Use Cases for Unified Fabric
The following sections provide two examples for configuring an SD-WAN with HPE Aruba Networking SD-Branch and Microbranch in a Unified Fabric. Both use cases demonstrate the flexibility and robustness of using EdgeConnect devices within a hybrid network environment, where centralized orchestration of tunnels and routes is critical. The visibility and management capabilities provided by HPE Aruba Networking Central and EdgeConnect SD-WAN Orchestrator ensure that network administrators can effectively monitor and manage their network infrastructure. The use cases highlight the importance of thoughtful network design to maximize the benefits of SD-WAN architecture while addressing potential challenges.
Mergers and Acquisitions: HPE Aruba Networking SD-Branch and EdgeConnect SD-WAN in a Unified Fabric Solution
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations often face the challenge of integrating disparate network infrastructure due to mergers and acquisitions. Consider a scenario where Company A with an existing Aruba SD-Branch deployment acquires another organization Company B utilizing EdgeConnect SD-WAN network. Traditionally, this would require managing two separate SD-WAN solutions leading to increased complexity, higher cost, and potential network inefficiencies.
Two Separate SD-WAN Fabrics
With EdgeConnect now visible on HPE Aruba Networking Central as a VPNC, tunnels and routes are fully orchestrated between EdgeConnect and both SDB and MB devices in the branch. This setup allows SDB gateways to use either SD-Branch VPNCs or EdgeConnect VPNCs to establish connections to hub locations, enhancing redundancy and flexibility. The visibility of tunnels and routes is accessible through both HPE Aruba Networking Central and Orchestrator. This provides an orchestrated solution for monitoring and managing connections across a hybrid network environment.
A Unified Fabric Solution
Integrating Microbranch with EdgeConnect SD-WAN to Extend Network Scalability with Remote Locations
In a distributed business environment, enterprises need efficient ways to connect small branch offices and remote or small/home office (SOHO) locations to their corporate networks. Microbranch provides a solution for these smaller sites by offering enterprise-grade connectivity through access points managed by HPE Aruba Networking Central.
For example, small offices that need to access data center applications. With Microbranch, these sites can integrate with the existing SD-WAN fabric. HPE Aruba Networking Central manages the Microbranch access points and is aware of the EdgeConnect VPNCs. This allows Microbranch gateways to establish IPSec tunnels directly to the EdgeConnect VPNCs and extends the SD-WAN to these smaller locations.
This integration provides a scalable solution for adding new locations without significant additional infrastructure costs. An organization can maintain consistent network policies, security measures, and application performance across all locations regardless of size. The ability to connect Microbranch remote offices directly to the EdgeConnect SD-WAN ensures that even the smallest office benefits from the features of the existing network.
Integrating Microbranch and EdgeConnect SD-WAN