Aruba announced its Software-Defined Branch (SD-Branch) solution that includes WLAN, LAN, and security under a single, software-defined framework for policy and segmentation to help customers modernize branch networks for evolving cloud, IoT and mobility requirements.
Aruba's SD-Branch solution integrates new Aruba Branch Gateways with Aruba's enhanced Aruba Central cloud management platform to provide a single point for SD-WAN, wired and wireless networking and policy enforcement, and to deliver secure, simplified branch connectivity at scale. This purpose-built, unified solution marks a significant advancement beyond pure-play SD-WAN offerings by delivering reduced device footprint, streamlined deployment of large-scale distributed installations, and lower WAN connectivity costs for branch customers, said Aruba.
Key benefits of the Aruba SD-Branch solution include:
Optimized Branch Experience: Application, user and device contextual awareness delivers granular QoS within the branch and across the WAN for SaaS, mobile UC, and other remote applications. This simplifies how LAN and WAN traffic is prioritized and routed inside and outside the branches to deliver a consistent experience, regardless of user role, device type or location.
Simplicity at Enterprise Scale: Cloud-based management provides remote, centralized provisioning and management of wired and wireless connections inside the branch, and WAN and Internet connections with SD-WAN infrastructure. This enables IT to quickly implement new services and network changes across large, distributed environments without requiring on-site IT.
Integrated, Best-in-Class Security: Aruba security solutions offer automated, granular intra-branch and WAN policy enforcement capabilities. New Aruba 360 security exchange technology partners deliver cloud-based firewall and threat protection.
Additional Branch Gateway features such as policy-based routing and dynamic path selection can now leverage this contextual data and awareness to dynamically route traffic across the WAN based on user, device, or group affiliation. For example, retail organizations can easily prioritize PoS system and video traffic versus guest traffic, while hotels can prioritize voice traffic for anyone involved with customer service.
KEnneth Ma, Director and GM, Hong Kong and Macau, Aruba
Overall, Aruba's SD-Branch delivers an extensive ecosystem of best-of-breed technology partners and provides IT with a better end-to-end branch experience.
