Product Overview
HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN is a sophisticated software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solution designed to provide secure, efficient, and high-performance network connectivity for modern enterprises. This platform is integral in transforming both WAN and branch networks, connecting organizations seamlessly from the edge to the cloud.
Key Features and Functionality
Advanced SD-WAN and Security
EdgeConnect SD-WAN integrates advanced SD-WAN capabilities with robust security features, forming the foundation for a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture. It includes a next-generation firewall, fine-grained segmentation, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection.
Business Intent Overlays
The platform uses application-specific virtual WAN overlays to abstract the underlying physical transport services. This allows multiple overlays to be defined, each supporting different Quality of Service (QoS), transport, failover, and security policies. These overlays help in mapping groups of applications to different business intent overlays, ensuring alignment with business requirements and security compliance mandates.
Path Conditioning and Tunnel Bonding
EdgeConnect SD-WAN features path conditioning, which provides private-line-like performance over public internet connections by overcoming issues such as dropped and out-of-order packets. Additionally, tunnel bonding combines multiple network paths to ensure high availability and performance.
Zero Trust and Segmentation
The platform supports Zero Trust security models and rule-based segmentation, enabling strict security policies to be enforced across the network. This includes identity-based access control and role-based policies, ensuring consistent security across all connected devices and users.
WAN Optimization and Performance
EdgeConnect SD-WAN offers advanced routing, WAN optimization, and load balancing capabilities. It ensures high-quality application performance, including voice and video over broadband connections, through real-time monitoring, continuous adaptation, and automated response mechanisms.
Centralized Management and Orchestration
The Aruba WAN Orchestrator is the central management component, allowing enterprises to configure multiple EdgeConnect gateways, define and apply network policies, and monitor network statistics through a single pane of glass. This orchestrator also automates service orchestration with third-party Security Service Edge (SSE) vendors.
Cloud and SaaS Integration
The platform is designed for cloud-first organizations, enabling seamless integration with leading cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Equinix. It optimizes SaaS application performance and enforces security policies through intelligent traffic steering and real-time monitoring.
Flexibility and Scalability
EdgeConnect SD-WAN offers four types of deployment models, catering to various environments from remote workers to large enterprise branches. It supports plug-and-play LTE modems for primary/backup high-speed connections, ensuring optimal connectivity even in case of primary connection failures.
Conclusion
In summary, HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN is a powerful solution that combines advanced SD-WAN capabilities with robust security features, providing a unified SASE platform that meets the complex networking and security needs of modern digital organizations.