EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Detailed Review

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EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Detailed Review Contents

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EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Product Overview

The EdgeConnect SD-WAN Platform

The EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform is not a product offered by Aryaka, but rather it is a solution provided by HPE Aruba Networking.

Primary Function

The primary function of the HPE Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform is to provide secure, efficient, and reliable wide area network (WAN) connectivity. It integrates SD-WAN, firewall, routing, and WAN optimization to create a comprehensive WAN edge solution.

Target Audience

The target audience for EdgeConnect SD-WAN includes enterprises and organizations with distributed branch offices, cloud-based applications, and a need for secure and high-performance network connectivity. This is particularly beneficial for businesses undergoing digital transformation and those requiring agile, intelligent, and secure networking across their WAN.

Key Features

Advanced Security

Includes next-generation firewall capabilities, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), role-based segmentation, and zone-based firewall security. It also supports Zero Trust principles and protects against DDoS attacks using machine learning.

WAN Optimization

Offers features such as path conditioning, intelligent internet breakout, and optional performance packs that include compression and deduplication to optimize WAN traffic.

Multi-Cloud Networking

Simplifies and automates secure multi-cloud connectivity to leading cloud and SaaS providers, ensuring high application performance whether applications reside in the data center or the cloud.

Centralized Management

Utilizes the EdgeConnect SD-WAN Orchestrator, a network orchestration and management software, to configure multiple gateways, define and apply network policies, and monitor network statistics through a single pane of glass.

Integration and Deployment

Can be deployed on various platforms, including Megaport Virtual Edge (MVE), and integrates with other networking solutions to extend the SD-WAN fabric globally.

Redundancy and Reliability

Ensures high network reliability with redundant appliances and automatic failover capabilities, critical for maintaining continuous service even in the event of circuit failures.

This platform is highly regarded for its ability to streamline network management, enhance network security, and improve application performance, making it a valuable solution for enterprises seeking to modernize their network infrastructure.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - User Interface and Experience

Ease of Use

Aruba EdgeConnect is known for its ease of deployment and management. The platform features a plug-and-play deployment model through Zero-Touch Provisioning, which allows devices to be deployed at branch offices in seconds, automatically connecting with other instances in the data center, other branches, or cloud infrastructure.

Centralized Administration

The Aruba Orchestrator, included with the EdgeConnect platform, provides a centralized interface for managing WAN traffic. This tool offers unprecedented levels of visibility into both legacy and cloud applications, allowing users to centrally assign policies based on business intent. This centralization simplifies the deployment of multiple branch offices and ensures consistent policies across applications.

User Interface

The interface is characterized by its ability to visualize, define, and orchestrate granular security policies. Users can create secure end-to-end zones across any combination of users, application groups, and virtual overlays. The platform also supports the creation of multiple business intent policies, each with its own specific bonding policy, allowing for customized link prioritization and traffic steering based on various criteria.

Performance and Security

Users appreciate the platform’s ability to enhance application performance while ensuring strong security over dispersed networks. The integrated stateful firewall and WAN hardening features secure branch offices without the need for separate firewalls, streamlining the WAN architecture.

User Experience

Real users have praised Aruba EdgeConnect for its performance-enhancing capabilities, efficient service, and unique features. The platform is seen as reliable and continually improving, with users highlighting its ease of deployment and management as significant advantages. However, some users have noted that the product can be pricey compared to some competitors.

Conclusion

In summary, the Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform offers a user-friendly interface with centralized management, ease of deployment, and strong security features, making it a reliable choice for enterprises looking to optimize their WAN performance and security.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Key Features and Functionality

Overview

The Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform, a product of HPE Aruba Networking, offers several key features and functionalities that make it a powerful tool in the SD-WAN and networking domain.

Automated Branch to Multi-Cloud Connectivity

EdgeConnect enables automated connectivity between branch offices and multiple cloud backbones, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. This ensures consistent high performance for branch-cloud connectivity by applying granular QoS and security policies, automatically detecting and correcting underlay performance issues without IT intervention.

Dynamic Path Control (DPC)

DPC allows real-time traffic steering over any broadband or MPLS link based on company-defined policies. In the event of an outage or brownout, DPC automatically switches over to a secondary connection, ensuring continuous network availability.

