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SD-WAN Architectures

The Big Picture

Matt Conran

In this course, you will gain knowledge about the various SD-WAN architectures, core features, and why we need it. SD-WAN virtualizes the WAN and makes it more agile to be in tune with today's application requirements.

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In this course, you will gain knowledge about the various SD-WAN architectures, core features, and why we need it. SD-WAN virtualizes the WAN and makes it more agile to be in tune with today's application requirements.

In this course, The SD-WAN Architectures: The Big Picture, you will be guided through the problems with the existing WAN and what challenges it has when supporting today's environment. First, you will learn what SD-WAN is, it’s components, and how it works. Next, you will discover the functions of SD-WAN and the advantages it can bring to your organization. Finally, you will explore the various SD-WAN architectures. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to talk confidently about SD-WAN and fully understand the options/features available to you.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
SD-WAN WAN Network Virtualization SD-WAN Architectures SD-WAN Implementation Network Agility Application Requirements

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Solving Problems with SD-WAN
Applying SD-WAN to Your Organization
The SD-WAN Architectures: Deciding What Is Right for Your Organization
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines SD-WAN, a key networking technology
Teaches skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to industry
Suitable for learners who want to talk confidently about SD-WAN
Taught by an instructor who is a recognized expert in SD-WAN
Provides a comprehensive study of SD-WAN architectures

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive sd-wan architectural overview

According to students, "SD-WAN Architectures: The Big Picture" is a highly effective foundational course for understanding the technology. Learners say it provides a clear and concise overview of SD-WAN concepts, its core features, and various architectural approaches. Many found the instructor's explanations to be excellent, making complex topics accessible. While praised for its strategic perspective and helping to understand the "why" behind SD-WAN, a minority of reviewers noted it lacks hands-on labs or vendor-specific details, making it more suited for conceptual understanding than practical implementation.
Best for those new to SD-WAN or seeking a conceptual refresher.
"Perfect for someone looking for a clear, no-nonsense introduction to SD-WAN."
"As a beginner in networking, I found the explanations easy to follow and very helpful."
"If you're already familiar with advanced networking, some parts might feel like basic refreshers, but still a solid overview."
Illuminates the strategic necessity and benefits of SD-WAN for organizations.
"Great for network engineers who need to understand the strategic overview before diving into vendor-specific configurations."
"The course clearly articulates why SD-WAN is necessary and its advantages for an organization."
"It built my confidence to discuss SD-WAN concepts effectively with my technical team."
Provides an excellent grasp of core SD-WAN concepts and architectures.
"This course is excellent for gaining a foundational understanding of SD-WAN architectures. It truly provides the big picture."
"The instructor explains complex concepts clearly, making it accessible even if you're new to the topic."
"I appreciated how it compared different architectural approaches, helping me understand the overall landscape."
Focused on theory; does not include practical labs or vendor-specific details.
"While good for an overview, I found it lacked hands-on exercises or lab simulations. It's purely theoretical."
"It's a good starting point, but don't expect to learn how to configure anything. Not for implementation specialists."
"I was looking for more practical insights into specific vendors, but this course remained high-level."

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 SD-WAN Architectures: The Big Picture with these activities:
Review glossary
Improves retention of course material, ensures foundational understanding of terms used in SD-WAN.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Find a glossary of essential terms related to SD-WAN.
  • Read the definitions thoroughly, ensuring comprehension.
  • Write down the terms and their definitions from memory to test understanding.
Online quizzes and practice questions on SD-WAN fundamentals
Assesses understanding, identifies areas for improvement.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Search for online platforms or resources that provide quizzes and practice questions on SD-WAN fundamentals.
  • Attempt the quizzes and questions, reviewing explanations for both correct and incorrect answers.
Write a blog post outlining the components of SD-WAN
Outlining the components of SD-WAN will test your understanding of the concept and solidify your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Understand the core components of SD-WAN
  • Outline the key benefits and use cases of SD-WAN
  • Summarize the advantages of SD-WAN over traditional WAN
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Walkthrough of SD-WAN features and use cases
Deepens understanding of key concepts, provides practical examples.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering guided tutorials on SD-WAN features and use cases.
  • Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes on important concepts and real-world applications.
Online discussion forum participation
Encourages critical thinking, exchange of ideas, collaborative learning from peers.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online discussion forums or platforms focused on SD-WAN.
  • Participate actively, asking questions, sharing insights, and engaging in discussions.
Compilation of news articles and industry insights on SD-WAN trends
Expands knowledge beyond course material, fosters understanding of evolving industry landscape.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Monitor industry news and publications for articles and insights on SD-WAN trends.
  • Organize and categorize the collected articles based on key themes or topics.
  • Create a document or presentation compiling the articles with brief summaries and personal reflections.
Attend industry workshops on SD-WAN
Provides hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge advancements.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Research and identify industry workshops focused on SD-WAN.
  • Register and attend the workshops, actively participating in discussions and demos.
Contribute to open-source SD-WAN projects
Provides practical, real-world experience, deepens understanding of SD-WAN implementation.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Identify open-source SD-WAN projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Contribute to the projects by submitting bug reports, code improvements, or new features.

