Hybrid wide area networking

Maximizing the value of hybrid wide area networking

The demands on enterprise IT networks have never been higher. From bandwidth-hungry applications to high-definition videoconferencing, organizations need network solutions that can deliver greater speed, higher bandwidth and continuous uptime. To improve network performance and security, many organizations are turning to a hybrid wide area networking (WAN) architecture.

A hybrids WAN enables connectivity via MPLS or TDM, the traditional industry standards, as well as Internet-based IP VPN tunnels, broadband, Ethernet or cellular connections. This technology allows organizations to increase agility and reduce costs by maintaining dedicated lines for business-critical loads while sending lower-priority traffic over less costly connections.

Software-defined WAN technology can provide even greater benefits when added to hybrid wide area networking systems. Using software-defined networking (SDN) principles to separate the data plane from the control plane in the WAN, SD-WAN shifts control intelligence from customer premises equipment or edge devices to a centralized software-based controller, enabling transfer-agnostic hybrid WAN deployments.

For organizations seeking to reduce the complexity and cost of managing hybrid cloud networking with SD-WAN, Spectrum Enterprise provides Enterprise Network Edge a managed networking platform that that can simply, efficiently and cost-effectively apply the right type of connectivity to each location across the network.

The benefits of SD-WAN for hybrid wide area networking

SD-WAN leverages the power and efficiency of the cloud to improve the performance of hybrid wide area networking technology, enabling organizations and IT teams to achieve several key objectives.

Increase flexibility

SD-WAN lets networks use any internet access available, supporting a full range of high-speed connectivity options and transport types. This additional flexibility enables networks to be more agile as they adapt to different workloads and prioritize traffic in real time.

Scale more easily

By adding SD-WAN to existing WAN technology, organizations can quickly add new sites and upgrade bandwidth with no changes to the infrastructure or network required.

Enhance reliability

SD-WAN technology prioritizes and routes traffic over both primary and secondary connections, ensuring greater performance, reliability and security for mission-critical applications. The result is faster provisioning and improved uptime.

Heighten efficiency

By dynamically balancing the fluctuating bandwidth needs of different sites and applications, SD-WAN makes more efficient use of available bandwidth.

Reduce cost

SD-WAN requires less equipment to be provisioned, managed and maintained on premises, lowering the cost of infrastructure, speeding deployment and minimizing operational costs.

Solutions for hybrid wide area networking from Spectrum Enterprise

While the benefits of SD-WAN for hybrid wide area networking are clear, managing these complex technologies requires specific skill sets and a considerable time investment for in-house IT teams. Enterprise Network Edge from Spectrum Enterprise can help. As a modular, all-in-one solution, Enterprise Network Edge is ideal for IT teams with unique requirements, demanding applications and the need to customize network technologies for specific parameters or to migrate away from a legacy WAN at a controlled pace.

Redefine application performance and security

Intelligent routing enabled by Fortinet FortiGate transforms and secures SD-WAN technology without impacting performance. The industry’s only purpose-built application-specific integrated chip (ASIC) accelerates both WAN and security performance at high throughput.

Gain greater visibility and control

An easy-to-use management portal delivers real-time data into network performance, applications and policies across the network. Your IT teams can extend visibility to a managed switch and control whichever aspects of the network they want.

Choose the optimal network and connectivity

Whether you’re migrating to hybrid wide area networking or adding high-performance Ethernet connections, Enterprise Network Edge lets you choose the solution that’s right for you. Our services enables you to take advantage of dedicated fiber internet access, broadband, wireless or your existing internet connections, providing ideal options for load-balancing and ensuring consistent network performance and capabilities across all locations.

Enjoy options for management

Enterprise Network Edge is available as a fully managed or co-managed solution. Your teams can choose to manage whatever aspects of the network they want, while leaving the rest to the network experts at Spectrum Enterprise.

A turnkey solution

Enterprise Network Edge combines multiple Spectrum Enterprise services into one intuitive solution, powered by Fortinet.

• Simplify management and save time by accessing and managing the entire network from a centralized cloud-based portal.
• Scale easily with the ability to support up to 10,000 locations and 50,000 remote users.
• Improve performance with application-aware routing that prioritizes traffic, detecting and identifying 5,000+ enterprise, cloud and SaaS applications.
• Use custom routing, utilize border gateway protocol (BGP) and apply forward error correction to support complex routing requirements.
• Enjoy 24/7/365 support from U.S.-based experts who offer a consultative approach to design and implementation.
• Integrate seamlessly and securely with public clouds.
• Choose connectivity options that include dedicated Ethernet, wireless/LTE, broadband and Dedicated Fiber Internet that features 100 gigabit internet connectivity.
• Offload local internet traffic without needing to route back through the network.
• Bolster security with a next-generation firewall that includes SSL inspection, intrusion protection service, threat intelligence, anti-malware and more.

Along with managed services for hybrid wide area networking, Spectrum Enterprise offers additional options including Managed Network Edge, Cloud-based security, DDoS Protection and Managed WiFi solutions.

Why Spectrum Enterprise?

Spectrum Enterprise is a national provider of scalable, fiber technology solutions. Many of America’s largest businesses and communication service providers rely on our portfolio of solutions to enhance productivity, improve communication and strengthen security. From IT modernization to healthcare digital transformation, our solutions enable businesses in every industry to achieve their technology goals and compete more effectively

When working with Spectrum Enterprise, organizations can count on:

• A consultative approach. We work closely with our clients to plan, develop, deploy and support the network and connectivity solutions to meet their goals.
• Responsive support. Backed by 24/7/365 client care, our solutions offer an end-to-end service-level agreement (SLA) that ensures 100% uptime guarantee¹.
• Scalable solutions. Spectrum Enterprise solutions can scale and evolve to support new digital technologies and initiatives – without costly changes to infrastructure.
• Reliable uptime. Our nationwide fiber network delivers the speed, efficiency and security required to keep businesses and their employees connected to the information and applications they need.

FAQs

What is hybrid wide area networking?

Hybrid wide area networking, or hybrid WAN, is the practice of using two or more types of connections to transmit traffic over a wide area network. The circuits in a hybrid WAN may include a combination of multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and broadband, Ethernet, cellular and internet connections. The primary connection on a hybrid WAN is usually reserved for business-critical loads, while the secondary connection can be used to transmit non-critical traffic, providing more flexibility and cost optimization.

What is hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN?

A hybrid WAN uses two or more different network connections to carry traffic between locations, data centers and the cloud. Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) improves a hybrid WAN by automatically and dynamically routing traffic via the optimal connections, balancing the bandwidth needs of different applications.


¹100% uptime SLA guarantee applies only to Dedicated Fiber Internet, Secure Dedicated Fiber Internet, Ethernet Services, Cloud Connect and Enterprise Trunking.