300-420 Question 150
Single answerAn enterprise network connects branch offices to the data center using a traditional MPLS WAN. The organization is considering migrating to a hybrid WAN architecture with MPLS and Internet links while leveraging SD-WAN. Which benefit of SD-WAN is particularly relevant in this scenario to justify the migration?
- A
Improved application performance through dynamic path selection
- B
Lower latency compared to MPLS circuits
- C
Simplified VLAN configuration across the WAN
- D
Directly reducing the need for physical routers at branch offices
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The primary benefit of SD-WAN in a hybrid WAN environment is its ability to improve application performance by dynamically selecting the best path for traffic based on real-time conditions. This optimizes the use of both MPLS and Internet links, ensuring a better user experience and more efficient WAN utilization.
- A. Correct.
SD-WAN provides dynamic path selection, allowing traffic to be routed over the best available link (MPLS or Internet) for improved application performance. This is a key advantage in hybrid WAN architectures.
- B. Incorrect.
While SD-WAN can leverage Internet circuits, which might have lower latency in some cases, MPLS often offers better latency guarantees. SD-WAN's primary benefit is not inherently lower latency.
- C. Incorrect.
Simplified VLAN configuration is not a direct benefit of SD-WAN. This is more related to LAN technologies or software-defined access solutions.
- D. Incorrect.
SD-WAN does not eliminate the need for physical routers at branch offices; rather, it works by abstracting and optimizing WAN management while still utilizing edge devices.