Software Defined Networking (SDN) provides an abstracted layer across a company network which enables advanced network management features, including Software Defined Security (SD-Security) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Many of the features and benefits of SD-Security simply could not be achieved on legacy networks due to high costs and architectural limitations.
Given that many companies are still contemplating SDN and SD-WAN deployment, here are some key benefits that virtualizing networks and implementing SD-Security features deliver.
SD-Security as a feature of SDN provides a single point of access to report and manage security across an entire network. Organizations can use security software, through the SDN controller, to implement, control and manage threats from one single place.
Network support resources can access network information from anywhere in the world and not be required to be physically present in a branch location to assess and address security threats.
Other benefits of this level of control include:
With proper access rules an SD-WAN knows what's authorized in terms of connectivity and can report unauthorized attempts which can be easily monitored. This can potentially catch denial of service (DOS) attacks in their inception and spot malicious activity.
As encrypted (SSL) traffic volume increases, businesses need to consider the ability to inspect encrypted content as part of their SD-WAN solutions. Malicious content and malware can be hidden within encrypted traffic and needs mined and eradicated to proactively prevent threats. SD-Security solutions enable this capability without compromising the privacy of content.
Central monitoring of security threats can identify localized threats remotely and address them with fixes applied close to the source of the attack. This allows organizations to direct threat control to the most efficient location, with dynamic insertion and threat removal only where and when needed instead of having to provide cumbersome centralized solutions that may not be needed across the entire network.
Abstracted network management enables the ability to segment traffic based on rules for performance and security. This policy driven approach enhances the quality of transmissions, and allows network engineers to isolate security breaches to specific applications, locations and more. For example, a business can segment IoT data transfer at the device level so that if a device is compromised, the threat can be quarantined and stopped from affecting the broader organization.
Because SD-WAN topology can be created as virtual overlay it allows finely tuned segmentation well beyond the data center. Segmenting traffic can be based on highly specific criteria application characteristics and policies. This level of granular control enables companies to tell networks how certain types of traffic should be handled, making it far less likely for unwanted or harmful traffic to enter the network.
Additional benefits include:
Virtual configuration of connection points, on demand, can replace traditional resource intensive and often vendor-specific static pre-configured policies which can’t keep up with evolving cyber threats.
Because SDN controller policies get defined and centrally they can be propagated across all nodes and branches of the network. Because the policies are not tied to a specific server, or network security device, this enables a holistic approach to network cyber security.
One challenge many organizations face in modernizing networks is the handling of existing infrastructure, which often came at high costs and has unique configurations. SDN supports security configuration on top of existing appliances and architecture as a blended model, while allowing for the addition of advanced and new security technologies.
For example, an SDN with native next-gen firewall (NGFW) protection can sit on top of existing, more rigid services, providing an extra layer of protection and flexibility to protect new assets not part of the legacy architecture. These modern firewalls will monitor workloads, data and applications even if the network contains a hybrid of fixed and virtual nodes because it adapts dynamically to different networking demands.
What’s more, security enhancements and integrations with future security technologies can be applied to extend network security without requiring complex implementation. Consider the difficulty of maintaining a network with many different devices all requiring patches and upgrades to keep up with security threats versus the ability to centrally apply new software upgrades once that apply to the entire network or are dynamically applied to specific devices based on requirements.
Capcon Networks brings expertise and experience needed to transition from legacy to modern, SD driven Networking. We can help with complete SD-WAn implementation or just assist with optimizing SD-Security. If you need world-class services to protect your network and data across multiple branches or around the world, turn to Capcon Networks
President & Founder
Offir focuses on building the optimal mix of talented team members, leading technologies and proven processes to support global multi-site enterprises in obtaining and maintaining simple yet effective networking. His experience includes implementing SD-WAN, MPLS, Hybrid Networks and Unified Communications to the some of the worlds' top companies.
