Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Product Overview
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect Overview
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect, now part of Aruba, is a sophisticated SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) solution that significantly enhances the management, performance, and security of enterprise networks.Primary Function
The primary function of Unity EdgeConnect is to simplify and optimize WAN (Wide Area Network) management by leveraging broadband connections to reduce costs and improve network performance. It enables enterprises to transition from traditional, rigid MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) networks to more flexible and cost-effective broadband-based WANs, ensuring better application performance and customer responsiveness.Target Audience
Unity EdgeConnect is targeted at large-scale enterprises with multiple branches, data centers, and cloud infrastructure. It is particularly beneficial for organizations with geographically distributed operations, including multinational corporations and businesses with a high reliance on cloud-based applications.Key Features
Zero-Touch Provisioning
Unity EdgeConnect offers a plug-and-play deployment model, allowing devices to be deployed in seconds and automatically connect with other Silver Peak instances in the data center, branches, or cloud infrastructure.Tunnel Bonding
This feature allows the formation of bonded tunnels by combining two or more physical WAN links into a single logical overlay connection, aggregating the performance of all underlying links and ensuring continuous traffic flow even if one link fails.High Availability
The solution provides fault tolerance on both the equipment and WAN sides, preventing total hardware, software, and transport failures to ensure high availability.Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Unity EdgeConnect integrates with leading security solutions to form a coherent SASE architecture, enhancing network security and access control.SaaS Express
This feature provides real-time updates of WAN routes to ensure the quickest paths to SaaS applications, leveraging synthetic polling to identify the best paths.Unified Threat Management (UTM)
Integrated with Aruba Threat Defense, Unity EdgeConnect offers advanced firewall, intrusion detection, and prevention capabilities, enhancing threat defense and policy enforcement within the SD-WAN fabric.Advanced Segmentation and Orchestration
The solution includes features like multi-fabric orchestration, virtual routing and forwarding (VRF), and zone-based stateful firewall and NAT capabilities. This allows for advanced segmentation and management of network traffic across large-scale enterprises.Centralized Management
Unity Orchestrator provides a centralized platform for managing SD-WAN fabrics, offering a single sign-on view, secure orchestration-as-a-service, and granular role-based access control for network administrators.Conclusion
By combining these features, Unity EdgeConnect offers a comprehensive SD-WAN solution that simplifies network management, enhances performance, and strengthens security for enterprise networks. Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - User Interface and Experience
Intuitive User Interface
The Unity EdgeConnect solution includes the Unity Orchestrator, a cloud-hosted, multi-tenant management platform. This platform provides an intuitive user interface that offers unprecedented levels of visibility and control for managing global customer networks. The interface allows for centralized configuration and management of SD-WAN deployments, enabling users to assign policies based on business intent and secure all WAN traffic.
Ease of Use
One of the key features of Unity EdgeConnect is its Zero-Touch Provisioning, which enables a plug-and-play deployment model. This means that the EdgeConnect appliances can be deployed at branch offices in seconds, automatically connecting with other Silver Peak instances in the data center, other branches, or in cloud infrastructure. This simplifies the deployment process significantly, reducing the need for manual configuration.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
The Unity Orchestrator provides real-time and historical monitoring capabilities, allowing users to monitor throughput, loss, latency, and jitter across SD-WAN overlays and underlying transport services. This real-time visibility helps in proactively identifying potential performance impacts and ensures continuous performance monitoring of network paths.
Centralized Management
The platform supports multi-tenant management and administration, scaling to support hundreds to thousands of enterprise customers. This centralized management capability makes it easier for service providers to manage and monitor their managed SD-WAN service offerings efficiently.
Integration and Automation
Unity EdgeConnect integrates with cloud services such as Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN and AWS Transit Gateway Network Manager, automating branch connectivity and network deployments. This integration simplifies network expansion and troubleshooting, and it also optimizes routing within Azure or AWS networks.
User Experience
The overall user experience is enhanced by the cohesive policy configuration and global network visibility provided by the Unity Orchestrator. Users can create value-added reports leveraging the extensive real-time and historical application visibility and reporting capabilities. Additionally, the integration with Microsoft Office 365 ensures optimal connectivity and performance for Office 365 applications, further enhancing the user experience.
