Securing Remote Workforces: How WAN for Road Warriors Protects Sensitive Data
Remote workforces are constantly being added to the organisation, which has led to the extensive use of networks. Technological advancements have made remote working possible, forcing organisations to change their connectivity approach and network infrastructure. Adding an SD-WAN architecture can boost a remote work profile. Let us explore how SD-WAN technology enables reliable connectivity for remote workforces.
Challenges of Remote Workforce
Today’s remote workforce depends on SD-WAN for reliable and secure access. Remote workers face challenges like latency, security threats, and bandwidth constraints. When corporate resources are accessed over the Internet, errors occur. What makes the situation more complex is the use of multiple devices, network environments, and applications. SD-WAN is deployed to alleviate the concerns of the remote workforce.
SD-WAN technology is a game-changer that deals with remote workers’ connectivity concerns. When compared to traditional WAN architecture, SD-WAN follows software-defined networking principles. SD-WAN provides agile, scalable, and affordable connectivity solutions. Traditional WAN is expensive and dependent on inflexible hardware-related solutions. Here are some advantages of SD-WAN for the remote workforce:
- SD-WAN can optimise network traffic. It helps direct data packets in the most efficient path, depending on real-time conditions.
- An intelligent traffic routing mechanism allows remote workers to enjoy consistent performance and responsiveness. Connectivity is always available regardless of the location or network situation.
- End-to-end traffic encryption enhances security and protects sensitive data from unauthorised access and interception.
- SD-WAN implements strong encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms. It also helps to overcome the risks of data theft and cyber threats. These techniques can keep corporate data and communication highly confidential.
It is not new for organisations to use WAN architecture to connect to branch offices and remote worksites. However, traditional WAN architecture failed in certain areas, such as security, data transfer, and network performance. This is where SD-WAN was seen as an appropriate replacement. Remote workers can boost their performance with SD-WAN.
How do organisations secure remote access with SD-WAN?
- A remote workforce enables employees to collaborate and work efficiently from across the globe. With optimised network performance and secure remote access, corporate resources and applications become easily accessible.
- SD-WAN comes with built-in VPN capabilities. It establishes secure tunnels between the data centres and remote endpoints or cloud-based resources, creating a seamless and secure communication channel.
- SD-WAN provides granular access controls and segmentation policies. This feature helps administrators enforce security policies based on application categories. Moreover, it reduces unauthorised data leakage and threats.
SD-WAN integrates with cloud-based security services, including firewalls, secure web gateways, and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Such robust security features are a must for remote endpoints.
Organisations can deploy cloud-native security solutions for higher protection. They need not invest in expensive hardware, applications, or complex configurations for SD-WAN.
Enriched user experience and high productivity
SD-WAN has several technical potentials to enhance user experience, especially for remote workers. It helps in collaboration, engagement, and productivity. SD-WAN optimises responsiveness and performance, maintaining access to critical business applications.
SD-WAN supports QoS policies that focus more on mission-critical traffic than on less time-sensitive applications. This includes web browsing and email. This prioritisation helps businesses remain in operation even during bandwidth constraints and traffic congestion.
SD-WAN for road warriors
SD-WAN can be extensively used in the transportation industry to enable fleet management and logistics operations. SD-WAN promotes the real-time tracking of vehicles with efficient route management and excellent customer service through timely delivery. SD-WAN can be used in public transit systems like buses and trains, facilitating centralised management of operations and improved exchange of communication between the dispatch center and drivers. Now passengers using public transport can avail internet access while on the move. Logistics companies can gain immensely through SD-WAN to manage their supply chains and connect to warehouses for quick inventory, restocking, and dispatch. The connectivity between warehouses, remote offices, and distribution centers is active 24/7 with SD-WAN.
SD-WAN replaces legacy routers by creating a virtual network overlay. It helps build high-performance WANs with commodity internet connections. While choosing SD-WAN, it is essential to consider factors like latency, packet loss, jitters, and compliance regulations. SD-WAN offers aggregate multiple connections like broadband, 4G LTE, 5G, and MPLS for uninterrupted connectivity. It ensures continuous connectivity irrespective of traffic volumes and ever-changing bandwidth demands. Even with intensive AR and AI applications, network availability is continuous.
WAN for road warriors provides secure WAN connectivity for remote users via SD-WA tunnels, using SMOAD Soft Edge (SASE) on devices for safe access and central traffic management with SMOAD orchestrator. WAN for road warriors ensures secure, efficient access to critical business applications with sensitive data and information for field users, enhancing compliance, productivity, and reliability in remote work environments. Contact Viva Digitally for a demo..
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