Introduction
A modern business paradigm demands flexibility for a
remote distributed workforce. Distributed organizations
must deploy, configure, manage, monitor and troubleshoot
a growing number of disparate devices in branch sites.
Additionally, the rising demands of high-bandwidth
applications have created a surge in network infrastructure
that supports gigabit and multi-gigabit throughput.
High-performance switch components integrated into an
end-to-end security stack can provide a strong, unified
posture, amplify visibility and control, and enable single-
pane-of-glass (SPOG) management. A unified security
posture enables granular security controls to help identify
and prevent today’s stealthiest and never-before-seen
attacks from compromising your network.
SD-Branch Networks
Switches can play an integrated role in SD-Branch
networks, whether across distributed enterprises, large
campuses, government agency sites or even at designated
home-based office sites. SD-WAN applies software-defined
networking and virtualization to build highly available and
higher-performance WANs. By using low-cost internet
access (broadband, 3G/4G/LTE, fiber, etc.), organizations
can cost-effectively replace expensive WAN connection
technologies such as MPLS. In turn, SD-Branch integrates
SD-WAN with switches, firewalls, wireless, zero-touch
deployment and central management on a single unified
platform. This provides a rapidly scalable solution for
securing distributed branch sites.
Segmenting and Extending Networks
Network segmentation allows security administrators
to create multiple network segments, compartmentalize
internal networks and provide granular secure access.
Functioning on layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model, an
effective switch would allow administrators to segregate
traffic based on MAC addresses or VLANs and break up
the large collision domain into smaller ones. Each port on a
switch would support a separate collision domain. Being able
to easily segment devices in the network helps organizations
maintain compliance with regulatory mandates. Segregating
can be accomplished by creating policies or VLANs. For
example, features such as 802.1X authentication help
transactional businesses to maintain PCI-DSS compliance.
By integrating switches with other networking elements,
administrators can also make any wireless network an
extension of the wired network.
The Role of Switches in Today’s Distributed Networks
Why switches are a cornerstone of unified security for SD-Branch.
ABSTRACT
Today’s anywhere/anytime business model demands
secure distributed networking. Switches are a
crucial element to a unified security posture across
distributed enterprises and SD-Branch networks. The
SonicWall Switch Series delivers the core functionality
required in an effective and secure switch solution.
A modern business paradigm demands flexibility for a
remote distributed workforce. Distributed organizations
must deploy, configure, manage, monitor and troubleshoot
a growing number of disparate devices in branch sites.
Additionally, the rising demands of high-bandwidth
applications have created a surge in network infrastructure
that supports gigabit and multi-gigabit throughput.
High-performance switch components integrated into an
end-to-end security stack can provide a strong, unified
posture, amplify visibility and control, and enable single-
pane-of-glass (SPOG) management. A unified security
posture enables granular security controls to help identify
and prevent today’s stealthiest and never-before-seen
attacks from compromising your network.
SD-Branch Networks
Switches can play an integrated role in SD-Branch
networks, whether across distributed enterprises, large
campuses, government agency sites or even at designated
home-based office sites. SD-WAN applies software-defined
networking and virtualization to build highly available and
higher-performance WANs. By using low-cost internet
access (broadband, 3G/4G/LTE, fiber, etc.), organizations
can cost-effectively replace expensive WAN connection
technologies such as MPLS. In turn, SD-Branch integrates
SD-WAN with switches, firewalls, wireless, zero-touch
deployment and central management on a single unified
platform. This provides a rapidly scalable solution for
securing distributed branch sites.
Segmenting and Extending Networks
Network segmentation allows security administrators
to create multiple network segments, compartmentalize
internal networks and provide granular secure access.
Functioning on layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model, an
effective switch would allow administrators to segregate
traffic based on MAC addresses or VLANs and break up
the large collision domain into smaller ones. Each port on a
switch would support a separate collision domain. Being able
to easily segment devices in the network helps organizations
maintain compliance with regulatory mandates. Segregating
can be accomplished by creating policies or VLANs. For
example, features such as 802.1X authentication help
transactional businesses to maintain PCI-DSS compliance.
By integrating switches with other networking elements,
administrators can also make any wireless network an
extension of the wired network.
The Role of Switches in Today’s Distributed Networks
Why switches are a cornerstone of unified security for SD-Branch.
ABSTRACT
Today’s anywhere/anytime business model demands
secure distributed networking. Switches are a
crucial element to a unified security posture across
distributed enterprises and SD-Branch networks. The
SonicWall Switch Series delivers the core functionality
required in an effective and secure switch solution.