In summary, the Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect offers a user-friendly interface with strong centralized management, real-time monitoring, and automated deployment features, making it a streamlined and efficient solution for managing SD-WAN networks.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Key Features and Functionality
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect Overview
The Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect, now part of Aruba, is a comprehensive SD-WAN solution that offers several key features and functionalities that enhance network performance, security, and management. Here are the main features and how they work:Zero-Touch Provisioning
This feature allows for a plug-and-play deployment model, enabling Unity EdgeConnect appliances to be deployed in seconds. Once connected, these appliances automatically link with other Silver Peak instances in the data center, other branches, or cloud infrastructure such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. This simplifies and speeds up the deployment process, reducing the need for manual configuration.Tunnel Bonding
Tunnel bonding combines two or more physical WAN links to form a single logical overlay connection. This aggregation enhances the overall performance of the network by utilizing the combined bandwidth of all underlying links. If one link fails, the remaining links continue to carry traffic, ensuring no interruption to applications.High Availability
This feature ensures fault tolerance on both the equipment and WAN sides, preventing total hardware, software, and transport failures. It guarantees continuous network operation even in the event of failures, maintaining business continuity and minimizing downtime.Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Unity EdgeConnect integrates with leading security solutions from providers like Palo Alto Networks, McAfee, and Netskope to form a coherent SASE architecture. This integration provides advanced security features, ensuring secure access to applications and data across the network.SaaS Express
SaaS Express provides real-time updates of WAN routes to ensure users can connect to SaaS applications via the quickest paths. It uses synthetic polling to identify the best paths to reach a given application, optimizing performance and user experience for cloud-based services.Unified Threat Management (UTM)
Integrated with Aruba Threat Defense, Unity EdgeConnect offers advanced firewall and intrusion detection and prevention capabilities. This feature introduces advanced threat defense and policy enforcement into the SD-WAN fabric, enhancing network security.Unity Orchestrator
This component provides enhanced network-wide visibility and the ability to deploy, enforce, and manage network policies centrally. It offers a secure, cloud-hosted, multi-tenant management platform that allows service providers to globally manage and monitor their managed SD-WAN services. Unity Orchestrator enables the centralized configuration and management of secure SD-WAN deployments, with features like real-time and historical application visibility and reporting.Multi-tenant Management and Administration
Unity Orchestrator supports SD-WAN deployments for hundreds to thousands of enterprise customers, scaling to meet the needs of large-scale enterprises. It provides an intuitive user interface for managing multiple tenants and customizing deployments per enterprise customer.Live View and Real-Time Monitoring
The Live View feature monitors real-time throughput, loss, latency, and jitter across SD-WAN overlays and underlying transport services. This proactive monitoring helps identify potential performance impacts and ensures continuous network optimization.Dynamic Path Control (DPC)
DPC ensures real-time traffic optimization by dynamically selecting the best path for application traffic based on current network conditions. This feature maintains high application performance and user experience by continuously monitoring and adjusting traffic paths.Cloud Integration
Unity EdgeConnect integrates with cloud services such as Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN and AWS Transit Gateway Network Manager. This integration automates branch connectivity to cloud Points of Presence (PoPs), simplifying network expansion and troubleshooting.Advanced Segmentation
The platform includes advanced segmentation capabilities with virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) and zone-based stateful firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) capabilities. This allows for the implementation of separate addressing, routing, and security policies across different network segments, enhancing security and compliance.AI Integration
While the provided sources do not explicitly mention the integration of AI into the Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect, the features and functionalities described are highly automated and optimized, which can be seen as precursors to or compatible with AI-driven network management. However, specific AI integration details are not available in the sources provided. Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Performance and Accuracy
Performance Highlights
- Tunnel Bonding: Unity EdgeConnect allows the formation of bonded tunnels, combining multiple physical WAN links into a single logical overlay connection. This aggregates the performance of all underlying links, ensuring higher application availability and performance even if one link fails.
