Yes, an SD-WAN enables better security and even reduces costs. Better cyber security will probably even become the main argument for implementing an SD-WAN — the excellent connectivity remains an important plus point too. The prerequisite is that the right solutions are used.

Is SD-WAN a software?

No, a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is a virtual WAN architecture. Companies can use it to combine different ways of transferring data and give users secure access to applications.

A VPN connection can be implemented via an SD-WAN, but the possibilities with SD-WAN are more extensive and more powerful — for example, global MPLS or VPLS networks can also be realized.

Will SD-WAN replace MPLS?

No, MPLS remains a proven standard for site networking and there are no plans to switch it off. SD-WAN complements the possibilities and should be seen as an extension of MPLS.

Can SD-WAN replace a firewall?

SD-WAN provides extensive security tools on the software side. Depending on your security requirements, hardware components such as a firewall may become superfluous — we're happy to advise you on this.

Which is better – SD-WAN or MPLS?

We always analyze your needs individually to find the best solution for you. Generally speaking, we more often recommend an SD-WAN, since it offers more comprehensive options, is more flexible, and usually has lower data traffic costs.

Why should an SD-WAN be implemented in your company?

In short, an SD-WAN provides a smooth data flow at lower costs — regardless of whether you want to implement cloud solutions, the Internet of Things, big data or 3D printing.

Is an SD-WAN also worthwhile for small businesses?

Yes, if you want to keep pace with the digital transformation — definitely. We're happy to support you in using SD-WAN profitably in your company.

ASCEND SD-WAN Solutions

SD-WAN Solutions: A Digital Boost for Companies with a Future

An SD-WAN makes your network faster, more reliable and more secure thanks to its centralized, software-controlled architecture — and less maintenance-heavy and cheaper, too.

Get SD-WAN advice

What does SD-WAN actually mean?

SD-WAN stands for “Software-defined Wide Area Network”. The architecture of an SD-WAN is created virtually and is decoupled from the underlying hardware. Different data transmission paths can be combined or, if necessary, changed — for example mobile radio, xDSL, MPLS, fiber optics or others. Security specifications, guidelines and other data traffic requirements can be controlled centrally via the software. This has considerable advantages and enables high-performance Internet connections in almost every region. For your business, that means: your network becomes faster, more reliable and more secure — and less maintenance-heavy and cheaper at the same time.

Reliable hardware for SD-WAN

We are completely independent in our choice of hardware. From our collected experience, we can highly recommend the following router and equipment manufacturers.

Peplink

Peplink produces solid hardware for almost all areas of application. Very good usability and a top price-performance ratio characterize this manufacturer. The safety standards are also of the highest level.

Viprinet

Viprinet stands for quality made in Germany. The manufacturer impresses with the highest security standards and high-quality hardware. The German manufacturer support is an additional plus point.

Voleatech

Voleatech GmbH from Reutlingen is one of the leading “Made in Germany” providers of modern network technology and specializes in network engineering for demanding industrial environments and critical infrastructures. The VT AIR Next Gen Firewall products are high-performance routers for demanding industrial environments.

What SD-WAN brings to your business

An SD-WAN gives your business a digital boost across several areas.

Fail-safe, bundled Internet connections

With an SD-WAN, you combine several data transmission paths. The entire bandwidth is never lost during interference, so your connection stays fail-safe — even if one provider has a fault, the service continues without interruption via other lines. Small bandwidths combine to create a high-performance connection: a digital boost for your company.

Intelligent resource planning

The software defines which resources are provided for groups of applications and with which priority — important things come first. Security measures are also adapted depending on the trust level of the applications, so they work faster and better overall.

Less IT maintenance

The cost of a complex on-site implementation for each location is eliminated because you control settings and security policies centrally — specifications are implemented consistently at every location without time-consuming technical support.

Motivation & productivity

Your employees will no longer want to do without SD-WAN. The noticeably better user experience at work is motivating, because productive work is now easier.

How an SD-WAN works in 4 steps

1
Form & encrypt packetsEach session is divided into digital packets. Each packet receives 256-bit AES encryption.
2
Transmit through the SpeedFusion tunnelPackets are sent via each available WAN connection through the SpeedFusion tunnel.
3
Fail-safe switchingVPN traffic can switch in less than a second. Session-persistent applications continue to run throughout.
4
Decrypt & reassembleAt the destination, packets are decrypted and reassembled into the original session.

SD-WAN at ASCEND: by the numbers

4: steps in the SpeedFusion packet-transmission process
100%: end-to-end view of your task — advice, implementation, support

Start a SD-WAN boost in your business

ASCEND supports you from needs analysis through implementation to ongoing support — manufacturer-independent and from a single source.

Get in touch now

Our SD-WAN offer

Planning of WAN or Internet access, including bundling
Planning, implementation and management of site networking
Setup and operation of a hosted remote station in your data center
Support tailored to your needs
Expert hardware and software advice
Rental and sale of SD-WAN hardware and software
Coordinated data tariffs with available providers
Additional IT services such as WLAN and other network infrastructure

100% solutions with ASCEND: we always look at the entire task with you and find the optimum solution for your connectivity. Network technology manufacturers usually only offer devices — that's only a partial solution. We go the extra mile to solve your entire task: consulting, implementation and ongoing support.

What our customers say about ASCEND

“Thanks to ASCEND, we were able to further develop the IT infrastructure in such a way that it now works reliably and securely. Mr. Fickeis and his team also support us in meeting the extremely high data protection requirements of our customers, which we have as a call center. Even in emergencies, the response times are very short.”

Karl Mökesch, BM-InfoTrend GmbH

“ASCEND takes care of our Internet connection and our IT. The service is great and above all adapted exactly to our needs. First, we were well advised. Then followed a tailor-made offer.”

Dr. Norbert Wilke, Radiologisches Zentrum Höchstadt

“In the long run, a mobile phone hotspot is not the solution — that's why I was very happy to have had the mobile WLAN case of the company ASCEND in use during our construction period.”

Mr. Barthels, Leonardo Hotels

SD-WAN projects to date

SD-WAN as a service: extending existing infrastructure with SD-WAN functions demonstrably reduces costs and improves both availability and performance.
ASCEND supports H2FLY on the way to emission-free flying — the network experts secure connectivity for innovative passenger aviation projects.

Frequently asked questions about SD-WAN

Start your SD-WAN solution today

ASCEND plans, implements and operates your site networking — including manufacturer-independent hardware advice, bundled internet access and coordinated data tariffs.