Virtual WAN Overlays

EdgeConnect uses an application-specific virtual WAN overlay model, where multiple overlays can be defined to abstract the underlying physical transport services. This allows applications to be mapped to different overlays based on business intent, supporting different QoS, transport, and failover characteristics. It also extends micro-segmentation of specific application traffic from the data center across the WAN to maintain security compliance mandates.

WAN Hardening

Each WAN overlay is secured edge-to-edge via 256-bit AES encrypted tunnels, preventing unauthorized outside traffic from entering the branch network.

Zero-Touch Provisioning

EdgeConnect supports a plug-and-play deployment model, enabling easy and rapid deployment at branch offices without the need for extensive IT setup.

Business Intent Overlays

These overlays orchestrate secure application and network connectivity between clouds, data centers, and branch offices. They support data replication of data center-hosted applications and optimization of branch traffic to SaaS providers across the WAN, along with strict segmentation policies to meet various organizational and compliance needs.

AppExpress

AppExpress is a software innovation that optimizes SaaS traffic by dynamically selecting the best path based on network conditions across network service providers, SSE PoPs, and cloud service providers. It uses synthetic polling and real-time user traffic observations to intelligently steer traffic, ensuring optimal performance for business-critical applications such as Zoom, Workday, SAP, and Microsoft 365.

Integrated Security Features

EdgeConnect includes integrated security features such as next-generation firewall, fine-grained segmentation, and IDS/IPS. It also tightly integrates with many SSE (Security Service Edge) solutions, enabling a best-of-breed SASE architecture that meets the security requirements of modern digital organizations.

Unity Boost

For latency-sensitive applications and those transferring large amounts of data, EdgeConnect offers the optional Unity Boost software performance pack. This integrates Aruba’s WAN Optimization features into the SD-WAN solution, which can be provisioned after the initial SD-WAN rollout without the need for additional physical appliances or Virtual Network Functions (VNFs).

Centralized Management

EdgeConnect is managed through the Aruba Orchestrator, which provides a unified management platform. This allows for easy deployment and management of SD-WAN appliances, both physical and virtual, across branch offices and data centers.

Conclusion

In summary, the Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform is rich in features that enhance network performance, security, and management, making it a versatile solution for enterprises with distributed applications and workloads across various cloud and on-premises environments. However, there is no indication that AI is specifically integrated into the product based on the available resources.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Performance and Accuracy

Performance Features

EdgeConnect SD-WAN, offered by HPE Aruba Networking (and not directly by Aryaka, as Aryaka has its own distinct SD-WAN solutions), boasts several advanced performance features that enhance its performance:

Path Conditioning

This feature helps overcome issues like packet loss and out-of-order packets, common in internet and wireless connections. Forward Error Correction (FEC) reconstructs lost packets, avoiding TCP re-transmissions and improving the effective performance of broadband links.

Tunnel Bonding

This allows multiple physical WAN links to be combined into a single logical overlay connection, optimizing availability, throughput, and efficiency. It ensures that if one link fails, the remaining link continues to carry all traffic, maintaining application availability.

Dynamic Path Control

The system continuously monitors and adapts to optimize paths based on real-time data about delay, jitter, and packet loss, making intelligent routing decisions without disrupting applications.

Traffic Shaping

This feature ensures that low-priority traffic does not override higher-priority traffic, preventing applications like video streaming from compromising critical business applications.

Accuracy and Reliability

The accuracy and reliability of EdgeConnect SD-WAN are significantly enhanced by these features:

Packet Order Correction (POC)

Algorithms re-order packets that arrive out of order, ensuring that data is delivered correctly and consistently.

Adaptive Internet Breakout

This feature intelligently steers traffic to the best available internet link in real-time, ensuring optimal performance for cloud-based applications.

Centralized Orchestration and Administration

This allows for zero-touch provisioning and centralized management, reducing the likelihood of human error and improving overall network reliability.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

While EdgeConnect SD-WAN offers advanced features, there are some limitations and potential areas for improvement:

Dependence on Internet Links

Although EdgeConnect SD-WAN can significantly improve the performance of internet connections, it still relies on these links, which can be unpredictable and prone to outages. This can be a challenge, especially for global mission-critical applications that require consistent performance.