- Dynamic Path Control (DPC): This feature enables real-time traffic steering over multiple WAN links, optimizing the path for application traffic based on current network conditions. It helps in overcoming issues like packet loss and out-of-order packets, ensuring consistent application performance.
- Path Conditioning: This technology addresses the adverse effects of packet loss and out-of-order packets by using techniques such as Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Packet Order Correction (POC). These methods ensure that packets are delivered correctly and efficiently, even over less reliable internet connections.
- WAN Optimization: The optional Unity Boost feature integrates WAN optimization capabilities, which are particularly useful for latency-sensitive applications or those requiring large data transfers. Boost uses techniques like TCP acceleration, CIFS optimization, and data reduction to improve performance over long distances.
Accuracy and Reliability
- High Availability: Unity EdgeConnect ensures fault tolerance on both equipment and WAN sides, preventing total hardware, software, and transport failures. This feature guarantees continuous operation even in the event of link failures.
- Traffic Shaping: The platform performs both egress and ingress traffic shaping, allowing IT to set bandwidth limits and ensure that low-priority traffic does not compromise the performance of higher-priority business applications.
- Real-Time Monitoring: EdgeConnect continuously monitors the performance of all WAN links, measuring packet loss, jitter, latency, and mean opinion score (MOS) in real-time. This allows for dynamic adjustments to ensure the best possible performance for SaaS and cloud applications.
Security and Integration
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Unity EdgeConnect integrates with key security solutions from leading providers, forming a coherent SASE architecture. This ensures advanced threat defense and policy enforcement within the SD-WAN fabric.
- Unified Threat Management (UTM): The platform is integrated with Aruba Threat Defense, offering advanced firewall and intrusion detection and prevention capabilities, further enhancing security compliance.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Additional Costs for Boost: While Unity EdgeConnect provides excellent performance, the Unity Boost feature, which offers additional WAN optimization capabilities, is optional and requires a separate license. This could add to the overall cost for enterprises needing these advanced features.
- Complexity in Initial Setup for Large Networks: Although Unity EdgeConnect offers zero-touch provisioning, which simplifies deployment, managing and configuring policies across a large, distributed network can still be complex. The Unity Orchestrator helps centralize policy management, but large-scale deployments may require significant initial setup and planning.
In summary, Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect is a highly performant and accurate SD-WAN solution that leverages advanced technologies to optimize WAN performance, ensure high availability, and integrate robust security features. While it offers many benefits, it may require additional costs for some features and careful planning for large-scale deployments.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure Overview
The pricing structure for Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect, now part of Aruba Networks, is structured around several key components and plans, although detailed pricing may vary depending on the specific deployment and vendor.
Plans and Licensing
- EdgeConnect Base License: This is the core subscription license that includes the essential features of the SD-WAN solution. It encompasses Zero-Touch Provisioning, Business Intent Overlays, Tunnel Bonding, WAN Hardening, Zone-based Stateful Firewall, Path Conditioning, and more.
Features and Add-ons
- Unity Orchestrator: Included with the EdgeConnect solution, this provides central control and visibility into both legacy and cloud applications. There is an optional cloud-hosted Orchestrator license for those who prefer not to manage on-premise resources.
- Unity Boost: This is an optional performance pack that can be ordered and deployed to sites requiring application acceleration. It is priced at $5 per Mbps per month.
Deployment Models
- Physical or Virtual Appliances: EdgeConnect can be deployed using physical or virtual appliances, supporting any common hypervisor. This flexibility allows for deployment in branch offices, data centers, or cloud infrastructure such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and VMware’s vCloud Air.
Subscription and Support
- Subscription License Renewal: Licenses can be renewed on a monthly basis, with options for unlimited bandwidth and a single EC instance. For example, a subscription license renewal for one month with unlimited bandwidth and one EC instance is available.
- Technical Support: Included in the EdgeConnect Base subscription license is technical support, which includes a web-based support portal, software updates, and 24/7 phone, email, and web support. Response time is typically within 2 hours.
