Software-Defined Wide Area Network, or SD-WAN, technology offers operational cost savings for businesses by allowing remote configuration of new locations. This eliminates the need for engineers to be physically present on-site.

Through SD-WAN, many vendors also provide zero-touch provisioning, or ZTP, which further reduces the need for on-site engineering expertise. With ZTP, the only requirement is for someone to connect the device to the necessary internal and external networks and power it on. Once connected, the device automatically contacts a central location, such as headquarters or a cloud-based configuration service, to download its operational configuration.

The technology is important because it reduces the time and resources required to set up new network locations. This can lead to cost savings, increased agility and improved overall network performance.

However, many vendors can offer SD-WAN products, but do those products all live up to key expectations from businesses?

To find that out, CyberRatings.org provides testing. They provide enterprises with independent, objective ratings of security product efficacy to make informed decisions.

Recently, CyberRatings completed an independent test of two SD-WAN products: Forcepoint FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN and Versa Networks Secure SD-WAN.

Forcepoint FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN is a network solution that optimizes connectivity to private, public and hybrid cloud environments. It offers features like multi-link connectivity, dynamic path selection and advanced security capabilities, ensuring improved application performance and reduced risk.

Versa Networks Secure SD-WAN is a cloud-based network solution that delivers secure and scalable connectivity for businesses. It offers features like application-aware routing, ZTP and integrated security capabilities.

As for the test, the testing combination of devices included a high availability pair at the head-end, corporate headquarters representing Branch 1, a regional office representing Branch 2 and a retail outlet representing Branch 3. Each use case was tested for traffic content, throughput, transport and impairments to see how the SD-WAN performed. A "AAA" score was based on Management, Routing & Access Control, Stability and Reliability, and the Mean Opinion Score, or MOS.

Both Forcepoint and Versa Networks demonstrated strong performance in key areas. Both products effectively supported ZTP and allow for easy remote configuration and deployment across multiple branches.

Additionally, they successfully enforced various network policies, including site-to-site VPNs and direct internet access. This is to ensure secure and efficient traffic routing.

In terms of quality of experience, both products delivered consistent A/V quality, even under challenging network conditions; and both solutions handled high traffic loads with minimal latency and maintained operational stability under extended adverse conditions.

Maximum MOS scores for VoIP/audio are 4.41 and 4.53 for video. Forcepoint achieved a 4.40 MOS score for audio and a 4.48 score for video. Versa's MOS score for audio was 4.41 and 4.37 for video.

“These are mature, full-featured SD-WAN products that proved to be highly efficient,” said Vikram Phatak, CEO of CyberRatings.org. “Enterprises should have them on their shortlist.”

CyberRatings' testing of SD-WAN products helps organizations make informed decisions and establishes industry benchmarks for product quality. Most importantly, the testing assesses the effectiveness of security features.