Integration with Other Services

While EdgeConnect integrates well with various WAN services, including MPLS and broadband, ensuring seamless integration with all types of transport services and cloud/SaaS applications is crucial. Continuous updates and improvements in this area can enhance its performance.

Cost Considerations

While EdgeConnect SD-WAN can offer cost savings compared to traditional MPLS networks, the initial investment and ongoing costs need to be carefully evaluated against the benefits, especially for smaller or budget-constrained organizations. In summary, EdgeConnect SD-WAN by HPE Aruba Networking is a highly performant and reliable solution, thanks to its advanced features like path conditioning, tunnel bonding, and dynamic path control. However, it is essential to consider the potential limitations, particularly the reliance on internet links and the need for continuous integration and cost management.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Pricing and Plans

Pricing Structure for Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN

The pricing structure for Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN, which is not associated with Aryaka but rather with HPE Aruba, is based on several key components and subscription models. Here’s a breakdown of the different tiers and features:

Subscription Models

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is offered through two primary subscription models:

Subscription-term basis for enterprise end-customers.
Monthly-metered basis for service providers.

Bandwidth Tiers

The appliance licenses are based on the composite WAN-side bandwidth and are available in various tiers:

EC-BW-20-nY: 20 Mbps bandwidth, available for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years.
EC-BW-50-nY: 50 Mbps bandwidth, available for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years.
EC-BW-100-nY: 100 Mbps bandwidth, available for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years.
EC-BW-200-nY: 200 Mbps bandwidth, available for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years.

Subscription Tiers

Cloud-Hosted (as-a-service)

This tier includes the EdgeConnect SD-WAN Orchestrator hosted in HPE’s cloud. HPE manages the lifecycle, including uptime, updates, maintenance, backup, and disaster recovery.
Features include advanced routing, security, WAN Optimization, network policies, role-based segmentation, and zone-based firewall security.

On-Premise

The customer hosts the EdgeConnect SD-WAN Orchestrator in their private server or environment.
The customer is responsible for lifecycle management, including uptime, updates, maintenance, backup, and disaster recovery.
Similar features to the cloud-hosted tier, but managed by the customer.

Additional Features and Licenses

WAN Boost: An optional feature that integrates WAN Optimization into the SD-WAN solution. It can be activated for critical applications without affecting less-sensitive ones.
High Availability Licenses: Available for different bandwidth tiers, these licenses ensure high availability of the EdgeConnect SD-WAN solution.

Licensing and Billing

Customers are billed upfront based on the subscription tier, bandwidth tier, and the subscription term.
Upgrades to the subscription and bandwidth tier can be made during the term, but downgrades are only possible during renewal.

There are no free options mentioned in the available resources. The pricing is structured around the bandwidth requirements and the duration of the subscription, with additional features available through separate licenses.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Integration and Compatibility

Integration with Security Solutions

EdgeConnect SD-WAN supports a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, allowing it to integrate with a variety of Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions. This includes native security capabilities such as Zero Trust, next-generation firewall services, and rule-based segmentation. It also supports integration with other security technologies, providing a flexible and secure SD-WAN environment.

Compatibility with Cloud and Data Centers

The solution is compatible with both on-premises and multiple cloud environments. It enables business intent overlays that orchestrate secure application and network connectivity between clouds, data centers, and branch offices. This ensures optimized traffic to SaaS providers and data replication for data center-hosted applications.

Integration with LAN Infrastructure

EdgeConnect SD-WAN can be integrated smoothly with existing wired and wireless LAN infrastructure. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to transform their WAN while maintaining their current LAN setup.

Monitoring and Management

For monitoring and management, EdgeConnect SD-WAN is compatible with tools like LogicMonitor. LogicMonitor’s package leverages the appliance and orchestrator API to monitor EdgeConnect OS (ECOS) appliances, tracking vital health and performance metrics. This compatibility ensures that the solution can be monitored and managed efficiently, with support for appliance versions 9.0-9.3 as of October 2023.

