspects such as the total number of connections or speeds depending on the needs of the connected equipment. Whether there are more or fewer teams, everything can be reconfigured in seconds.

What is VPN and how does it work?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a virtual private network that also allows you to create a kind of local network between people who do not share a geographical location. It does so through the internet, through what is known as a VPN tunnel.

It allows the flow of data safely, which guarantees not only a total interconnection between workers even if each one is at home, but also the protection of sensitive and/or confidential information.

It is compatible with other technological layers, which is why MPLS VPN vs SD-WAN is also often compared, although its characteristics have lagged behind what the most modern protocols offer.

The VPN offers a secure connection but is somewhat slower. In addition, it is usually based on the concept of a “star” network. What does this mean? That each connection goes through a central node that is in charge of redistributing the information and processing it. This can also pose a risk in case some of the equipment is infected by a virus.

But we are going to stop here, because to better compare both solutions, we are going to confront them. We are going to answer the question of, which is the better option, SD-WAN vs VPN.

VPN vs SD-Wan: the best option

Now, it's time to see which of the two options is better for a company. Comparisons between MPLS VPN vs SD-WAN are as common as they are necessary, although here we are going to show that their advantages and disadvantages make them better or worse for different types of users.

SD-WAN connections are identical to VPNs in that their goal is to connect users, employees, or companies through their own private network, even if they are miles apart. That is probably the only point in common they have.

And it is that, for example, the priority of a VPN is to offer the most secure connection possible, and it also does it quite easily. If a company needs a private network, a VPN will allow any worker to connect from home by simply installing a program on their computer and applying the indicated settings.

With SD-WAN that is not possible, since it is generally necessary to have specific hardware for it in the equipment that is going to be connected. Yes, then everything is much more configurable and flexible through SD-WAN, especially for the company, but this requirement is a handicap in the eyes of companies looking for something cheap to connect their employees.

Fortunately, configuring SD-WAN for the worker is easier, while VPN requires a human factor where there is always room for error. Besides. SD-WAN stands out from VPNs in the possibility of applying more advanced security features, or that end-to-end encryption that is not available in VPNs. If you need more information, contact our team.

Dec 14, 2022