Additional Costs
- Hardware Warranty: For hardware purchases, there are options for 1, 3, or 5-year warranties. Advanced replacement hardware is available with same-business-day shipping if requested and verified by 12:00 PM local time.
- Infrastructure Costs: When deploying on cloud platforms like AWS, additional costs such as EBS General Purpose SSD (gp2) volumes may apply, priced at $0.10 per GB per month of provisioned storage.
No Free Options
There are no free options or trials explicitly mentioned in the available resources. Pricing and plans are generally tailored to enterprise needs and require a subscription or license purchase.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to contact the vendor directly or check with authorized resellers like CDW.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Aruba Central
Unity EdgeConnect devices can be integrated with Aruba Central, allowing for the monitoring of network health from an end-user perspective. This integration displays high-level summaries of EdgeConnect device alerts in the Network Health card of the Map view within Aruba Central. The Unity EdgeConnect devices are automatically mapped to Aruba Central sites based on their location, although this mapping can be overridden if necessary.
Cloud Infrastructure Integration
The EdgeConnect solution is highly compatible with major cloud infrastructure services. It integrates with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Google Cloud Platform. This integration enables zero-touch provisioning, allowing EdgeConnect devices to be deployed at branch offices and automatically connect with other instances in the data center, other branches, or in cloud environments.
Microsoft Azure and AWS Integration
Specifically, Unity EdgeConnect integrates with Microsoft Azure vWAN and AWS Transit Gateway Network Manager (TGNM) using REST APIs. This integration automates branch connectivity to Azure and AWS Points of Presence (PoPs), simplifies network expansion and troubleshooting, and optimizes routing within these cloud networks. It also enables faster onboarding to applications and workloads both to and from Azure and AWS.
Virtual WAN Overlays and Tunnel Bonding
The EdgeConnect solution supports virtual WAN overlays, which abstract the underlying physical transport services, allowing multiple overlays to be defined with different Quality of Service (QoS), transport, and failover characteristics. This feature, combined with tunnel bonding, ensures that multiple physical WAN transport services are aggregated into a single logical overlay connection, enhancing reliability and performance.
Unity Orchestrator
Unity Orchestrator, a key component of the EdgeConnect solution, provides central management and policy assignment based on business intent. It offers unprecedented visibility into both legacy and cloud applications, enabling consistent policy enforcement across all WAN traffic.
Compatibility with Hypervisors and Devices
Unity EdgeConnect appliances are available in both physical and virtual forms, supporting any common hypervisors. This flexibility allows deployment in various branch office environments, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and virtualization platforms.
Conclusion
In summary, the Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect SD-WAN solution is highly integrated and compatible with a variety of tools, cloud platforms, and devices, making it a versatile and effective choice for managing and optimizing WAN connectivity.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options for Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect
When using the Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (now part of Aruba Networks), customers have several comprehensive support options and additional resources available to them.
Opening a Support Case
To get help, you can open a support case through four different methods:
- Phone: Call the toll-free number for the U.S. and Canada at 1 (877) 210 7325. Other numbers are listed on the Support page.
- Orchestrator UI: In the Orchestrator, click the Support tab, then select Tech Support – Appliances or Tech Support – Orchestrator, depending on the issue. Generate a sysdump and attach it to the case for faster resolution.
- Support Portal: Log in to the Support Portal, click Open/Manage a Case, and then click Open Case. Attaching a sysdump is recommended for quicker support.
- Email: Send an email to
support@silver-peak.com. Cases opened via email are assigned as Priority 3 cases.
Managing an Existing Case
You can update a case by replying to the existing support email thread or using the Support Portal. To attach additional files, upload them through the Orchestrator. If the case priority changes and needs escalation, call Support to work with a Duty Manager. Cases maintain ownership unless a customer requests a change, in which case you can call Support to requeue the case to the next available engineer.
Additional Resources
- Support Portal: The Support Portal provides unlimited access 24/7/365, including software downloads, technical documentation, and an online knowledge base. Here, you can find information about case priorities, SLAs, escalations, software maintenance, warranty, equipment returns, training, and certification.
