AWS Cloud WAN: Connecting Complex Environments to the Cloud

Addressing Cloud Network Complexity with AWS Cloud WAN

Organizations frequently encounter significant hurdles during cloud migration. Managing networks becomes increasingly difficult as complexity and geographical distribution increase. To address this, Amazon has unveiled AWS Cloud WAN, a solution designed to deliver software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) capabilities within the AWS ecosystem.

The Growing Challenges of Global Networking

Werner Vogels, Amazon’s chief technology officer, highlighted the escalating complexities associated with managing a global network as Amazon’s services have expanded. He stated that connecting numerous offices to the cloud remains a substantial undertaking, even with existing infrastructure.

Vogels explained that Amazon initiated an investigation into methods for assisting AWS customers in overcoming these challenges. “We began to consider how we could empower our customers to navigate the considerable effort required when maintaining a geographically extensive network connected to the cloud,” he shared with attendees at AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas.

How AWS Cloud WAN Simplifies Network Management

AWS Cloud WAN provides the functionality to construct, administer, and oversee global traffic across a wide area network utilizing AWS resources. Users can specify the desired AWS regions and the offices or facilities they intend to connect.

Once configured, remote users, sites, and data centers are automatically linked to the nearest AWS location. This connection is established via VPN or Direct Connect, leveraging the AWS backbone to deliver a robust and highly available SD-WAN solution. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Availability

This new feature is currently available in preview and is being rolled out across multiple regions globally.

Here's a breakdown of the key benefits:

• Simplified Management: Streamlines the process of building and managing global networks.
• Automated Connectivity: Automatically connects users and sites to the optimal AWS location.
• High Reliability: Leverages the AWS backbone for a highly reliable and available network.
• Rapid Deployment: Network setup can be completed in minutes.