Pre-Implementation Planning
Successful SD-WAN deployment starts with thorough planning. Document your current network topology, application requirements, bandwidth needs at each location, and security policies.
Vendor Selection
Evaluate SD-WAN vendors based on your specific requirements: cloud connectivity, security features, management capabilities, and integration with existing infrastructure. Leading platforms include Cisco Viptela, VMware VeloCloud, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Prisma.
Circuit Procurement
Determine the optimal mix of transport types for each location. Most deployments combine dedicated internet access (DIA), broadband, and potentially LTE/5G for redundancy.
Phased Rollout
Deploy in phases, starting with pilot sites to validate configuration and policies. Use this phase to tune application policies, QoS settings, and security rules before broader rollout.
Ongoing Optimization
Post-deployment, continuously monitor performance, adjust policies based on actual usage patterns, and leverage analytics to identify optimization opportunities.