Arista SD-WAN
Application-aware routing, dynamic path selection, and deep integration with Arista's campus and data center switching portfolio. Ideal for organizations already invested in the Arista ecosystem.
Network Infrastructure
SD-WAN Migration and Modernization Services
Many organizations operate legacy MPLS or first-generation SD-WAN platforms that no longer meet the performance, security, or cost requirements of modern hybrid work environments. IVI helps enterprises plan, execute, and operationalize SD-WAN migrations with engineering depth focused on Arista and Cato Networks platforms.
Structured SD-WAN migrations with engineering depth and co-managed operational transition.
Migration Approach
Purpose-built platform selection with structured implementation
IVI delivers SD-WAN migration as a structured engineering engagement, not a product sale. We focus on two primary platforms based on your architecture and security requirements.
The Reality of Legacy WAN Architectures
Traditional MPLS networks were purpose-built for hub-and-spoke traffic patterns where all traffic backhauled through a central data center. With the shift to SaaS, cloud workloads, and distributed workforces, these architectures create performance bottlenecks and unnecessary operational overhead.
High MPLS circuit costs with restrictive contract terms
Poor SaaS application performance due to traffic backhauling
Fragmented security policies across branch and cloud environments
Limited telemetry into application-level performance across sites
Complex multi-vendor management with no unified operational model
Platform Selection
We focus on two primary platforms based on your architecture and security requirements.
Cato Networks SASE
Converged SD-WAN and security platform delivered as a cloud-native service. Purpose-built for organizations that want to consolidate SD-WAN, firewall, CASB, and ZTNA into a single platform.
How IVI Delivers SD-WAN Migrations
Our migration process follows four operational phases.
1
Discovery and Assessment
Evaluate current WAN architecture, circuit inventory, application traffic patterns, and security posture. Includes site surveys, traffic analysis, and gap assessment.
2
Architecture and Design
Design target SD-WAN architecture including topology, security integration, QoS policies, high availability, and cloud connectivity with detailed migration plans.
3
Phased Deployment
Deploy in waves, starting with lower-risk sites to validate design before rolling to production-critical locations. Each wave includes configuration, testing, and cutover coordination.
4
Operational Transition
Transition environment into Aegis co-managed services model for ongoing monitoring, incident response, configuration management, and lifecycle governance.
What Organizations Achieve
Operational outcomes from SD-WAN modernization.
Application-Aware Routing
Dynamic path selection across broadband, LTE, and MPLS circuits with real-time performance optimization.
Integrated Security
Unified security through Arista edge security or Cato's converged SASE model with centralized policy management.
Operational Visibility
Real-time observability into application performance and WAN health with co-managed operations through Aegis.
Outcomes
- Reduced WAN costs through broadband augmentation or MPLS replacement
- Improved application performance with dynamic path selection
- Centralized management and policy control across all branch locations
- Integrated security with ZTNA capabilities
- Co-managed operations for ongoing optimization and platform currency
Best Fit Organizations
- Organizations spending more than $50K per month on MPLS circuits
- Companies with 20 or more branch or retail locations
- Teams migrating from legacy Cisco IWAN, Silver Peak, or Meraki SD-WAN
- Environments requiring integrated security and ZTNA at the branch
- Organizations that want ongoing co-managed support, not just deployment
Industry Applications
SD-WAN modernization across distributed environments
Recommendation: keep to one or two short sentences.
Retail and Hospitality
Standardize connectivity and security across hundreds of distributed locations with centralized policy management and rapid site deployment capabilities.
Best Fit
Organizations with large numbers of branch locations requiring consistent connectivity and security.
Financial Services
Meet compliance requirements while improving branch connectivity, application performance, and security posture across distributed offices.
Best Fit
Organizations requiring regulatory compliance with distributed branch networks.
Healthcare
Connect clinics, hospitals, and administrative sites with consistent security policies, application prioritization for clinical systems, and HIPAA-aligned architecture.
Best Fit
Healthcare organizations with multiple facilities requiring HIPAA compliance and clinical application prioritization.
Manufacturing and Distribution
Link production facilities, warehouses, and logistics operations with reliable, high-performance connectivity and OT-safe segmentation.
Best Fit
Organizations with industrial environments requiring OT segmentation and reliable connectivity.
Why IVI
Engineering depth with co-managed operational transition
Platform Expertise
Deep engineering expertise in both Arista SD-WAN and Cato Networks SASE platforms.
Arista Integration
Tight integration with Arista campus and data center switching for unified network operations.
Cato SASE
Converged SD-WAN and security delivered as cloud-native service with global backbone.
Co-Managed Operations
Transition to Aegis co-managed services for ongoing optimization and lifecycle management.
Operational Continuity
Seamless transition from project deployment to ongoing co-managed operations.
Lifecycle Management
Continuous platform currency and optimization through Aegis LM services.
Heading
A popup in HTML refers to a small window that appears on top of a web page. It's commonly used to display additional information, alerts, or interactive content without navigating away from the current page.
Related Resources
Related Resources
Review related solution pages, supporting materials, and additional resources that help explain where this solution fits and how it can be applied.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SD-WAN migration and modernization services.
Can we maintain some MPLS circuits during the migration?
Yes. Most IVI SD-WAN deployments run MPLS and broadband in parallel during the transition period. We design hybrid overlays that use MPLS for latency-sensitive traffic while offloading bulk and SaaS traffic to broadband or direct internet access circuits.
How long does a typical SD-WAN migration take?
Timeline depends on site count and complexity. A 20-site deployment typically requires 8-12 weeks from design completion to final cutover. Larger deployments with 100 or more sites are phased over 4-6 months.
Do we have to choose between Arista and Cato?
Not necessarily. IVI evaluates both platforms against your operational requirements and recommends the best fit. In some cases, organizations use Arista SD-WAN for campus-heavy environments and Cato SASE for cloud-first or globally distributed use cases.
What happens after deployment?
IVI transitions the environment into our Aegis co-managed services model. This includes Aegis PM for observability, Aegis IR for incident response, Aegis CM for configuration governance, and Aegis LM for lifecycle management. You maintain operational ownership with co-managed support, not a project handoff.
How does SD-WAN affect our security posture?
SD-WAN can significantly improve security when implemented with proper architecture. With Cato, security is built into the fabric. With Arista, we integrate edge security and can layer on ZTNA and microsegmentation. Either approach delivers more consistent policy enforcement than fragmented legacy implementations.
What about cloud connectivity?
Both Arista and Cato support direct cloud on-ramps to AWS, Azure, and GCP. We design cloud connectivity as part of the SD-WAN architecture so branch-to-cloud traffic doesn't backhaul through the data center.
Does IVI handle circuit procurement and coordination?
We coordinate with circuit providers during the migration but do not procure circuits directly. We help you evaluate broadband, DIA, and LTE options and manage cutover scheduling with your providers.