20 SD-WAN Interview Questions and Answers

SD-WAN is a type of network that allows for the secure and efficient transport of data between different locations. It is becoming increasingly popular for businesses that have multiple locations and need to connect their network. If you are interviewing for a position that involves SD-WAN, it is important to be prepared to answer questions about your knowledge and experience. In this article, we review some common SD-WAN interview questions and how you should respond.

SD-WAN Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked SD-WAN interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a software-defined networking technology that allows for the creation of virtualized network overlays. These overlays can be used to connect multiple physical locations together, and can be configured to optimize traffic flow based on specific criteria.

2. Can you explain the working of an SD-WAN device?

SD-WAN devices work by creating a secure, direct connection between two or more sites. This connection is then used to route traffic between the sites, bypassing the need for a traditional WAN connection. This can provide a number of benefits, including increased speed and reliability, as well as reduced costs.

3. What are some common use cases for SD-WAN technology?

SD-WAN is commonly used in cases where an organization has multiple branch offices and wants to connect them all together using a single network. This can be done using a traditional WAN, but it can be expensive and difficult to manage. SD-WAN provides a more cost-effective and easier to manage solution in these cases. Additionally, SD-WAN can be used to improve the performance of applications that are sensitive to latency or jitter, such as VoIP or video conferencing.

4. How does SD-WAN compare with MPLS and other WAN technologies?

SD-WAN is a newer technology that has a lot of advantages over MPLS and other WAN technologies. SD-WAN is less expensive, more flexible, and easier to manage. It also has better performance and reliability.

5. Why do we need SD-WAN? What problems does it solve?

SD-WAN provides a number of advantages over traditional WAN solutions, including increased flexibility, improved performance, and reduced costs. SD-WAN can be particularly helpful in improving the performance of applications that are sensitive to latency, such as VoIP or video conferencing. It can also be used to connect branch offices to a central site more securely and efficiently.

6. What are some challenges that SD-WAN solves in a network environment?

SD-WAN can provide a number of benefits to a network environment, including improved performance, increased security, and reduced costs. One of the main challenges that SD-WAN solves is the need for expensive, dedicated WAN links. SD-WAN can provide the same level of performance as a dedicated WAN link, but at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, SD-WAN can provide enhanced security features, such as the ability to encrypt data in transit, that can help to protect sensitive information.

7. What is the difference between traditional WAN and SD-WAN?

The main difference between traditional WAN and SD-WAN is that SD-WAN uses software-defined networking to manage the WAN, while traditional WAN uses hardware-based routers. SD-WAN is generally seen as being more flexible and easier to manage than traditional WAN, as it can be configured and updated remotely.

8. What are the main differences between MPLS and SD-WAN?

The main difference between MPLS and SD-WAN is that MPLS is a network protocol while SD-WAN is a software-defined networking solution. MPLS is used to route traffic between different network nodes, while SD-WAN is used to manage traffic flow across a wide area network. SD-WAN is typically more flexible and easier to manage than MPLS, but MPLS can offer better performance in some cases.

9. What is the cost of implementing SD-WAN? Is there any way to reduce costs?

The cost of implementing SD-WAN can be significant, depending on the size and complexity of the network. However, there are ways to reduce the costs, such as by using open-source software or by using lower-cost hardware.

10. What are the key features of SD-WAN technology?

The key features of SD-WAN technology include the ability to connect multiple sites together, the ability to use multiple WAN links simultaneously, and the ability to dynamically route traffic based on conditions.

11. What are the benefits of using SD-WAN in your organization?

There are many benefits of using SD-WAN in your organization. SD-WAN can help improve network performance by optimizing traffic flows and reducing latency. It can also help reduce costs by eliminating the need for expensive dedicated WAN links. Additionally, SD-WAN can improve security by encrypting traffic and providing better visibility into network activity.

12. What’s the best way to deploy SD-WAN in my organization?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deploy SD-WAN will vary depending on the specific needs of your organization. However, some tips on how to deploy SD-WAN successfully include ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your network traffic patterns and selecting the right mix of physical and virtual appliances to meet your needs.

13. What security considerations should be taken into account when planning for SD-WAN deployment?

One of the key considerations for SD-WAN security is the need to ensure that the data passing through the network is encrypted. This is especially important if the SD-WAN network is connecting to public clouds, as there is a greater risk of data being intercepted. Additionally, it is important to consider which devices will have access to the SD-WAN network and to put in place controls to limit access to only those that need it. Finally, it is also important to have a plan in place for monitoring and managing the SD-WAN network to ensure that it remains secure.

14. What are the different components present in an SD-WAN architecture?

The different components present in an SD-WAN architecture are the customer premises equipment (CPE), the SD-WAN controller, and the SD-WAN edge devices. The CPE is the hardware that is installed at the customer’s site and is responsible for connecting the customer’s LAN to the SD-WAN network. The SD-WAN controller is a centralised management platform that is responsible for configuring and managing the SD-WAN edge devices. The SD-WAN edge devices are the devices that are deployed at the edge of the SD-WAN network and are responsible for connecting the customer’s LAN to the WAN.

15. What is traffic shaping? How can it help us manage our network better?

Traffic shaping is a process of regulating the amount of traffic that is allowed to flow through a network. This can be done for a variety of reasons, but often it is done in order to prevent congestion and ensure that all users have a fair chance of accessing the network resources they need.

16. Can you give me some examples of real-world deployments of SD-WAN technology?

There are many potential real-world deployments of SD-WAN technology. One example might be a company with multiple branch offices that wants to connect all of their locations together using a single network. Another example might be a company that wants to connect their on-premises network to a cloud-based network.

17. What’s the best way to ensure quality-of-service (QoS) on an SD-WAN network?

Quality-of-service can be ensured on an SD-WAN network in a few different ways. One way is to use Quality of Service policies to prioritize certain types of traffic. Another way is to use path control to determine which path traffic should take based on factors like latency and jitter.

18. What are some open source alternatives to commercial SD-WAN solutions available today?

There are a few open source alternatives to commercial SD-WAN solutions available today. One example is the OpenWRT project, which provides a Linux-based firmware for routers and other devices. Another example is the Vyatta project, which provides a software-based router and firewall solution.

19. What are some future trends in SD-WAN? Where do you think this technology will go over the next few years?

There are a few major future trends in SD-WAN that are worth mentioning. Firstly, the technology is becoming more and more popular, and as a result, there are more and more vendors offering SD-WAN products and services. This increase in competition is driving down prices and making SD-WAN more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Secondly, the technology is continuing to evolve and improve. Newer SD-WAN solutions are offering more features and capabilities than ever before, and this trend is only likely to continue.

Finally, SD-WAN is becoming more and more integrated with other network technologies. For example, many SD-WAN solutions now offer built-in security features, and this trend is likely to continue as SD-WAN becomes more widely adopted.

20. What industries benefit the most from using SD-WAN?

Any industry that relies heavily on cloud applications or that has multiple locations connected by a wide area network can benefit from using SD-WAN. This technology can improve network performance and reliability while also reducing costs.