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HomeServices › SD-WAN

Business Connectivity & SD-WAN UK

Software-defined wide area networking for multi-site businesses. Better performance, lower cost and centralised management — replacing expensive legacy MPLS.

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What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN — Software-Defined Wide Area Networking — is a technology that replaces or augments traditional MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) connections between business sites. Instead of routing all traffic through expensive dedicated circuits, SD-WAN intelligently routes traffic across multiple connections — broadband, 4G/5G, MPLS — selecting the best path in real time based on application requirements and network conditions.

The result is better performance for cloud applications and real-time traffic, lower cost than pure MPLS, and centralised management of all sites from a single dashboard. For multi-site businesses, SD-WAN is typically one of the highest-value IT changes available.

MPLS vs SD-WAN: the key differences

SASE and secure SD-WAN

Modern SD-WAN solutions increasingly incorporate security functions — firewalling, secure web gateways, zero-trust network access — into the same platform. This is known as SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and is rapidly becoming the standard architecture for enterprise connectivity. Open Way Technologies has access to leading SASE platforms through our provider relationships.

The PSTN switch-off connection

BT's switch-off of the PSTN in 2027 affects not just voice but also some legacy data circuits. Organisations reviewing their connectivity ahead of 2027 should assess SD-WAN at the same time — the timing is perfect to modernise both.

How many sites do I need to justify SD-WAN?
SD-WAN can deliver value from as few as 2 sites, but the strongest business case typically emerges at 3+ sites. Even with 2 sites, the performance improvements and resilience benefits are often significant.
Can SD-WAN work alongside our existing MPLS?
Yes — SD-WAN can be deployed as an overlay on existing MPLS during a transition period, allowing you to migrate at your own pace without disrupting live services.
How long does SD-WAN deployment take?
Typically 6-12 weeks for a multi-site deployment, depending on the number of sites and the complexity of the existing network. Individual site activations can be very fast once the platform is set up.
What happens to our voice traffic?
SD-WAN handles voice traffic with QoS (Quality of Service) prioritisation to maintain call quality. If you are also migrating from legacy telephony to cloud voice, Open Way Technologies can coordinate both projects simultaneously.

At a glance

PoPs50+ global
Countries115
SLA uptime100%
Cost to you£0

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