- Technical Support: Technical support is available 24/7/365 via phone, email, or the web. The response time for support cases is typically within 2 hours.
- System Dumps: Detailed procedures for creating and uploading sysdumps are available, which is highly recommended when opening a case to expedite the support process.
- Cloud Portal Maintenance: Be aware that the Cloud Portal undergoes monthly maintenance on the second Saturday of each month, which may affect new license activations and upgrades but does not impact the SD-WAN network.
Training and Certification
The support resources also include access to training and certification programs to help users optimize their use of the EdgeConnect platform.
Warranty and Hardware Support
EdgeConnect hardware purchases come with options for 1, 3, or 5-year warranties. Advanced replacement hardware is shipped the same business day via Priority Overnight Shipment if submitted and verified by 12:00 PM local time of the supporting depot.
By leveraging these support options and resources, customers can ensure they get the help they need efficiently and effectively.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba)
Performance and Reliability
- Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect offers superior application performance and reliability by leveraging broadband connections to augment or replace traditional MPLS networks. This results in improved customer responsiveness and reduced latency.
- The platform features tunnel bonding, which combines multiple physical WAN links into a single logical overlay connection, enhancing overall performance and ensuring continuous traffic flow even if a link fails.
Ease of Deployment
- Unity EdgeConnect boasts zero-touch provisioning, allowing for quick and easy deployment at branch offices. This plug-and-play model connects automatically with other Silver Peak instances in the data center, branches, or cloud infrastructure.
Advanced Network Management
- The Unity Orchestrator component provides central management, enabling enterprises to assign policies based on business intent. This simplifies the deployment and management of multiple branch offices and ensures consistent policies across applications.
Security and Compliance
- Unity EdgeConnect integrates with key security solutions from providers like Palo Alto Networks, McAfee, and Netskope, forming a secure access service edge (SASE) architecture. It also includes unified threat management (UTM) with advanced firewall and intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.
Optimized Traffic Management
- The platform includes features like SaaS Express, which provides real-time updates on the best paths to connect to SaaS applications, ensuring optimal performance. It also supports intelligent internet breakout, optimizing traffic locally at each branch.
Cost Efficiency
- By leveraging broadband connections, Unity EdgeConnect can significantly reduce capital and operational expenses, potentially saving up to 90% compared to traditional MPLS networks.
Integration and Compatibility
- Unity EdgeConnect supports deployment on various platforms, including public clouds like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. It also integrates well with other technologies, such as Nutanix.
Disadvantages of Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba)
Initial Investment
- While Unity EdgeConnect can lead to long-term cost savings, the initial investment in the hardware and software components may be substantial. This could be a barrier for smaller enterprises or those with limited budgets.
Complexity in Advanced Features
- Some of the advanced features, such as tunnel bonding, path conditioning, and WAN optimization, may require specialized IT skills to fully configure and manage. This could add to the operational complexity and costs.
Dependence on Broadband Quality
- The performance of Unity EdgeConnect is heavily dependent on the quality of the broadband connections used. Poor internet connectivity can impact the overall performance and reliability of the SD-WAN solution.
Potential for Overload
- If not properly managed, the traffic shaping and prioritization features can sometimes lead to overload on higher-priority traffic, potentially affecting the performance of critical applications.
In summary, Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect offers a range of benefits that enhance network performance, reliability, and security, but it also comes with some potential drawbacks, particularly in terms of initial costs and the need for specialized IT skills to manage its advanced features.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect with other AI-driven networking tools
Several key features and alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect
- Unity Boost: This optional software performance pack integrates WAN optimization features into the SD-WAN solution, allowing for enhanced performance for latency-sensitive applications without the need for additional physical appliances or Virtual Network Functions (VNFs).
- Zero-Touch Provisioning: Unity EdgeConnect offers a plug-and-play model that simplifies and speeds up deployment, automatically connecting to other Silver Peak devices across branches, data centers, or cloud environments.
- Tunnel Bonding: This feature allows forming bonded tunnels by combining multiple physical WAN links to create an overlay connection, enhancing overall network performance and reliability.
