Digital transformation is driving an evolution of the enterprise branch. As services migrate to the cloud, and devices require direct links to the internet, more branch network edges are created. In addition to traditional end user and network devices, the branch is also seeing an explosion in connected IoT devices. All of these additional network entry points expand the potential attack surface, making security an even greater concern than ever before.

SD-Branch is the seamless extension of SD-WAN, providing enhanced management and visibility while securing the branch network, IoT and end user devices, and all direct connection edges.

Often referred to as next generation networking, SD-WAN technology enables centralised, flexible, and scalable management of large and complex network deployments, with ‘single pane of glass’ visibility. Our SD-WAN service is an integral part of our managed networks stack, complementing our aggregation of over 100 infrastructures, and improving how a business connects branches, data centres and the cloud. 

Through central provisioning of infrastructure, managed policies define how traffic is routed (network, hosted applications, or cloud services) and adjusts paths to adapt to changing network conditions. 

Supported by a broad range of networks including mobile operators, and powered by diverse infrastructures, flexibility between paths, load balancing (dual point-to-point links), failover, and the agility to include new connectivity options; your network has the power to accommodate a broad range of business needs. 

As more applications move into the cloud, high-speed connectivity becomes more and more relevant. It’s about buying the right connectivity for each traffic type or business requirement, all managed seamlessly by Echo.     

Security will always be a key consideration for the hybrid of private and internet connections, and SD-WAN offers intrusion detection/ prevention, anti-virus, content filtering and anti-malware options. 

While SD-WAN technology is becoming the standard for secure and scalable company networks, MPLS VPN is still highly effective in protecting company data and user connections on the internet for a simple WAN with a small number of sites. 

Each Echo VPN client is added to our Service Exchange and given their own network on our core. Each client is charged a Superswitch fee and is managed and secured separately, while gaining access to various services throughout the Echo core, customised on a per client basis. 

These services include internet bandwidth, different firewall options, particular QoS configurations, or access to hosted applications and services as part of their own network.

As a virtual network within a physical network, VPN is generally deployed to be a high security network tunnel through which data travels in a strongly encrypted form. Thus, any data travelling over a VPN is not visible to the physical network surrounding it. VPNs can be created through various types of encryption, such as IPsec, SSL and TSL. We can provide point to point or multipoint VPN solutions.