Deployment Flexibility

The solution offers four types of deployment models, catering to different needs from remote and field workers to small office and branch locations. This flexibility allows channel partners to design, deliver, and support consistent QoS and security policies across various environments.

Conclusion

In summary, Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is highly integrable and compatible across a wide range of platforms, devices, and security solutions, making it a versatile choice for enterprise network transformations.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Customer Support and Resources

Customer Support for Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN (not Aryaka)

For Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN, which is often compared to Aryaka’s offerings, customer support options are as follows:

Phone Support: Customers can call the toll-free number for the U.S. and Canada at 1 (877) 210 7325, with other numbers listed on the Support page.
Orchestrator UI: Support cases can be opened through the Orchestrator UI by clicking the “Support” tab and following the prompts.
Support Portal: Customers can log in to the Support Portal to open or manage cases, and upload additional files as needed.
Email: Cases can also be opened via email, although these are assigned as Priority 3 cases.

Additional Resources for Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN

Documentation and Guides: Detailed documentation on troubleshooting, creating and managing support cases, and system maintenance is available.
Training and Certification: Information on training and certification programs is provided on the Support page.

Aryaka’s General Support and Resources

While the specific page for EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka is not available, here are some general support and resource options that Aryaka typically provides for its products:

Various Resources: Aryaka offers a range of resources including reports, infographics, videos, whitepapers, and case studies that provide insights into network security, performance, and management.
Interactive Product Experience: Aryaka provides an Interactive Product Experience (IPX) that allows prospects to validate the technology in a self-guided environment.
Customer Support: Although specific details are not provided, it is common for companies like Aryaka to offer support through multiple channels such as phone, email, and online portals.

Since the specific link provided does not exist, the above information is based on general practices and resources available from similar products and the company’s other offerings. If you need precise information on EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka, it would be best to contact Aryaka directly or check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Pros and Cons

Advantages

Scalability and Reliability

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is highly scalable, making it reliable for enterprise-level usage. It supports multiple types of transport (MPLS, broadband, 3G or 4G) simultaneously to improve application performance and business continuity.

Performance and QoS

The platform ensures high levels of application performance and Quality of Service (QoS) over any combination of transport services. It features innovations like tunnel bonding, path conditioning, and traffic shaping to optimize performance and mitigate issues such as packet loss and jitter.

Integrated Security

EdgeConnect SD-WAN includes integrated security features, such as a next-generation firewall, fine-grained segmentation, IDS/IPS, and tight integration with Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions. This provides a secure network foundation for Zero Trust and SASE architectures.

Ease of Deployment

Users praise the platform for its ease of deployment and zero-touch provisioning, which simplifies the setup process and reduces the need for extensive IT intervention.

Cost Efficiency

By allowing the use of inexpensive broadband internet services in addition to or instead of expensive private line services, EdgeConnect SD-WAN can save customers up to 90% in wide area bandwidth costs.

Centralized Orchestration

The platform includes a multi-tenant orchestrator, Aruba OrchestratorSP, which streamlines service management for thousands of customers and enables rapid service creation and flexible service chaining.

Disadvantages

Documentation and Support

Some users have noted that the Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN Platform could benefit from better documentation, improved security features, enhanced cloud integration, and more comprehensive reporting capabilities. Additionally, there is a need for better management tools and a more streamlined user interface.

DIY Maintenance

Like many SD-WAN solutions, EdgeConnect requires IT departments to handle planning, design, implementation, and maintenance. This can be a significant burden if the IT staff lacks the necessary expertise, potentially leading to additional costs for outside support.

Performance Issues

While EdgeConnect SD-WAN mitigates many performance issues, there is still a possibility of jitter and packet loss, especially when connecting to cloud-based applications. This requires careful monitoring and management to ensure optimal performance.

Limited On-Site Security

EdgeConnect SD-WAN does not provide on-site security functionality, which might be a limitation for some organizations that require comprehensive security solutions at multiple levels.

