What does SD-WAN stand for and how is it related to FortiSASE?

The term SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. This technology represents a significant evolution in wide area networking, focusing on the ability to manage and optimize network connections over various types of transport, such as MPLS, LTE, or broadband internet. In the context of FortiSASE (Secure Access Service Edge), SD-WAN plays a crucial role as it enhances network management by intelligently directing traffic based on real-time conditions and policies that improve performance, reduce costs, and increase agility.

FortiSASE integrates SD-WAN capabilities to provide secure and reliable connectivity across the WAN while effectively supporting cloud applications and services. Through SD-WAN, FortiSASE facilitates efficient routing, bandwidth management, and ensures Quality of Service (QoS) for critical applications. This technology allows organizations to leverage cloud resources without compromising on security or performance, thus aligning with the overarching goals of FortiSASE in delivering a secure, scalable, and responsive networking solution.

This emphasis on software-defined management and the ability to dynamically steer network traffic based on various conditions is what makes the second choice particularly relevant and applicable. Other definitions presented do not accurately capture the primary functions or implications of SD-WAN technology, such as data protection, simplifying local connections, or