SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action from Pluralsight

This course will teach you the benefits of deploying an SD-WAN solution. You'll learn how SD-WAN improves user experience and engagement using app-aware policies, offers a variety of security options, and simplifies management with templates.

Today, cost and complexity become even more prohibitive for legacy networks in the face of today’s requirements, including end-to-end security, various transport networks, ongoing increase in the number of mobile end users, high-bandwidth cloud applications, and any-to-any connectivity. Many organizations are deploying SD-WAN technology solutions to meet these challenges. In this course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, you'll learn how SD-WAN significantly improves user experience and engagement, offers a variety of enhanced security options, and simplifies network management, all while saving money. First, you’ll discover the advantages of an SD-WAN transport independent network fabric. Next, you’ll learn how SD-WAN can improve user experience and engagement through the deployment of application-aware routing policies. Finally, you’ll explore how SD-WAN simplifies network deployment and configuration using automation, while providing security utilizing segmentation, templates, and zero-touch touch provisioning. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the fundamental knowledge of SD-WAN operation as well as understand the how SD-WAN improves performance, simplifies management, and provides security while saving money.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Examining SD-WAN Evolution of Networking

Examining How SD-WAN Improves User Experience

Examining SD-WAN Security Components

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces SD-WAN evolution and how it benefits user experiences

Examines the application of app-aware routing policies in SD-WAN to enhance user experience

Provides an overview of SD-WAN security options

Explores how SD-WAN simplifies network management and reduces costs

Reviews summary

Sd-wan fundamentals: a conceptual overview

According to learners, this course provides an excellent introduction to SD-WAN concepts, laying a strong conceptual framework for understanding its benefits and applications. Students praise the clear and understandable explanations provided by the instructor, finding the lectures engaging and easy to follow. The course is considered highly relevant to current industry needs, especially regarding application-aware policies, security components, and how SD-WAN simplifies network management. While it offers a valuable foundational understanding, some users noted it can be too high-level, particularly for those seeking in-depth technical details or hands-on labs. It appears better suited for beginners, network architects, managers, or those needing a high-level overview rather than experienced engineers looking for deep operational insights.

Course emphasizes benefits and architecture, not deep technical details.

"It focuses heavily on the benefits and high-level architecture rather than deep technical dives."

"While it's not a deep dive into configuration, it gives you a strong conceptual framework."

"The coverage of SD-WAN evolution and its benefits was comprehensive."

Best for beginners/managers, less for experienced engineers.

"Good for absolute beginners, but might not be enough for those looking for operational knowledge."

"Recommended for network architects and managers."

"Better suited for sales or management staff rather than engineers looking for deep technical insight."

Content is up-to-date and relevant to today's industry needs.

"The practical examples were really helpful in grasping the core principles. I particularly appreciated the module on application-aware policies, it's highly relevant to current industry needs."

"It really clarifies how SD-WAN simplifies network management."

"The security components section was particularly insightful."

Provides a solid theoretical basis for understanding SD-WAN's 'why'.

"This course is an excellent introduction to SD-WAN concepts."

"Excellent course for understanding the 'why' behind SD-WAN. It lays out the business and operational advantages very clearly."

"I came in with limited knowledge of SDN/SD-WAN, and now I feel confident in discussing its benefits and applications."

The course excels at explaining complex SD-WAN topics clearly.

"The instructor explains complex topics in a very clear and understandable way."

"The lectures were engaging and easy to follow."

"I liked how the course broke down the complexities of SD-WAN into manageable sections."

Some wished for more hands-on, labs, or configuration examples.

"Some parts felt a bit high-level, and I wished for more in-depth technical details, perhaps some configuration examples or lab simulations."

"The course provides a decent theoretical understanding but lacks practical application."

"I was hoping for more hands-on labs or real-world scenarios. No actual demo."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action with these activities:

Review Cloud and Network Concepts

Show steps

Reviewing foundational networking and cloud concepts will enable you to build an effective SD-WAN solution.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Review the fundamentals of networking such as IP addressing, routing, and switching.
Review cloud concepts including cloud architecture, cloud services, and cloud security.

Review SD-WAN architectural concepts

Show steps

Reviewing architectural concepts will provide a foundation for understanding more complex SD-WAN topics.

Browse courses on SD-WAN Architecture

Show steps

Read Chapter 1 of the book "SD-WAN Fundamentals"
Complete the "SD-WAN Architecture Overview" online tutorial
Summarize the key concepts of SD-WAN architecture in your own words

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work closely with users to assess their needs and collaborate on solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in network engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Architect

Network Architects design, implement, and maintain complex computer networks. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in network architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They work closely with users to assess their needs and collaborate on solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in network administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in IT management.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud-based solutions. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in cloud architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions for computer networks. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in security architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and implement software applications. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in software engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to analyze business trends and make recommendations. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in business analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, implement, and manage projects. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software and hardware products. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in quality assurance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit documentation for software and hardware products. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in technical writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers sell software and hardware products to businesses. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in sales engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers plan and develop software and hardware products. They work closely with users, engineers, and vendors to assess needs and develop solutions. As such, they must be proficient in network technologies and protocols, including SD-WAN. This course, SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals: SD-WAN in Action, can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of SD-WAN and help you to advance your career in product management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

SDN and SD-WAN Fundamentals

SD-WAN in Action

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Sd-wan fundamentals: a conceptual overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses