Analysis of SD-WAN over MPLS in the Housing Bank

In this paper, the authors provide an in-depth analysis of the implementation of Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) over Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) in the Housing Bank, a major financial institution in Algeria. The comparison is made with traditional MPLS and direct internet access, focusing on various metrics such as bandwidth, latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput, and quality of service (QoS).

The deployment of FortiGate is considered as the SD-WAN solution for the Housing Bank. One of the key advantages of SD-WAN is its ability to enhance network traffic management, allowing for more efficient data transmission compared to traditional MPLS. This is achieved through the dynamic routing capabilities of SD-WAN controllers, which optimize traffic flows based on real-time network conditions.

Security measures have also been taken into account in this analysis. The implementation of SD-WAN over MPLS includes encryption, firewall, intrusion prevention, web filtering, antivirus, and other measures to address various threats such as spoofing, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and unauthorized access. This ensures that sensitive financial data in the Housing Bank is well-protected.

The paper also provides insights into future trends in the field of SD-WAN. It highlights the emerging concept of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture, which combines networking and security functions in a unified framework. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques into SD-WAN is also mentioned as a key trend to watch out for. These advancements are expected to further enhance performance and security in SD-WAN deployments.

Another important topic discussed in the paper is the exploration of emerging transport methods for SD-WAN. While MPLS has been the traditional choice for reliable and predictable data transmission, new alternatives such as Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) tunnels and even direct internet access are gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

The overall analysis concludes that SD-WAN over MPLS provides significant advantages for the Housing Bank, including enhanced performance, security, and flexibility. The dynamic traffic management capabilities of SD-WAN, combined with the security measures implemented, ensure efficient and safe data transmission for the financial institution.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this analysis, there are several recommendations for the Housing Bank and other financial institutions considering SD-WAN deployments.

  1. Regular performance monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the SD-WAN deployment is crucial to identify any issues or bottlenecks that may arise. This will help ensure optimal network performance and address any potential security vulnerabilities.
  2. Ongoing research: The field of SD-WAN is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and best practices emerging. It is important for financial institutions to stay updated on the latest trends and conduct research to identify opportunities for improvement in their SD-WAN deployments.

Overall, this analysis provides valuable insights into the implementation of SD-WAN over MPLS in a major financial institution. The findings highlight the benefits of SD-WAN in terms of performance, security, and flexibility, while also shedding light on future trends in the field. As more organizations embrace SD-WAN as a key networking solution, it is imperative to understand its potential and continuously adapt to optimize its implementation.

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