Between all of the smartphones, laptops, printers, and other devices connected to a business’s network, there is plenty of room for cybersecurity concerns. In the past, many companies relied on virtual private networks (VPNs) to enhance data security. However, in recent years, more organizations have turned to software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) to take this protection to the next level. The overview below compares these two options to help you understand why SD-WAN is the superior solution.

How Do VPNs Work?

Internet usage is routed through your internet service provider’s server. Each of these exchanges is marked by an IP address that uniquely describes your device. When a company uses a VPN, they bypass their provider’s server, concealing the IP address of their network.

While employees don’t notice a difference, all of their activity is directed through the VPN server. VPN traffic is masked, so it isn’t vulnerable to hacking and data breaches that can result in losses for the company. Transferred data is also encrypted, which adds another layer of protection to your network.

How Do SD-WANs Compare?

Like a VPN, SD-WANs direct online traffic through remote servers. However, these networks do not rely on the VPN’s physical data centers to support internet activity. Instead, they utilize innovative software to move traffic through the cloud.

By ensuring internet activity isn’t tethered to a specific location, SD-WANs are less vulnerable to cyberattacks than VPNs. Drawing from cloud-based resources, SD-WANs also optimize traffic patterns to improve speed and encrypt data. In addition to boosting network security, SD-WANs detect and resolve many software problems automatically, helping IT teams manage daily operations.

Converged Network Services Group (CNSG) an AppSmart Company, is the Premier Master Distributor for the design and delivery of complete technology solutions. CNSG is committed to the core philosophy of earning business by building and maintaining true partnerships with every customer, partner, and supplier. This unwavering commitment to the success of our partnerships has enabled CNSG to be recognized as the fastest-growing Master Distributor in the industry. For more information about CNSG, please visit www.cnsg.com or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.