As more and more businesses move away from traditional appliances and toward cloud-based solutions, SD-WAN has emerged as one of the most popular options for wide area networks (WANs). By leveraging software-defined networking (SDN) features, such as virtualization, orchestration, and cloud services, SD-WAN allows users to optimize their network performance and simplify operations across the WAN. However, managing and troubleshooting an SD-WAN can be complex and time-consuming without the right tools.
This is where a Network Management System (NMS) comes in. An NMS is a centralized platform that provides network administrators with an integrated view of their entire SD-WAN environment. It enables them to monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot performance issues in real-time, as well as configure and manage devices and policies across the WAN. It also enables them to take preventive measures against threats, such as malware and data breaches, and reduce service outages.
The primary role of an NMS in SD-WAN is to provide real-time visibility and control over the network. It does this by collecting and analyzing network statistics and inventory data from various sources, including routers, switches, and firewalls. This data can then be quickly analyzed for potential problems, such as latency or packet loss, and automatically trigger a response, such as an alert or notification.
In addition to providing visibility, an NMS is also responsible for managing the different components of the SD-WAN. It can be used to create and manage policies for routing traffic across the WAN, as well as setting up and configuring devices. It can also be used to troubleshoot problems and ensure all components are properly configured and optimized.
Finally, an NMS is essential for keeping an SD-WAN secure. Network administrators can use an NMS to detect and respond to potential threats, such as malicious activity or data breaches. It can also be used to set up authentication and access controls, encrypt data, monitor user activity, and apply other best practices to protect the network.
In summary, a Network Management System (NMS) is an essential component of any SD-WAN setup. It provides network administrators with visibility into the WAN and control over the different components. It also enables them to manage policies, troubleshoot problems, and keep the network secure. Without an NMS, network administrators would be unable to effectively oversee and manage their SD-WAN, making it impossible to achieve maximum performance and reliability.