In summary, the Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, performance, and cost efficiency, but it also has some areas for improvement, particularly in documentation, support, and on-site security capabilities.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Comparison with Competitors

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN Platform

Security and SASE Integration: Aruba EdgeConnect provides a secure network foundation with a next-generation firewall, fine-grained segmentation, IDS/IPS, and tight integration with Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions. It supports a best-of-breed SASE architecture, ensuring comprehensive security and network services.
WAN Optimization and Path Conditioning: The platform includes features like path conditioning to achieve private-line-like performance over the public internet and Aruba Boost WAN Optimization to accelerate latency-sensitive applications.
Centralized Management and Automation: Aruba Orchestrator offers single-screen administration, real-time monitoring, and historical reporting. It automates policy changes and provides detailed insights into network performance, application traffic, and cost savings.
High Availability and Fault Tolerance: The platform ensures high availability through HA clusters, protecting against hardware, software, and transport failures.

Alternatives and Competitors

Juniper Networks AI-driven SD-WAN

AI-Driven Capabilities: Juniper’s SD-WAN solution is notable for its AI-driven capabilities, which simplify network operations and ensure secure and resilient connectivity. It focuses on cloud-centric businesses and offers advanced automation and threat detection.
Simplified Network Operations: Juniper’s solution automates routine tasks such as path selection and troubleshooting, making it particularly beneficial for large-scale deployments.

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN

Integrated Security: Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN combines SD-WAN functionality with advanced security features, including a next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention. This integration provides strong security without the need for additional appliances.
Centralized Management: Fortinet’s solution offers centralized management through its FortiManager, providing visibility and control over the entire network.

Cisco Meraki and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Cloud-Managed: Cisco Meraki’s SD-WAN is cloud-managed, offering ease of deployment and management. It integrates well with other Cisco Meraki products for a unified network management experience.
Application-Aware Routing: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides application-aware routing and tight integration with Cisco’s security portfolio, ensuring secure and efficient network operations.

Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN

Cloud-Native Architecture: Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN is built on a cloud-native architecture, providing secure access to cloud applications and services. It integrates with Palo Alto’s security solutions for comprehensive protection.
Advanced Threat Protection: Prisma SD-WAN includes advanced threat protection features, leveraging Palo Alto’s security expertise to detect and mitigate threats in real-time.

Aryaka Unified SASE Platform

Although not the same as Aruba EdgeConnect, Aryaka’s Unified SASE Platform is worth mentioning for its focus on secure direct internet access, improved application performance, and streamlined network management. It offers robust security features, efficient connectivity, and comprehensive network visibility. However, users have requested enhancements in reporting capabilities, dashboard intuitiveness, and customer support.

In summary, while Aruba EdgeConnect stands out for its comprehensive security integration, WAN optimization, and centralized management, other solutions like Juniper Networks, Fortinet, Cisco, and Palo Alto offer unique features such as AI-driven automation, integrated security, and cloud-native architectures. Each platform has its strengths and can be chosen based on the specific needs and preferences of the enterprise.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN

What are the key benefits of using Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN offers several key benefits, including lower operational costs by reducing the reliance on expensive MPLS circuits and switching to more cost-effective Internet circuits. It also provides improved network performance through real-time traffic management, ensuring applications receive the best possible performance with minimal latency and packet loss. Additionally, it enhances security with features like next-generation firewalls, IDS/IPS, and role-based segmentation.

How does Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN improve network security?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN significantly enhances network security through various advanced features. These include a built-in next-generation firewall with IDS/IPS capabilities, fine-grained segmentation, and the enforcement of Zero Trust principles. It also integrates with many Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions and provides full encryption, IPsec tunneling, packet inspection, application control, and content filtering.

Can Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN support multi-cloud networking?

Yes, Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN supports multi-cloud networking by simplifying and automating secure connectivity to leading cloud and SaaS providers. This includes seamless deployment in cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, ensuring high levels of application performance and security across multiple cloud environments.

How does Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN optimize application performance?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN optimizes application performance through several mechanisms. It includes real-time monitoring and automated remediation to eliminate the impact of outages. The platform also supports intelligent internet breakout for IaaS and SaaS application traffic, ensuring that applications receive the best possible performance whether they reside in the data center or the cloud. Additionally, it offers WAN optimization and path conditioning to ensure high-quality voice and video over broadband connections.

