Software Defined Networking
Intelligently manage your network and simplify IT Operations.
What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)?
A more flexible and programmable network that’s easier to manage and control.
Software Defined Networks (SDN) separate the control software from the hardware. Instead of configuring each device independently, SDN allows you to develop network and security policies and push them to all network devices simultaneously. This ensures consistent configurations across the network and simplifies IT operations. With APIs, applications can be given permission to configure the network based on predetermined parameters eliminating manual configuration changes when an application is deployed or upgraded.
Software Defined Networking Addresses These Common Problems
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Challenges
Overcome These Challenges with SDN
- Lack of Scalability
- Ineffective Security
- Inconsistent Configurations
- Poor Network Visibility
- Time Consuming Network Changes
- Lack of Skilled Network Engineers
- Rising WAN Costs
SDN Solutions and Partner Recommendations
Cisco
As the industry leader in all things networking, Cisco is redefining network security, scalability and automation with Software Defined Networking. Their SDN solutions can help you save money and secure your business by eliminating the need to manually configure network devices.
SD-WAN
DNA Center
SASE
SD Access
SD-Branch
Ansible
Meraki
Meraki helps you advance a modern network strategy with smart, Cloud Managed IT solutions.
SD-WAN
SD Access
SD-Branch
Softward Defined Networking Benefits
Intelligently control your network and simplify IT Operations.
Simplify Operations and Reduce Network Complexity
Programmable Network Eliminates Manual Processes
Faster Application Deployment
More Centralized Security
Better Control Network Traffic
Scale Your Network Without Scaling IT Operations
Reduce Private Circuits with More Reliable Internet WAN
Which SDN Offerings Are Right for You?
SDN can provide dynamic and efficient network configuration for your WAN, LAN and Data Center networks. Unsure of how to determine which solution is right for you?
Get started with one of our network assessments or consulting engagements.
WLAN Assessment
Today's Wireless LAN is a critical part of user and device access. SDN technology combines wireless access points and access layer switches into one cohesive environment. Our WLAN assessment will determine if your wireless network is adequately and reliably supporting your business. We will identify and document issues, and then make prioritized recommendations for how to improve Wi-Fi for a better user experience.
Why Your Network Team Needs IE for SDN
Networking technology has changed a lot in the 25 years we've been at it, and yet the basic fundamentals are still the same. We have the experience to help your team understand the benefits of SDN and the proven processes to help them execute. And, if they want help managing new tech until they get comfortable, we offer fully outsourced or co-managed IT Managed Services.
Networking Experts
When Software Defined Networking came to market, we got to work learning the new technology and developing best practices with our SDN tech partners. Our processes ensures a design customized for your needs, consistent quality of deployment and expert operational support.
Managed IT Services
Not only can we design and build your network from layer 1 up but we can also support it 24x7. If you're concerned about adopting a Software Defined Network, don't be; we have the talent and experience to help you succeed.
Selective Tech Partnerships
Our technology partners are hand picked for their innovative and reliable technology solutions. We only recommend partners we trust and we stand behind their products and services. If you're considering a network upgrade and would like to learn more about how industry leading SDN solutions from our partners can help you achieve an agile, secure and modernized network, visit our Partners page.
Custom Scripting and Development
Our in-house development team can provide custom scripting to automate network and security policy across disparate vendor products. And for large-scale automation projects, we can develop a complete orchestration environment to make quick work of large infrastructure changes. Ask us how our development team can help you save time and manpower.
Networking Solutions for Any Need
Seemless Roaming.
Mobility & Wi-Fi
Simplify access for roaming workers with a SD Access architecture.
By combining Wi-Fi and Access Switching in an SDN solution, you can easily automate, maintain, and troubleshoot network access from one dashboard. As more mobile users join the network; you can deliver a seamless user experience while ensuring network security and simplifying IT operations.
Transform Your Network.
IoT Network
Segment machine to machine (M2M) communication to secure and improve business operations.
IoT integrations require better network visibility and segmentation to avoid security vulnerabilities from M2M communications. SDN, while not created specifically for IoT devices, can definitely help solve some of the more complex network challenges brought on by the increasing number of IoT devices. Learn how you can monitor IoT communication and centralize sensor alerts to more quickly respond to anomalous behavior.
Simplify Network Complexity.
Enterprise Networking
Scale your Enterprise Network Without Scaling IT Operations
A growing business means more network complexity and a larger staff to support IT Operations. Bigger networks usually have more security risk, access requirements, and compliance issues. There's a better way. Consider how SDN can deliver a network that's agile, flexible, and secure enough to keep pace with your growing business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prioritize certain types of traffic?
The traffic that you prioritize should reflect what's most important to your organization. Any traffic that eats up bandwidth and takes away from your business-critical applications should be categorized as non-critical traffic. It would be deprioritized to reallocate bandwidth where it's needed most.
How do I unify multiple SDNs?
If you're looking for centralized management, it pays to stay within the same product ecosystem. This allows you to keep all your SDN components on one dashboard. It also makes it easier to troubleshoot, manage, and monitor your SDN infrastructure. All these components work together to support your Software Defined Networking infrastructure.
How do you simplify the management of hardware and configurations?
Consider implementing a centralized management system like Cisco DNA Center. Paired with customized scripting, you’ll be able to access your hardware and configurations from one centralized platform and deploy policy that supports your business initiatives.
How do you enforce policy across all the different types of SDN?
Software Defined Networking affords you the ability to program and implement customized scripting which will allow you to deploy network security policy across disparate products. Whether that be WAN, Access points, etc.
More Networking Resources
Blog
Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) Dashboard vs. Meraki Dashboard: Enterprise-level Features vs. Simplicity
Trying to determine which Network Management tool will be better for your environment? We compare the Cisco DNA Center and Meraki dashboards. Learn more!
Blog
How SD-WAN is Improving Business Outcomes
See how customers are getting business outcome benefits out of Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) and moving away from Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).
Blog
Benefits of SD-WAN for Branch Networks
Tackle digital disruption with SD-WAN and get the benefits of improved overall speed, efficiency, economics, and security of your branch network.