A Guide to Understanding SD-WAN

In today’s business world, staying connected isn’t just about having internet access—it’s about having the right kind of network that can grow with you. As more teams work remotely, more tools move to the cloud, and customer expectations get faster and sharper, your network has to keep up. Traditional systems weren’t built for this kind of flexibility. That’s why SD-WAN is becoming the go-to solution for businesses that want to simplify their operations, improve performance, and stay ready for whatever comes next. At Bearstone, we help you use SD-WAN to build a stronger, smarter, and more future-ready foundation.

What is SD-WAN and Why It Matters

At Bearstone, we know businesses aren’t tied to one office anymore. Remote teams, hybrid schedules, and cloud apps have changed everything. The old way of connecting locations and managing network traffic—usually with costly hardware and complicated setups—just doesn’t cut it. That’s where SD-WAN steps in.

SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, gives you more control, better performance, and greater flexibility over how your business connects. It’s a powerful shift in telecom infrastructure, and it’s helping companies streamline operations, cut costs, and stay competitive.

Breaking Down SD-WAN

SD-WAN is the software-driven version of a traditional WAN (Wide Area Network). A typical WAN connects different offices and remote users to a central hub, often using expensive options like MPLS. SD-WAN does the same thing, but it’s smarter. It finds the best way to route traffic based on real-time conditions—across MPLS, broadband, LTE, satellite, or fiber. It’s flexible, cloud-ready, and easy to manage.

Instead of being locked into one method, SD-WAN lets your network adjust. It’s designed to help employees access their tools from anywhere, anytime, using whatever connection is fastest and most reliable.

How SD-WAN Works

In the past, all network traffic would route through one main data center. That created slowdowns, especially when employees relied on cloud apps. SD-WAN fixes this. It adds a software layer to your existing hardware, optimizing and protecting your data flows.

That means your business gets stronger performance from apps like Zoom, Salesforce, or Microsoft 365—especially across multiple branches or with remote workers. And it gives your IT team better visibility and control.

The Core Components of SD-WAN

Think of SD-WAN as having three main parts:

Edge Devices: These are your physical locations—like branch offices or data centers—connected to the network.
Orchestrator: This is your network’s “brain.” It decides how traffic should flow based on your rules.
Controller: This is the centralized management tool. It lets your team make changes or fix issues quickly.

Most businesses use cloud-enabled SD-WANs. They provide flexible, secure connections and smooth traffic flow, even during outages or high demand.

Why Businesses Choose SD-WAN

Improved Performance
SD-WAN is designed for the cloud. It reduces lag, boosts app speeds, and gives your team a smoother, more reliable experience.

Lower Costs
With SD-WAN, you can use more affordable internet options instead of relying only on pricey MPLS. It’s also easier to scale and doesn’t require expensive hardware upgrades.

Better Security
SD-WAN makes it easier to keep data safe. You get centralized control, better visibility, and faster threat detection. Security tools like VPNs and firewalls can be integrated without complex setups.

Disaster Recovery
If one connection fails, SD-WAN shifts traffic to a backup. That keeps your business running—even during storms, outages, or cyberattacks.

Is SD-WAN Worth It?

If any of these sound familiar, SD-WAN might be the solution:

You rely on cloud-based apps
Your internet costs are going up
You’re tired of slow performance or dropped VoIP calls
You need secure, remote access for your team
You want better control without hiring more IT staff

SD-WAN supports multiple connection types, load-sharing, and VPNs—all from a simple dashboard. It adapts to your business instead of forcing you to adapt to it.

Choosing the Right SD-WAN Partner

At Bearstone, we’ve seen how the right Telecom Consulting partner makes all the difference. Don’t just chase the “top-rated” vendor. You need someone who gets your goals and your network environment.

Here’s what to look for in an SD-WAN provider:

Do they assess your current setup before recommending changes?
Can they support both on-prem and cloud-based networks?
Do they offer centralized management and clear visibility into performance?
Will they scale as your business grows?
Are they offering a custom-fit solution—not just pushing broadband?

The right partner will meet you where you are and help you plan for what’s next.

Moving to SD-WAN

Switching doesn’t mean you need to rip out your current setup. In fact, SD-WAN can work alongside your existing MPLS until you’re ready to make a full transition.

Before you start, take stock of your business needs:

What apps are mission-critical?
Where are your employees working from now—and where might they be next year?
What’s in your current telecom contract that could affect timing?

Our team at Bearstone can help you sort that out. We’ll make sure you understand all your options and help you move forward without disruption.

Bearstone's Approach to SD-WAN

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We guide each client through the SD-WAN journey with care, clarity, and the expertise to back it up. With Bearstone as your telecom consulting partner, you’ll get:

A tailored SD-WAN strategy
Vendor guidance that matches your goals
Proactive traffic optimization
Ongoing support for future needs

Let’s simplify your network and unlock better performance.

FAQ

What’s the difference between SD-WAN and VPN?

A VPN encrypts your traffic, but SD-WAN also improves speed, control, and flexibility over your entire network.

Can SD-WAN be used with my existing internet connection?

Yes. SD-WAN works with MPLS, broadband, LTE, and satellite—whatever you’re already using.

Is SD-WAN only for big businesses?

Not at all. Mid-size and growing businesses benefit just as much—especially those using cloud apps or remote teams.

Will SD-WAN affect voice and video quality?

In a good way. SD-WAN prioritizes real-time apps, which means fewer dropped calls and smoother meetings.

How long does it take to deploy SD-WAN?

Deployment depends on your size, but with the right partner, it can be rolled out in weeks—not months.

About the Author: Julie Revard

Sales Manager, Bearstone LLC

Bearstone is a US-based business headquartered in Central Indiana. We are a Telecommunications Expense Management Company specializing in identifying and implementing cost-effective solutions for our customers. Our goal is to help customers save money by verifying current Telecommunication solutions are billing properly through close inspection of contracts and inventory.