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Unity EdgeConnect integrates with key security solutions from providers like Palo Alto Networks, McAfee, and Netskope, ensuring a coherent and secure access service edge architecture.
- Unified Threat Management (UTM): The solution includes advanced firewall and intrusion detection and prevention capabilities through Aruba Threat Defense, enhancing threat defense and policy enforcement within the SD-WAN fabric.
Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform
- Unified AI Engine: Juniper’s platform unifies campus, branch, and data center networking operations using a common AI engine and the Mist Marvis Virtual Network Assistant (VNA). This platform has been trained on seven years of insights and data science development, ensuring reliable, measurable, and secure connections.
- Reduced Trouble Tickets and OpEx: Juniper claims up to 90% fewer networking trouble tickets, up to 85% reduction in networking OpEx, and up to 50% less time needed for incident resolution.
Nile AI Services Platform
- AI-Based Network Design and Automation: Nile’s platform includes AI-based network design, automated network deployment, and AI-powered network monitoring and operations. It integrates security, cloud-native service delivery, and AI-powered closed-loop automation for campus and branch IT infrastructures.
- Nile Copilot and Autopilot: These applications provide AI-based network monitoring and operations, helping enterprises automate and optimize their network management.
LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne
These tools focus more on AI-driven network monitoring rather than SD-WAN solutions but offer valuable insights and automation:
- Predictive Analytics: Tools like LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne use AI for predictive analytics to anticipate potential network problems and address them proactively. They automate anomaly detection, network mapping, device discovery, and other routine tasks.
- Automated Troubleshooting: These platforms provide intelligent troubleshooting, reducing the time needed to resolve incidents and improving overall network performance.
Key Differences and Alternatives
- SD-WAN Focus: Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect is specifically designed as an SD-WAN solution with integrated WAN optimization and security features. In contrast, Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform and Nile’s AI Services Platform are more comprehensive networking solutions that include but are not limited to SD-WAN capabilities.
- Network Monitoring: If the primary need is AI-driven network monitoring rather than SD-WAN, tools like LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne might be more suitable alternatives. These tools excel in predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated troubleshooting.
In summary, while Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect stands out with its integrated WAN optimization and robust SD-WAN features, other solutions like Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform and Nile’s AI Services Platform offer broader networking capabilities. For those focusing on AI-driven network monitoring, LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne are strong alternatives.
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (now part of HPE Aruba Networking) along with detailed responses:
Q: What is Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect?
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect is an SD-WAN solution that enables enterprises to build a wide area network (WAN) by leveraging broadband connections, reducing the cost and complexity associated with traditional MPLS networks. It includes physical or virtual appliances deployed in branch offices to create a secure, virtual network overlay.Q: How does Unity EdgeConnect integrate with Aruba Central?
The integration of Unity EdgeConnect devices with Aruba Central allows for monitoring the network health of a site from an end-user perspective. This is achieved through APIs that display high-level summaries of Unity EdgeConnect device alerts in the EdgeConnect Status field of the Network Health card in Aruba Central’s Map view.Q: What are the steps to configure Unity EdgeConnect integration with Aruba Central?
To configure the integration, you need to generate an API token in Aruba Central, enable Unity EdgeConnect integration, and then configure the integration in the Silver Peak Unity Orchestrator. This involves setting up the Customer ID, password, Client ID, and Client Secret in the Unity Orchestrator dashboard.Q: How does Unity EdgeConnect device and Aruba Central site mapping work?
When you add or update location details of a Unity EdgeConnect device in the Unity Orchestrator, the device is automatically mapped to an Aruba Central site if it is within an agreeable distance range. If no site is available, you must create a site in Aruba Central and then update the sites list in the Unity Orchestrator. You can also override the auto-mapping by updating the device location details.Q: What are the different deployment models available for Unity EdgeConnect?
Unity EdgeConnect offers flexible deployment models, including EdgeConnect Physical (hardware appliances) and EdgeConnect Virtual (software running on common hypervisors like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, and KVM).Q: What kind of licensing and subscription options are available for Unity EdgeConnect?
