Complete SD-WAN & Networking Glossary: A-Z Definitions
Comprehensive definitions of key terms and technologies in the SD-WAN and networking space.
A
Application-Aware Routing
The ability of SD-WAN to identify specific applications and route their traffic based on predefined policies and performance requirements. This ensures critical applications receive appropriate bandwidth and priority.
Active-Active Load Balancing
A configuration where multiple WAN connections are used simultaneously to distribute traffic, providing both increased bandwidth and redundancy. Unlike active-passive setups, all connections carry traffic continuously.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of protocols and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. In SD-WAN, APIs enable integration with cloud services and network management platforms.
B
Bandwidth Aggregation
The process of combining multiple internet connections to increase total available bandwidth and provide redundancy. SD-WAN can aggregate broadband, 4G/5G, and other connections seamlessly.
Balance Router
Peplink's series of SD-WAN appliances that provide SpeedFusion bonding, load balancing, and failover capabilities. Models include Balance 20X, 310X, 580, and 2500 for different deployment sizes.
Bonding
The process of combining multiple WAN connections into a single logical connection. Peplink's SpeedFusion bonding operates at the packet level for maximum performance and reliability.
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
The routing protocol used to exchange routing information between different networks on the internet. Enterprise SD-WAN solutions often support BGP for advanced routing scenarios.
C
Cloud-First Networking
A networking approach that prioritizes direct connectivity to cloud services rather than routing all traffic through a central hub. SD-WAN enables cloud-first architectures by providing direct internet breakout.
Cellular Failover
The automatic switching to cellular (4G/5G) connectivity when primary connections fail. Peplink devices excel at cellular integration for backup and primary connectivity scenarios.
CPE (Customer Premises Equipment)
Network equipment located at the customer's site, such as routers, modems, and SD-WAN appliances. Peplink Balance routers are examples of SD-WAN CPE devices.
D
DPI (Deep Packet Inspection)
A network analysis technique that examines packet contents beyond basic header information. SD-WAN uses DPI for application identification, security filtering, and traffic optimization.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
A network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration to devices. SD-WAN appliances typically include DHCP server functionality for local networks.
E
Edge Computing
Computing infrastructure located close to data sources and users, reducing latency and bandwidth usage. SD-WAN provides the connectivity foundation for edge computing deployments.
Ethernet
A family of wired networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LANs). Most SD-WAN appliances include multiple Ethernet ports for WAN and LAN connectivity.
F
Failover
The automatic switching from a primary connection to a backup connection when the primary fails. SD-WAN provides sub-second failover capabilities across multiple connection types.
FusionHub
Peplink's virtual SpeedFusion endpoint that runs on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) or on-premises servers. FusionHub enables centralized connectivity and creates hub-and-spoke network topologies.
Forward Error Correction (FEC)
A technique used by Peplink's SpeedFusion to add redundant data to transmissions, allowing the receiver to detect and correct errors without retransmission. Particularly useful for lossy connections.
Firewall
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Modern SD-WAN solutions include integrated next-generation firewall capabilities.
G
Gateway
A network device that connects different networks and routes traffic between them. SD-WAN gateways provide secure connectivity between sites and cloud services.
H
Hot Failover
Peplink's technology that enables sub-second switching between WAN connections while maintaining active sessions. Unlike traditional failover, Hot Failover keeps connections alive during path changes.
Hub-and-Spoke
A network topology where remote sites (spokes) connect through a central location (hub). Traditional MPLS networks use this model, while SD-WAN can support both hub-and-spoke and mesh topologies.
I
IPsec
Internet Protocol Security - a suite of protocols used to secure internet communications through encryption and authentication. SD-WAN commonly uses IPsec to create secure tunnels between sites.
InControl
Peplink's cloud-based management platform that provides centralized configuration, monitoring, and management of Peplink devices. Enables zero-touch provisioning and fleet-wide policy deployment.
Internet Breakout
The practice of routing internet-bound traffic directly from branch locations rather than backhauling through a central hub. SD-WAN enables secure local internet breakout for better cloud performance.
IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)
A security system that monitors network traffic for malicious activity and can take action to block threats. Modern SD-WAN solutions include integrated IPS capabilities.
J
Jitter
Variation in packet delay that can affect real-time applications like voice and video. SD-WAN solutions use techniques like WAN Smoothing to reduce jitter and improve application performance.
L
Latency
The time delay between sending and receiving data across a network. SD-WAN optimizes latency through intelligent path selection and direct cloud connectivity.
Load Balancing
The distribution of network traffic across multiple connections or servers to optimize performance and prevent overload. Peplink devices provide intelligent load balancing across multiple WAN connections.
LTE (Long Term Evolution)
A standard for wireless broadband communication, commonly known as 4G. Many SD-WAN appliances include integrated LTE modems for cellular connectivity and backup.
M
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
A traditional WAN technology that routes traffic between sites using private carrier networks. While reliable, MPLS is expensive and poorly suited for cloud applications compared to SD-WAN solutions.
