SDWAN (Software Defined-WAN) Network Engineering and Project Management

Abstract

Many organizations are struggling to provide high bandwidth and reliable

internet connectivity at their branch offices and business locations and

getting the most out of their operational expense. The need for internet con

nectivity at any branch offices and business locations is not a luxury any

more but is a necessity. Let us try to understand how to plan and document

the SDWAN (Software Defined- Wide Area Network) implementation in an

organization. We will try to understand why it is essential to implement the

new technology instead of investing in the existing MPLS (Multi-Protocol

label switching) by taking an example of a retail organization. Methods:

This project/research was performed using the abilities of Software Defined

Network Technology and options available in MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label

Switching). The Technical Project management principles were adopted as

per PMI (Project Management Institute) waterfall methodology. Results/

Conclusion: SDWAN technology provides an effective replacement of

MPLS network connection for providing WAN connectivity for our office

locations. It is essential to follow a documented process for appropriate

vendor selection based on the available features and other listed attributes

in the article. To be successful in the implementation it is essential to per

form a POC (Proof of Concept) in a controlled environment and validate

results. SDWAN provides better network performance and improves reli

ability as the links operate in active-active function.