SD-WAN Requirements
The key components of an SD-WAN solution center around application awareness, visibility, and performance. An SD-WAN solution must generally provide the following types of functionality:
Multiple connection types – MPLS, Internet, LTE, ADSL, etc.
Secure site-to-site connectivity - tunneling and VPNs
An intuitive interface for managing WAN connections
Ability to make use of all available uplink paths
Ability to optimize use of WAN connection for cost savings
Application-aware performance monitoring over WAN links
Dynamic spoke/endpoint learning and reachability
In addition, modern SD-WAN solutions have evolved to offer even broader capabilities, including:
Automation of end-to-end solution provisioning
Enterprise network modeling, network definition
Zero touch provisioning (ZTP) of on-premises devices, including establishing connectivity
Provisioning of multiple node types (spoke, hub, concentrators, etc.)
Dynamic path selection, and ability to load balance across multiple WAN connections
End-to-end, application-level SLAs through continuous path measurement
Dynamic application steering to counteract link degradation
End-to-end visibility and monitoring of devices, connectivity, and application performance
Support for 3rd-party services
Intent-based policy creation to define traffic treatment
Security through enterprise-wide policies
Juniper Networks Contrail SD-WAN solution, as described in this document, provides a full, end-to-end solution that aims to offer all of the above functionality.