Arista EdgeConnect SD-WAN
Application-aware routing, dynamic path selection, and deep integration with Arista's campus and data center switching portfolio. Delivers particular value for organizations already invested in the Arista ecosystem.
Professional Services
SD-WAN Migration and Modernization Services
Many organizations operate legacy MPLS networks or first-generation SD-WAN platforms that no longer deliver the performance, security, or cost efficiency required for modern hybrid work environments.
IVI helps enterprises plan, execute, and operationalize SD-WAN migrations with engineering depth across Arista and Cato Networks platforms.
Structured SD-WAN migration with platform-specific engineering and ongoing co-managed operations.
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WAN Modernization
Platform-specific engineering for SD-WAN migration and modernization
IVI delivers SD-WAN migration as a structured engineering engagement, not a product sale. We focus on two primary platforms based on your architecture requirements and security posture.
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 operational inefficiencies.
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 visibility into application-level performance across sites
Complex multi-vendor management without unified operational control
Platform-Specific Engineering
We focus on two primary platforms based on your architecture requirements and security posture.
Cato Networks SASE
Converged SD-WAN and security platform delivered as a cloud-native service. Purpose-built for organizations that need to consolidate SD-WAN, firewall, CASB, and ZTNA into a single platform.
How IVI Executes SD-WAN Migrations
Structured four-phase process from assessment to operational transition.
1
Discovery and Assessment
Evaluate current WAN architecture, circuit inventory, application traffic patterns, and security posture including site surveys and gap assessment.
2
Architecture and Design
Design target SD-WAN architecture including topology, security integration, QoS policies, and detailed migration plans with site prioritization.
3
Phased Deployment
Deploy in waves starting with lower-risk sites to validate design before rolling to production-critical locations with 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 Your Organization Gets
Operational capabilities delivered through SD-WAN modernization.
Application-Aware Routing
Dynamic path selection across broadband, LTE, and MPLS circuits with real-time performance optimization.
Integrated Security
Converged security through Arista edge security or Cato's SASE model with centralized policy management.
Operational Visibility
Real-time visibility into application performance and WAN health with co-managed operations through Aegis.
Outcomes
- Reduced WAN costs through broadband augmentation or MPLS replacement
- Improved SaaS and cloud application performance
- Centralized management and policy control across all branch locations
- Enhanced security posture with integrated ZTNA and microsegmentation
- Ongoing co-managed operations for continuous optimization
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 need ongoing co-managed support, not just deployment
Industry Applications
SD-WAN modernization across distributed enterprise environments
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 compliance-aligned architecture with enhanced security controls.
Healthcare
Connect clinics, hospitals, and administrative sites with consistent security policies, application prioritization for clinical systems, and HIPAA-aligned architecture.
Best Fit
Healthcare organizations 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 operational technology environments requiring secure segmentation.
Why IVI
Engineering depth with ongoing operational support
Platform-Specific Expertise
Deep engineering experience across both Arista EdgeConnect 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 through global cloud backbone.
Co-Managed Operations
Transition to Aegis co-managed services for ongoing optimization and lifecycle management.
Ongoing Support
Continuous monitoring, incident response, and configuration governance through Aegis.
Lifecycle Management
Proactive modernization and optimization to maintain operational value over time.
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 keep 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 takes 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 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 get ongoing co-managed support, not just a project handoff.
How does SD-WAN affect our security posture?
SD-WAN can significantly improve security when implemented correctly. 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 architectures.
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 the cutover scheduling with your providers.