Micro-segmentation
A security practice that creates small, isolated network segments to limit the spread of security threats. SD-WAN enables micro-segmentation through software-defined policies.
Mesh Network
A network topology where each node connects to multiple other nodes, providing redundant paths and improved reliability. SD-WAN can create secure mesh networks between sites.
N
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
An advanced firewall that provides application awareness, intrusion prevention, and advanced threat protection beyond traditional port-based filtering. Integrated into modern SD-WAN solutions.
Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
The virtualization of network services traditionally provided by dedicated hardware appliances. SD-WAN leverages NFV to deliver multiple network functions through software.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
A method of mapping private IP addresses to public IP addresses, allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP. SD-WAN appliances typically include NAT functionality.
O
Overlay Network
A virtual network built on top of existing physical network infrastructure. SD-WAN creates overlay networks that abstract the underlying transport connections.
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
A routing protocol used within networks to determine the best path for data transmission. Enterprise SD-WAN solutions often support OSPF for advanced routing scenarios.
P
Packet Loss
The failure of data packets to reach their destination, often caused by network congestion or connection issues. SD-WAN solutions use techniques like Forward Error Correction to mitigate packet loss.
Path Selection
The process of choosing the best route for network traffic based on factors like latency, bandwidth, and connection quality. SD-WAN provides intelligent, dynamic path selection.
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
A technology that delivers electrical power and data over Ethernet cables. Some SD-WAN appliances support PoE for powering connected devices like access points.
Q
Quality of Service (QoS)
Network traffic management techniques that prioritize certain types of traffic to ensure optimal performance for critical applications. SD-WAN provides sophisticated QoS capabilities across multiple connection types.
R
Redundancy
The inclusion of extra components or connections to prevent system failure. SD-WAN provides built-in redundancy through multiple WAN connections and automatic failover.
Router
A network device that forwards data packets between networks. SD-WAN routers like Peplink Balance series provide advanced routing, bonding, and security features.
S
SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Network - a networking approach that uses software control to manage WAN connections across multiple transport services. Provides cost savings, improved performance, and enhanced security over traditional WAN technologies.
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)
A network architecture that combines SD-WAN capabilities with cloud-delivered security services. SASE provides unified connectivity and security from a single platform, representing the evolution of SD-WAN technology.
SLA (Service Level Agreement)
A contract that defines the level of service expected from a provider, including uptime guarantees, response times, and performance metrics. Quality SD-WAN providers offer 99.9% uptime SLAs.
SpeedFusion
Peplink's patented WAN bonding technology that combines multiple internet connections at the packet level. SpeedFusion provides bandwidth aggregation, automatic failover, and Forward Error Correction for unbreakable connectivity.
SSL/TLS
Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security - cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over networks. SD-WAN solutions use SSL/TLS for secure management interfaces and VPN connections.
SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)
A smart card that stores subscriber information for cellular networks. SD-WAN appliances with cellular capabilities use SIM cards to connect to mobile networks for backup or primary connectivity.
T
Throughput
The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given time period. SD-WAN can increase throughput by bonding multiple connections together.
Tunnel
An encrypted connection between two points over a public network. SD-WAN creates secure tunnels between sites using protocols like IPsec or proprietary technologies like SpeedFusion.
U
Uptime
The amount of time a system or service is operational and available. SD-WAN providers typically guarantee 99.9% uptime through redundant connections and automatic failover capabilities.
UTM (Unified Threat Management)
A comprehensive security approach that combines multiple security functions in a single appliance. Many SD-WAN solutions include UTM capabilities for integrated network protection.
V
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A technology that creates secure, encrypted connections over public networks. While traditional VPNs are point-to-point, SD-WAN creates a mesh of VPN connections between all sites automatically.
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
A method of creating separate logical networks within a single physical network infrastructure. SD-WAN can extend VLANs across multiple sites securely.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Technology that enables voice communication over internet connections. SD-WAN provides QoS features to ensure high-quality VoIP performance across WAN connections.
W
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A network that connects multiple geographically dispersed locations. Traditional WANs rely on MPLS or point-to-point connections, while SD-WAN provides software-defined connectivity.
WAN Optimization
Techniques used to improve WAN performance through traffic compression, caching, and protocol optimization. Many SD-WAN solutions include built-in WAN optimization capabilities.
WAN Smoothing
Peplink's technology that reduces jitter and packet loss by buffering and reordering packets across bonded connections. Particularly beneficial for real-time applications like voice and video.
WiFi
Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to networks without cables. Many SD-WAN appliances include integrated WiFi capabilities for local wireless connectivity.
Z
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
A security model that requires verification for every user and device attempting to access network resources, regardless of their location. Modern SD-WAN solutions implement zero trust principles for enhanced security.
Zero-Touch Provisioning
The ability to deploy and configure network equipment remotely without requiring technical staff at the deployment location. SD-WAN appliances can be shipped directly to sites and configured automatically.
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