Unity EdgeConnect offers various subscription licenses, such as the EdgeConnect Mini, EdgeConnect Base, and an additional Plus license for higher bandwidth requirements. There is also an optional cloud-hosted Orchestrator license and a Unity Boost performance pack for application acceleration.Q: What kind of technical support is provided for Unity EdgeConnect?
Technical support for Unity EdgeConnect includes 24/7 phone, email, and web support, with a response time of 2 hours. It also includes access to a web-based support portal, software updates, and extended warranty options for hardware purchases.Q: How does Unity EdgeConnect enhance security and WAN optimization?
Unity EdgeConnect includes advanced security features such as end-to-end role-based segmentation and WAN optimization. It also supports replacing branch firewalls with a secure SD-WAN solution and optimizes SaaS traffic by dynamically selecting the best network path.Q: Can Unity EdgeConnect be used in remote or small office settings?
Yes, Unity EdgeConnect Microbranch extends the WAN to home offices, small offices, and temporary locations, using proven remote access point technology with SD-WAN and SASE integration capabilities.Q: How does Unity EdgeConnect improve application performance?
Unity EdgeConnect improves application performance by leveraging broadband connections, reducing latency, and using optional performance packs like Unity Boost. It also optimizes SaaS traffic by selecting the best network path based on conditions. Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect (Aruba) - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect
Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect is a formidable player in the SD-WAN market, offering a comprehensive set of features that make it an attractive solution for enterprises, particularly those with large-scale, global operations.
Key Benefits and Features
- Scalability and Automation: Unity EdgeConnect is designed to support deployments of up to 10,000 sites or more, making it ideal for large-scale enterprises. It includes significant automation and management features, such as zero-touch provisioning, multi-fabric orchestration, and one-click automation with leading cloud services.
- Network Health Monitoring: The integration with Aruba Central allows for monitoring the network health of Unity EdgeConnect devices from an end-user perspective. This integration provides a high-level summary of device alerts and status in the Network Health card, enabling quick troubleshooting.
- Advanced Segmentation and Security: Unity EdgeConnect offers advanced segmentation capabilities, including virtual routing and forwarding (VRF), zone-based stateful firewalls, and Network Address Translation (NAT). These features help in implementing secure and controlled traffic routing and security policies across different segments of the network.
- Cloud Integration: The platform integrates seamlessly with cloud services such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, enabling automated branch connectivity and optimized routing within these cloud networks. This includes automatic establishment of IPsec tunnels and configuration of tunnel endpoints.
- Performance Optimization: Unity EdgeConnect includes features like real-time monitoring of throughput, loss, latency, and jitter, as well as optional WAN optimization through Unity Boost. This ensures high-performance connectivity for applications, including those hosted in the cloud.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Large-Scale Enterprises: Companies with multiple branches, divisions, or subsidiaries will benefit significantly from Unity EdgeConnect’s scalability, automation, and advanced segmentation features.
- Service Providers: Service providers offering managed SD-WAN services can leverage Unity EdgeConnect to build high-performance managed services, expand their market reach, and deliver services with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) efficiently.
- Global Organizations: Organizations with a global footprint will appreciate the centralized management, multi-tenant capabilities, and secure orchestration provided by Unity EdgeConnect.
Recommendations
- For Network Managers: Unity EdgeConnect is highly recommended for network managers looking to deploy and manage SD-WANs across a large number of sites. Its automation features and centralized management capabilities make it easier to manage complex networks.
- For Security and Compliance: While Unity EdgeConnect lacks a built-in next-generation firewall, it compensates with advanced segmentation and security features. However, organizations needing a comprehensive security suite may need to integrate additional security solutions.
- For Cloud-First Strategies: Companies adopting a cloud-first strategy will find Unity EdgeConnect’s cloud integration features particularly beneficial, as they simplify branch-to-cloud and branch-to-branch connectivity.
In summary, Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect is a strong choice for organizations seeking a scalable, automated, and secure SD-WAN solution, especially those with extensive global operations or a cloud-centric strategy. Its integration with Aruba Central and various cloud services adds significant value in terms of network health monitoring and performance optimization.