SD-Branch is a branch network architecture that replaces or can supplement an already existing branch network system. This solution provides agility in the remote and/or branch office environment using a centrally controlled, singular platform. SD-Branch is the next step in the branch technology evolution and supports SD-WAN, security, routing, and other operational functions that can be managed centrally.

SD-Branch simplifies branch IT infrastructure and allows organizations to become more agile without compromising operational functionality. Utilizing a centralized management system, organizations can manage or adjust all branch network and security operations. SD-Branch increases operational efficiency with central management for network ops and reduces hardware footprint.

Organizations can deploy a network branch solution for new locations. Utilizing centralized management greatly decreases the need for “boots on the ground” IT personnel, which allows for rapid scalability, saves time, and delivers secure connectivity for the branch network. SD-Branch also helps reduce hardware costs by establishing software on consolidated hardware versus several separate appliances.

Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) has its roots in Software-Defined Networking (SDN), which decouples network software services from the underlying hardware. SD-WAN is the application of software-based network technologies to WAN connections to provide high-performance, cost-effective access to cloud services, private data centers, and SaaS-based enterprise applications. SD-WAN solutions replace traditional WAN routers to provide dynamic, policy-based traffic delivery across many WAN connections.  SD-WAN is a component of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which provides reliable, secure access to cloud networks and SaaS applications. SASE merges cloud networking and cloud security to a unified platform.

SD-Branch extends the value of SD-WAN to include additional networking needs within the branch and LAN. This extension of value allows for automated management and troubleshooting of devices in the branch. SD-Branch is a single hardware platform that can be centrally managed to support SD-WAN, routing, security, WiFI, and LAN operations. SD-WAN optimizes traffic over multiple available connections to deliver traffic across the WAN, versus SD-Branch, which extends the orchestration and control beyond the SD-WAN flow and network functions to branch infrastructure.