What is the role of EdgeConnect in a SASE architecture?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN plays a crucial role in a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture by unifying SD-WAN, routing, firewall, segmentation, and WAN optimization in a single centrally managed platform. This forms the foundation for a secure access service edge, providing a comprehensive and integrated solution for networking and security needs.

How does Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN reduce hardware footprint in branch offices?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN reduces the hardware footprint in branch offices by replacing legacy branch firewalls with a secure SD-WAN solution. This includes built-in next-generation firewall capabilities and role-based segmentation, eliminating the need for separate hardware installations and simplifying network management.

What kind of management and orchestration does Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN offer?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is centrally orchestrated by HPE Aruba Networking Central, a cloud-native management platform. This platform delivers automation, security, and connectivity for wired, wireless, and SD-WAN solutions, ensuring consistent and efficient network management across all sites.

Can Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN be deployed in various branch office scenarios?

Yes, Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN can be deployed in various branch office scenarios, including large branch offices, small offices, and even home offices. The EdgeConnect Microbranch solution extends the WAN to smaller locations, using proven remote access point technology with SD-WAN, cloud-based management, and SASE integration capabilities.

How does Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN ensure high availability and performance?

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN ensures high availability and performance through its highly resilient architecture, which provides always-on connectivity. The platform continuously monitors network conditions and adapts in real-time to ensure applications receive the best possible performance, with features like path conditioning and WAN optimization.

Is Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN certified for security standards?

Yes, HPE Aruba Networking is the first SD-WAN vendor to attain ICSA Labs secure SD-WAN certification, ensuring that the EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform meets stringent security standards.

EdgeConnect SD-WAN by Aryaka - Conclusion and Recommendation

Final Assessment of Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN

To provide a clear and accurate assessment, it’s important to correct the initial query: Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is not a product by Aryaka, but rather a solution offered by Aruba, which was previously part of Silver Peak.

Key Features and Benefits

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is a comprehensive solution that addresses the needs of modern enterprises by offering several key features:

Advanced Security: It includes robust security features such as next-generation firewall, fine-grained segmentation, IDS/IPS, and zone-based stateful firewalls. This ensures that the network is highly secure and protected from unauthorized access.
Improved Connectivity: The platform provides reliable and efficient connectivity across multiple networks, including broadband and MPLS. It uses techniques like path conditioning, tunnel bonding, and dynamic path control to ensure a consistent user experience even in adverse network conditions.
Automation and AI: EdgeConnect leverages automation, AI, and machine learning to create a self-driving WAN. This allows for intelligent traffic steering, application-centric visibility, and proactive adaptation to network changes.
Ease of Deployment: The platform supports zero-touch provisioning, enabling quick and easy deployment at branch offices. It also integrates with various public clouds and provides centralized management through Aruba Orchestrator.
Performance Optimization: With features like WAN optimization and Aruba Boost, EdgeConnect enhances the performance of latency-sensitive applications and minimizes data transmission across the WAN.

Who Would Benefit Most

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is particularly beneficial for:

Geographically Distributed Enterprises: Companies with multiple branch offices and remote employees can benefit from the platform’s ability to provide secure, high-performance connectivity across different locations.
Cloud-Dependent Organizations: Enterprises migrating applications to the cloud will appreciate the seamless integration with public clouds like Microsoft Azure and AWS, and the ability to leverage broadband connections to reduce costs and improve performance.
Organizations Seeking Simplified Network Management: The centralized management and policy automation offered by Aruba Orchestrator make it easier for IT teams to manage and secure their WAN infrastructure.

Overall Recommendation

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN is a highly recommended solution for enterprises looking to transform their WAN infrastructure. Its combination of advanced security, reliable connectivity, and automated management makes it an ideal choice for organizations aiming to improve application performance, reduce costs, and enhance network security.

Given its comprehensive features and the ability to adapt to changing business requirements, EdgeConnect is well-suited for companies undergoing digital transformation and needing a reliable, intelligent, and secure WAN solution. However, it is important for potential users to consider their specific needs, such as reporting capabilities and customer support, as some users have noted areas for improvement in these aspects.