WAN Optimisation: How We Can Help You Improve

Infographic: Wan Optimisation

WAN OPTIMISATION DEFINED

Improving the overall user experience within your organisation and the speed at which they can access applications and critical business information requires an accelerated level of optimisation. To this end, WAN optimisation uses a collection of technologies to improve the efficacy and distribution between organisational data, remote locations and central data centres.

The level of efficiency in data transfer is, of course, measurable. Increased throughput, minimised latency, optimal bandwidth, and packet loss are all indicators of successful WAN acceleration.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WAN OPTIMISATION

The implementation of WAN optimisation tools has evolved drastically, addressing the primary need of connecting branch offices and data centres in a secure and optimised environment. In the early days, businesses and organisations relied heavily on expensive MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) links to connect global offices and data centres.

WAN optimisation tools, such as Gartner’s cloud-native CATO SASE Cloud, allow network managers to leverage bandwidth usage more effectively while improving the performance of integrated applications at a competitive price point.

Use cases of WAN acceleration include the following:

optimal response times for recognised applications over wide area network links and mobile devices
traffic optimisation between data centers and enhanced storage replication
improving enterprise investment in bandwidth
shifting traffic sources across multiple hybrid WANs between public cloud connectivity and cloud application accessibility

THE INTRICACIES OF WAN OPTIMISATION

Overcoming latency issues, increasing solid network throughput and minimising packet loss are the primary functions of successful WAN optimisation. A variety of optimised technologies and techniques work together to accomplish this. For example:

Data caching:

Data caching lightens the load on the network, making it more optimal to process data and information that is frequently used on local hosts or servers.

Network monitoring:

Prioritising the performance of critical applications is achieved by identifying less important traffic. To this end, a specific set of rules and guidelines are enforced on unnecessary downloads and excessive internet usage.

Data compression:

Minimises the size of data files passing through hardware and virtual WAN applications, to allow for optimal bandwidth use.

Protocol acceleration:

Protocol spoofing effectively minimises the load on the WAN by bundling a singular protocol which, in effect, reduces the number of packet headers and network handshakes.

Data deduplication:

Reduces the amount of data sent across Wide Area Networks for replication by identifying and eliminating obsolete or duplicate copies of data.

Traffic shaping:

Prioritising traffic and allocating bandwidth effectively through traffic shaping, which in turn enables network administrators to prioritise specific applications over the WAN.

WHAT ARE THE 6 MAIN BENEFITS OF WAN OPTIMISATION?

For many national and international organisations, WAN optimisation plays a vital role in improving business operations. Maximising your IT infrastructure and incorporating WAN optimisation into your enterprise wireless network solution is undoubtedly a cost-effective long-term solution. The benefits of WAN optimisation vary, but may include the following:

Faster data accessibility
Enabling a hybrid workforce of mobile and remote workers
Optimal application performance
Streamlined, reliable and efficient data recovery
Increased efficiency by minimising the effects of latency issues
Reduces the organisation’s overhead costs by eliminating the need for equipment and software

CATO SASE CLOUD: THE FUTURE OF NETWORKING:

If you are evaluating your legacy MPLS, VPN or SD-WAN network and potentially looking for a solution, then speak to Cloudbox about CATO SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) network. SASE is a new enterprise networking technology category introduced by Gartner in 2019 and converges the functions of network and security point solutions into a unified, global cloud service. These include SD-WAN, Global Private Backbone, Secure Web Gateway, Firewall as a Service, and more.

CATO SASE can be deployed to expand or replace legacy networks, MPLS, SD-WAN and VPN solutions. Furthermore, it allows you to securely connect branches, remote users, datacentres and cloud services into a single, cloud-based configuration and management platform.

The following four main attributes mark SASE architecture: Identity driven, cloud-native, supports all edges and globally distributed. The benefits of CATO SASE include:

Always on VPN
Secure Remote Access
MPLS replacement
Zero Trust Network Access
Global Private Network
Remove Complexity
Enhanced security

NEXT-GENERATION WAN SOLUTIONS:

MPLS Migration to SD-WAN:

Cato assists in reducing costs and complexities associated with MPLS. No longer do you need to be tied to a single ISP. In fact, Cato provides the ability to use the best ISP for your region to connect to the Cato global private backbone. This brings with it the following benefits: Firstly, it helps you reduce costs. Secondly, it increases service levels. Thirdly, it improves performance, and fourthly, it delivers security everywhere.

Optimised Global Connectivity:

By utilising Cato’s global private backbone, enterprises can achieve predictable and accelerated access to on-premise and cloud services by eliminating the issues associated with high latency and packet loss. In essence, Cato’s cloud optimisation and built-in WAN drastically improve the network experience everywhere.

Secure Branch Internet Access:

Eliminate the cost and complexity associated with managing security and network solutions at branch locations. Centrally manage all security and networking by connecting all locations to the Cato cloud through Cato Socket SD-WAN devices. As a result, it eliminates the need for local firewalls. Thus reducing complexity, increasing security and saving costs.

Cloud Acceleration and Control:

Cato PoPs are located in the same datacentres as the major cloud providers such as Microsoft, AWS & Google, meaning that latency between Cato and these providers is virtually zero. In addition, Cato routes traffic from any location to the PoP closest to the cloud destination. This results in accelerated cloud access and obviously, improved user experience. Another benefit is that there is no need to install virtual appliances or set up hubs to reduce latency to the cloud.

Mobile Security and Optimisation:

Cato’s network security stack enforces corporate security policies and protects remote users against threats. Users automatically connect to the nearest Cato PoP using a Cato Client or clientless browser. Whether a user is in the office or remote, all the same security and networking policies remain identical. The subsequent result is a secure, optimised experience for the end user and reduced complexity for network administrators.

For more information about CATO SASE Network, contact the Cloudbox team at [email protected]. To find out more about our security, automation and general cloud-based solutions, visit our website at www.cloudboxtech.com