SASE3 min read

Enhancements to VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN: New 5G Edge and More Advanced Threat Protection Features

Chris Le
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VMware, recently acquired by Broadcom, is pleased to make three announcements around our flagship SD-WAN product that will significantly enhance security and deployment flexibility.

  • A new 5G Edge, the VMware SD-WAN Edge 710-5G, will add even more options to the VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN™ portfolio for cellular connectivity use cases.
  • The Enhanced Firewall Service of VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN introduces URL filtering and malicious IP filtering, both currently available for beta testing.
  • We’re bringing back the customer-favorite VeloCloud name for our SD-WAN and SASE products. VMware SD-WAN is now VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN, and VMware SASE is now VMware VeloCloud SASE™, secured by Symantec. To learn more, read the blog from Sanjay Uppal, Back to the Future with VeloCloud, the Intelligent Overlay for the Software-Defined Edge.

Introducing VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN Edge 710-5G

5G is revolutionizing the way enterprises approach networking functions. The VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN Edge 710-5G offers unparalleled flexibility when a fixed line isn’t available. Let’s take a deeper dive into how it could be a solution to your networking challenges.

The Edge 710-5G is ideal for use cases such as pop-up retail stores and deployments in vehicles, acting as either a primary or backup link. It consolidates branch networking functions, mirroring the capabilities of the VMware SD-WAN Edge 710-W. This Edge also combines multiple functions. Imagine having SD-WAN, firewall, router, switch, Wi-Fi and now 5G, all in one package. That’s efficiency you can count on.

The Edge 710-5G offers dual physical SIM support for 5G/LTE, and SIM failover support. If network coverage for one circuit drops, the Edge automatically switches to the other. Plus, it’s backward compatible with 3G and 4G technologies. The eSIM is already in the hardware, ready to be enabled. 

The flexible uplink configuration is a standout feature. Wireless costs can add up, especially when a failover link persists longer than it is needed. Companies can save on cellular data by using the 5G link only when the primary link is down, reverting to the primary link once it is back online. 5G connectivity can also be configured as always-on.

The 710-5G is a versatile solution that adapts to your needs while keeping costs in check. It is expected to be generally available in the second quarter of calendar 2024. Learn more about the 710-W in our blog Announcing VMware SD-WAN Edge 710: Enterprise-Class Edge Appliance for Branch Networking, Security, and AIOps

More advanced threat protection features in Enhanced Firewall Service

The Enhanced Firewall Service for VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN already offers state-of-the-art security features including intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion protection systems (IPS), application intelligence, DDoS protection, and stateful inspection. Now, we’re taking it a step further by introducing two new features: URL filtering and malicious IP filtering. Both are currently available for beta testing. These features demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protect businesses against evolving threats and ensure a resilient networking infrastructure.

The two new Enhanced Firewall features ensure that your business-critical networking infrastructure remains robust and highly available. URL filtering creates a safer digital environment across an entire infrastructure by blocking entire content categories such as gambling. The malicious IP filtering feature uses an IP reputation database to block traffic from known harmful IP addresses. This can help combat botnet attacks through early detection and blocking, providing an extra layer of security.

Enhanced Firewall already offers a range of security features—all available today—including a stateful firewall, application intelligence and control, segmentation, advanced NAT, hosted firewall logging, DDoS protection, and IDS/IPS. Combining firewall features and SD-WAN eliminates the need for a two-box solution, leading to substantial cost savings. Learn more about the Enhanced Firewall Service in our blog, Secure the Perimeter with the VMware SD-WAN Enhanced Firewall Service

Manage it all with VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator

All VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN appliances—physical and virtual—can be managed through VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator (VECO), allowing for easy configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting of edge services through a single pane of glass. VECO also manages VMware Edge Compute Stack™ for a comprehensive and well-protected edge implementation, from retail stores to factory floors to emergency vehicles. 

In short, security isn’t just an add-on at VMware by Broadcom—it’s built into everything we do. We’re here to protect your business from threats, ensure your network remains robust, and save you money in the process. Let’s build a safer digital future together.

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