Overview of Riverbed SteelConnect
Riverbed SteelConnect is a comprehensive, cloud-based management system designed to unify and simplify the management of enterprise networks. It is a cornerstone of Riverbed’s strategy for next-generation, application-defined enterprise networking.
Key Features and Functionality
Unified Connectivity and Management
SteelConnect provides unified connectivity and management across Wide Area Networks (WANs), remote Local Area Networks (LANs), and cloud infrastructure networks. This is achieved through a software-defined connectivity fabric that includes physical, virtual, and cloud-based WAN gateways, remote LAN switches, and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi access points.
Zero-Touch Provisioning
SteelConnect Manager (SCM) enables zero-touch provisioning, allowing for the instant deployment of physical devices into a network. The configuration and reconfiguration of edge devices are automated, reducing or eliminating the need for on-site IT in remote facilities.
Centralized Policy Management
The system offers centralized, business-intent-based policy management through a simple graphical user interface. This allows for easy menu-driven network design of sites, zones, uplinks, and rules, ensuring fast, agile, and secure application delivery.
Cloud Connectivity and Optimization
SteelConnect features single-click cloud connectivity, automating cloud networking and accelerating cloud performance. It seamlessly connects sites, branches, and users to cloud environments such as AWS and Azure, and delivers unified policy across regions and multiple clouds. Additionally, it integrates with SteelHead for Cloud to optimize cloud-to-cloud and data center/branch-to-cloud traffic.
Integrated Visibility
SteelConnect integrates with SteelCentral Insights to provide detailed visibility into network usage and availability. This includes monitoring and troubleshooting performance issues for large-scale software-defined infrastructure, enabling informed policy and deployment decisions.
Application Acceleration
SteelConnect works in conjunction with Riverbed’s acceleration solutions, such as SteelHead, to optimize network performance and ensure the best end-user experience. It accelerates SaaS traffic for applications like Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, and ServiceNow, reducing latency and improving data transfer speeds.
Security and Reliability
The solution includes advanced software-defined security (SD-Security) features, such as next-generation firewall (NGFW) and unified threat management (UTM) services. This creates a secure and reliable software-defined branch (SD-Branch) experience. Full-mesh VPN connectivity ensures secure application delivery over any network underlay, such as MPLS and the internet.
High-Level Architecture
SteelConnect resides in the global Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud public infrastructure and orchestrates a series of services hosted by Riverbed. These services include a management console, SD-WAN controller, global certificate authorities, Network Time Protocol (NTP), Dynamic Domain Name System (DNS), and IP address reflectors. All communication between appliances and the SCM is authenticated through x509 certificate validation, ensuring secure and reliable operations.
In summary, Riverbed SteelConnect is a powerful SD-WAN solution that integrates best-in-class routing, application acceleration, network visibility, and advanced security features. It simplifies network management, enhances performance, and ensures secure and agile connectivity across hybrid IT landscapes.