A software-defined wireless area network (SD-WAN) is a virtual WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of transport services, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet services, to securely connect users to applications. SD-WAN uses a centralized control function to direct traffic across the WAN in a secure and intelligent manner. This improves application performance and delivers a high-quality user experience, resulting in increased business productivity, agility, and reduced costs for IT.
A software-defined local area network (SD-LAN) is a LAN architecture that abstracts network control from the physical hardware, allowing for more flexible, dynamic, and automated network management. SD-LAN utilizes software-defined networking (SDN) principles to provide centralized management, improved network visibility, and the ability to dynamically allocate resources and configure devices. This approach enhances scalability, simplifies network operations, and enables faster deployment of new services and policies.
Software-defined wireless sensor networks (SD-WSNs) apply the principles of software-defined networking to wireless sensor networks. In SD-WSNs, the control plane is decoupled from the data plane, allowing for centralized control and management of the sensor network. This separation provides flexibility in configuring and managing the network, optimizes resource allocation, and enhances scalability and adaptability. SD-WSNs enable more efficient data collection, improved network performance, and easier implementation of complex network policies and algorithms.