Career center

Learners who complete SD-WAN Architectures: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer is responsible for the development, installation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement an SD-WAN network. This will be valuable to you as a Network Engineer, as it will enable you to create and manage networks that are more efficient, reliable, and secure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Network Architect
A Network Architect designs and implements network solutions for organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to design an SD-WAN architecture that meets the specific needs of your organization. This will be valuable to you as a Network Architect, as it will enable you to create networks that are more efficient, reliable, and secure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect
IT Manager
An IT Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT systems and infrastructure. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about SD-WAN technology. This will be valuable to you as an IT Manager, as it will enable you to create and manage networks that are more cost-effective, efficient, and secure.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
Cloud Architect
A Cloud Architect designs and implements cloud-based solutions for organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate SD-WAN into your cloud architecture. This will be valuable to you as a Cloud Architect, as it will enable you to create cloud-based networks that are more efficient, reliable, and scalable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's networks and data from security threats. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand how SD-WAN can be used to improve your organization's security posture. This will be valuable to you as a Security Analyst, as it will enable you to implement security measures that are more effective and efficient.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Data Architect
A Data Architect designs and implements data management solutions for organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate SD-WAN into your data architecture. This will be valuable to you as a Data Architect, as it will enable you to create data architectures that are more efficient, scalable, and reliable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect
Application Architect
An Application Architect designs and implements software applications for organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how SD-WAN can be used to improve the performance of your applications. This will be valuable to you as an Application Architect, as it will enable you to create applications that are more efficient, reliable, and scalable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Architect
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs and implements software solutions for organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how SD-WAN can be used to improve the performance of your software applications. This will be valuable to you as a Software Engineer, as it will enable you to create software that is more efficient, reliable, and scalable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage SD-WAN projects. This will be valuable to you as a Project Manager, as it will enable you to deliver projects that are on time, on budget, and within scope.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing security measures for networks. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to secure SD-WAN networks. This will be valuable to you as a Network Security Engineer, as it will enable you to implement security measures that are more effective and efficient.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage SD-WAN networks. This will be valuable to you as a Systems Administrator, as it will enable you to manage networks that are more efficient, reliable, and secure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and networks. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot and resolve SD-WAN issues. This will be valuable to you as an IT Support Specialist, as it will enable you to provide more effective and efficient support to users.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SD-WAN Architectures: The Big Picture.
Cover image
Network Management
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of network management, covering the different protocols, tools, and techniques used to manage networks. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of network management and its applications.
Network Management
Paperback
Check
Network Management
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networking, covering the different protocols, architectures, and applications. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of computer networking and its applications.
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Paperback
Check
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Computer Networks and Internets
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of TCP/IP, including its protocols, applications, and security features. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about TCP/IP.
Computer Networks and Internets (6th Edition)
Hardcover
$$$$
Computer Networks and Internets (5th Edition)
Hardcover
$$
Computer Networks And Internets, 6Th Edition
Paperback
$$
Computer Networks & Internets Globl Ed
Paperback
$$$
Computer Networks and Internets, with Internet...
Hardcover
$$
Computer Networks & Internets
Hardcover
$$$
Computer Networks and Internets: With Internet...
Hardcover
$$
Computer Networks and Internets: With Internet...
Hardcover
$$
Computer Networks and Internets with Internet...
Paperback
$$
By Douglas E. Comer - Computer Networks & Internets...
Hardcover
$$$$
Computer Networks and Internets (Subscription)
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, covering the different threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures used to protect networks. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of network security and its applications.
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Data Communications and Networking with TCP/IP...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data communications and networking, including its technologies, protocols, and applications. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about data communications and networking.
Data Communications and Networking with TCP/IP...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Loose Leaf for Data Communications and Networking...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Cloud Application Architectures
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing, covering the different architectures, services, and applications. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of cloud computing and its applications.
Cloud Application Architectures: Building...
Paperback
$$
Cloud Application Architectures: Building...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the TCP/IP protocols, including their structure, operation, and troubleshooting. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the TCP/IP protocols.
TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols
Paperback
Check
TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Data Structures and Algorithms
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data structures and algorithms, including their design, analysis, and implementation. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about data structures and algorithms.
Data Structures and Algorithms by Aho, Alfred V....
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Design Patterns
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of design patterns, including their structure, application, and benefits. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about design patterns.
Design Patterns
Paperback
Check
Design Patterns
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Computer Programming, Volume 4B
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental algorithms, including their design, analysis, and implementation. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about fundamental algorithms.
Slipcase for The Art of Computer Programming,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms, including their design, analysis, and implementation. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about algorithms.
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Time
116 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Matt Conran
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines SD-WAN, a key networking technology
Teaches skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to industry
Suitable for learners who want to talk confidently about SD-WAN
Taught by an instructor who is a recognized expert in SD-WAN
Provides a comprehensive study of SD-WAN architectures
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