WAN optimization is one of the techniques to improve the speed of functional tools so as to maximize the business performance and to proactively solve the problems. A WAN is a Wide Area Network which describes the network connectivity spread through a large area and in comparison to the local networks has a low bandwidth with high latency connectivity to an ISP. Improving the application response time is the main benefit that is accrued out of WAN optimization and this is essential where there is centralization of servers and IT resources. Different vendors who offer WAN optimization offer different combo of features and so before you contact a vendor, it is essential to first assess the applications that you run on your network. You also need to understand the network traffic, bandwidth subscription and the latency connectivity. When you optimize WAN, you are also saved from the cost of upgrading the band widths. While WAN optimization is done, a proper mix and match of the proper WAN resources with business requirements becomes imperative.
Due to the centralization of branch office servers and data servers, there is exposition of latency-sensitive protocols and so the slower response time. Sometimes the transfer of files and patch distribution of the operating system results in the saturation of WAN. It is required that the connections should be optimized between the centralized servers and single remote users. The customers demands in the business has also cropped up the need for integrated solutions which of course includes the optimization of traffic so that there is higher scalability and tolerance limit. In this regard various solutions in this regard has been offered by many vendors and they are offering a combination of products like adding up the Wide Optimization Controllers with ECDN (Enterprise Content deliver Network) features. ECDN alters the positioning of the contents in the cache memory and offers on-demand flow of the contents. This helps in upgrading the response time. There are WOCs which allows single PCs users to take advantage of WOC capabilities and a time is also set for the situation where one can operate without servers with the help of advanced WOCs . The remote offices can get benefited by this and such server-less branch offices will be orchestrated by the addition of features like DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and DNS (Domain Name System). The market of WOCs have been developing to such an extent that the WOC features can be integrated with other networking equipments such as routers.
Now, how it affects the business performance. Whenever you are handling a business application, this often gets delayed because of the congestion in traffic. The entry of spams also hinders the performance at times.
Although a lot of techniques are used to speed up traffic across the WAN and to increase the overall response time, a few of them are:
Shaping of applications: Here, the data usage is controlled by prioritizing the traffic and by location of the data patterns. This is applicable to both point to point leased lines and internet connections.
Proxy or Caching: This mechanism is reliable on human behaviour of retrieving the data on repeated basis which is suitable for point to point leased lines but can also be used for Internet connections and VPN tunnels.
Spoofing of protocols: This may bundle up several requests from the chatty application protocols into one. This is suitable for point to point WAN links.
Compression of data: Zips the data files and so reduces congestion in the network. This is suitable for point to point leased lines.
Prevention of gridlock: This is done by limiting the various connections so that there is prevention of access gridlock in routers and access points. Used for WAN links.
Deploying better protocols: Due to the TCP protocol, there is congestion in the traffic, so better protocols should be deployed than this.
Above all, the WAN optimization will lead to a significant enhancement of response time and network security finally improving the client's business performance.
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