In the Gartner® research note Use SD-WAN and SASE to Connect Edge Computing Locations, the authors make a case for enterprises using connectivity they already have—such as SD-WAN and SASE—to connect their edge compute deployments. Rather than focusing on the transport, Gartner argues that enterprises should focus on their edge compute use cases first. The better approach is to match data volume and transmission patterns with the most suitable connectivity service plans, fitting the connectivity to the use case instead of vice versa.
“Edge computing is being adopted across distributed locations with varied cloud connectivity options. I&O leaders should reuse and adapt existing next-generation WAN connectivity solutions with SD-WAN, secure service edge, secure access service edge and cloud-connected services.”
Use SD-WAN and SASE to Connect Edge Computing Locations, Bjarne Munch and Mohini Dukes, 29 November 2023
In the report, Gartner predicts that by 2026, 60% of new edge computing deployments will use existing SASE implementations for cloud connectivity. Although edge sites perform local data processing, edge servers must connect to the cloud for functions such as machine learning models or sharing log files across sites. And of course, edge sites need circuits to create local high-speed networks for machines and devices. There is an increasing need to match edge computing solutions with WAN connectivity frameworks as the edge grows in complexity and scale.
Gartner provides detailed advice for connectivity at edge locations, including:
Consider the capacity, throughput, and interfaces of your existing edge hardware when deciding how to integrate WAN functions
Understand how scalable your management platform is, and how functions such as alert handling and monitoring can extend to hundreds or even thousands of physical locations
Use tested, long-standing practices for sizing connectivity for branch offices, and apply those principles to edge implementations
Research network-on-demand options such as 5G network slicing from your communications service provider, know your failover options, and examine solutions for data transmission in areas where connectivity is limited or very expensive
Why is VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN the right choice for edge compute sites?
“Over the past decade, SD-WAN has evolved into the most versatile network platform, fostering the creation of connectivity solutions with improved resilience and performance across all challenging environments. SD-WAN is a suitable platform for edge computing cloud connectivity.”
Use SD-WAN and SASE to Connect Edge Computing Locations, Bjarne Munch and Mohini Dukes, 29 November 2023
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is an established leader, tested and proven across industry verticals at more than 600,000 sites in 180 countries. Its benefits for branch locations easily extend to edge implementations. In line with the report’s recommendation to use what you already have, many large enterprises are already succeeding with VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN.
Single robust management plane
VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator is a single-pane-of-glass management and monitoring system for both VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN and VMware Edge Compute Stack. From its beginnings as the VeloCloud SD-WAN Orchestrator, the tool is now capable of managing an entire edge network from devices to multiple clouds. With VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator, enterprises can deploy, manage, and monitor their edge networking infrastructure remotely and with ease. This reduces the complexity and operational costs associated with managing a distributed network of edge compute nodes.
Intelligent, programmable overlay
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is the intelligent, programmable overlay for the software-defined edge. What does that mean? VeloCloud SD-WAN understands the workloads it carries and has the built-in ability to prioritize critical traffic. At the edge, this means that computer-vision traffic can take priority over guest Wi-Fi, for example, or data from an industrial PLC is more important than the IoT sensor that controls the lawn sprinkler. We demonstrated this capability at Mobile World Congress in a connected ambulance, showing how VeloCloud SD-WAN can blend satellite and terrestrial connections for a stable video feed between a moving ambulance and a physician at a hospital.
Fast, reliable, resilient bandwidth
Edge sites need reliable bandwidth to move, process and store incredible amounts of data that are generated by IoT devices such as sensors, automated machinery at factories, and point-of-sale devices at retailers. Edge locations also need cloud connectivity for site-to-site connections and transmitting data-intensive tasks such as machine learning that would be too expensive and resource-consuming to accomplish on edge hardware.
Edge sites often contend with poor, limited or spotty connectivity. VeloCloud SD-WAN can use any available WAN transport – MPLS, broadband, cellular, satellite. Dynamic Multipath Optimization™ (DMPO), unique to VeloCloud, ensures high bandwidth, reliable connectivity, and the lowest latency for business-critical application traffic. The ability to use dynamic path selection among multiple WAN connections reduces cost, increases availability, and makes it easier to scale operations up or down based on the current needs of the site without significant infrastructure changes. Network optimization reduces latency, particularly important for edge computing applications that require real-time data processing and quick response times.
VeloCloud SD-WAN is designed for the cloud era, offering improved access to cloud services and SaaS applications directly from remote locations. It supports multiple cloud options including IPsec gateways and SD-WAN hubs deployed within major hyperscalers’ environments. Edge sites can also take advantage of the global VMware Edge PoP network provided by Broadcom and our partners. These direct access methods reduce traffic backhaul through the data center, improving application performance and user experience.
Strong security and partnerships
A highly distributed infrastructure, including devices that are scaling up rapidly at the edge, is hard to protect using traditional data-center methods. VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is FedRAMP, SOC 2 Type 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ICSA Labs certified. Built-in Enhanced Firewall Service, based on VMware’s proven NSX security technology, improves performance and eliminates the need for legacy firewalls at branch and edge locations.
While VeloCloud SD-WAN provides hardened security on its own, distributed infrastructure needs distributed protection. VMware VeloCloud SASE™, secured by Symantec features best-in-class SD-WAN and Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities. Customers can also easily integrate their VeloCloud SD-WAN with their favorite third-party SSE vendor.
Simple to deploy, easy to use
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is so easy to deploy, an accountant can install it. Edge sites such as medical clinics or retail stores are unlikely to have IT support on site, and IT personnel are even rarer at very remote sites such as oil and gas platforms or wind turbines. VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN hardware edges can be customized and drop shipped for a zero-touch, almost zero-effort installation on site. A VMware SD-WAN customer with 30,000 employees deployed 9,000 VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN Edges in 10 days—and tech support calls decreased inversely as the number of Edges rose.
Integrated with leading platform for edge compute
When combined with the VMware Edge Compute Stack™ platform, the benefits of VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN are further amplified:
Unified infrastructure: The integration simplifies the deployment and management of both networking and compute resources at the edge. A unified approach ensures seamless operation and easier management.
Optimized resource utilization: Together, the two solutions allow for better resource utilization, ensuring that compute and networking capabilities are fully aligned and optimized for the specific needs of edge applications.
Enhanced data processing: The combination enhances the ability to process data locally at edge sites, reducing the need to send data back and forth to a central data center. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces bandwidth costs and latency.
Greater reliability and resilience: The joint solution offers greater reliability and resilience in edge operations. VMware SD-WAN’s ability to maintain network performance combined with the robust compute capabilities of the Edge Compute Stack ensures consistent service delivery even in challenging environments.
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is a comprehensive, secure, and efficient solution for connecting and managing edge compute devices and sites.
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
