VMware (VeloCloud) Hands-on test and review
I started testing VMware SD-WAN by exploring the portal interface. The first step was to define the business policies to steer traffic based on the priority of different applications by identifying SaaS applications used by branch-office sites and remote users.
Once traffic steering was configured, the process enabled automatic routing adjustments in real-time as VMware optimises the application performance even under conditions of fluctuating network packet loss. VMware's demo environment intelligently direct traffic across multiple links measures the real-time conditions of the network, with dynamic routing of traffic via the most optimal path (Broadband, 4G, 5G or leased line).
I also tested VMware's impact on SaaS application performance. The built-in performance monitoring tools provided metrics related to latency, jitter, and packet loss before and after VMware SD-WAN implementation. These tools offered quantifiable evidence of VMware's capacity to improve application performance.
Below: VMware is capable of displaying quality scores based on QoE (Quality of Experience).
VMware SASE offers access to their global network of POP locations (VMware gateways). Within my test, I connected to the nearest POP in the UK and registered with VMware's Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) server, which pushed down the required profiles and configurations. The rules defined specific access policies for allowed and blocked websites, which demonstrated the ability of VMware SASE to block access to certain websites as per the configured policies to secure branch-offices and remote users.
Network management is simplified through the VMware dashboard, which gave me a central view of the entire network. VMware Zero-touch offers the ability to oversee branch deployments without having to physically manage routing equipment on-premises.
Below: VMware SD-WAN edge devices are easily viewed in map format.
The hands-on test of VMware SD-WAN demonstrated ease of deployment and the measurable improvements in network performance and application responsiveness.
VMware's SD-WAN has seen significant evolutions since 2016. The solution was initially thought of as a cost effective basic SD-WAN, but by 2017, VMware was recognised for unique features such as Dynamic Multi-Path.
A shift in the business model occurred in 2019 when VMware started selling through Service Providers. By 2021, service providers leverage VMware's ability to clearly show the Quality of Experience (QoE) and underlay link state based on real traffic.
In 2022, VMware introduced features for firmware upgrades, focussing on improving reliability and uptime. As of 2023, the market was noting that VMware's custom-built Dell appliances offered high performance and uptime.
