Which SD WAN Vendor for Virgin Media Business

When considering Virgin Media's UK connectivity, businesses will need to determine the most appropriate SD-WAN solution to pair with it. We would recommend 4 SD-WAN & SASE vendor choices due to their ideal functionality for use with Virgin Media Business.

1. Versa SD-WAN and SASE: Default option for Virgin Managed Services with all-round SD-WAN and SASE capability.
2. Meraki SD-WAN and SASE: Companies might select Meraki for its integration of CCTV and Wi-Fi capability with full WAN and LAN capabilities.
3. Fortinet SD-WAN and SASE: Businesses may opt for Fortinet for its advanced security features, high performance ASIC hardware  and scalable network architecture.
4. VeloCloud SD-WAN and SASE: VeloCloud is a preferred choice for companies seeking a cloud-optimised networking solution.

In this article we'll explore the differences between these vendors and what their unique offerings mean for your business.

As some readers will know, Versa Networks is the default option for Virgin customers with managed services needs but there are a number of customers with existing SD-WAN vendor edge hardware which prohibits the business from opting for Versa.

Below: Versa, Meraki, Fortinet and VeloCloud are deployed using Virgin Internet underlay services.

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Virgin Media Business and Versa Networks SD-WAN

The default SD-WAN vendor for Virgin Media Business, Versa Networks is recognised for their fully-managed SD-WAN multi-tenancy capabilities, which segregates and manages network resources across departments or branches within an organisation. The Versa network segregation feature is suited to businesses that operate on a large scale or have multiple operational units, allowing for branches to quickly be brought online (when compared to both traditional WAN networks and other SD-WAN solutions for Virgin Media Business).

Due to being the default vendor option, Versa Networks’ SD-WAN solution achieves this by integrating the most easily with Virgin Media Business’ network infrastructure. This ease is emphasised by enabling complex enterprise requirements, such as Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) functionalities for efficient branch device monitoring and support for redundant controllers for high-availability network access.

With branch connectivity in mind, organisations will typically be concerned about the deployment flexibility of Versa Networks with Virgin Media Business, especially when considering that not all organisations are deploying at the same growth stages or with similar network demands. Virgin have specifically chosen to use Versa for this reason as the cost-effective nature means there is alignment with the SME market but also, given Versa’s broad feature set, there are more advanced capabilities in order to cater for larger enterprises too.

One of the main benefits of using Versa with Virgin Media Business is that Versa fully integrates Virgin’s underlay and security functions into a single, easy to consume solution. This integrated approach helps businesses consolidate their network infrastructure and reduce the complexity associated with managing multiple standalone products, creating full visibility into network activity at the application level through a centralised dashboard.

In terms of WAN Edge Routing, Versa Networks virtualised network functions (VNFs) are deployed on their cost-effective commodity appliances. This method offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional hardware-based routing solutions, which again ensures there is a good ROI for businesses moving from more costly solutions such as MPLS or VPLS. To complement this, Virgin Media Business SD-WAN connectivity options, range from 4G to Ethernet, with bandwidth options up to 5Gbps. This flexibility allows businesses to optimise their network based on specific requirements, including the removal of expensive underlays where cheaper, aggregated underlay can be used in its place.

Virgin Media Business and Versa Networks SASE Security

Versa Networks' SASE solution integrates networking and security functions into a single Virgin product. The solution is combined with Virgin to consolidate network security functions across firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention systems with SD-WAN capabilities.

The SASE solution from Versa Networks is designed with agility and cost efficiency as the primary solution objective. Versa SASE offers multi-tenancy, multiple services, elasticity, and zero-touch provisioning, which are essential for businesses requiring a consolidated SD-WAN and Cybersecurity offering.

If you're already a Virgin Media Business customer, the integration of Versa Networks' SD-WAN and SASE solutions can offer significant value. Virgin Media Business provides an end-to-end SD-WAN service, partnering with Versa Networks to deliver a comprehensive package that includes both the network underlay and software overlay. This partnership ensures efficient deployment and a cohesive service, eliminating the complexities often associated with managing connectivity, hardware, and software from different suppliers.

Versa alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services

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Virgin Media and Cisco Meraki SD-WAN

Now integrating the new Meraki Umbrella SD-WAN Connector, Cisco Meraki SD-WAN offers Virgin Media Business customers with more advanced network management capabilities. Cisco Meraki's SD-WAN solution is recognised for its approach to managing wide area networks that can be beneficial for Virgin Media Business customers and to bolster offerings, the Meraki solution provides access for businesses connecting users to both public and private cloud environments or data centres.

As with Versa’s solution, whilst improving both of the WAN and cloud connectivity, the integration of Meraki’s security options (both on-premises and cloud-based) aligns well with the varied security needs of Virgin Media Business clients. Meraki is backed, not only by the Umbrella SD-WAN connector, but by Cisco Talos for security. Talos is essential for Virgin Media Business customers that prioritise advanced security measures, through the integration of advanced layer-7 firewall protection, Cisco AMP, DLP, and other security features, Meraki further enhances Virgin's network defence capabilities. The Machine Learning (ML) powered insights for application experience degradation offer Virgin Media Business customers a proactive approach to maintaining optimal network performance.

Another feature powered by machine learning is the Meraki analytics feature, which can provide deep insights into application performance across network segments. This is essential for Virgin Media Business customers who require consistent monitoring and optimisation of network performance. Meraki is known for ease of use, demonstrated by the three-clicks-to-secure SD-WAN feature, simplifying network security across Virgin Broadband and Leased Lines. Meraki also offers the ability to build resilient connectivity through integrated wired, cellular WAN, switching, and Wi-Fi, and to optimise traffic over all available paths.

Virgin Media and Cisco Meraki SASE Security

Cisco+ Secure Connect offers secure connectivity that is particularly beneficial for Virgin Media Business customers with a hybrid workforce. The solution is focussed on building greater network resiliency and strengthening security posture aligns with the security and operational needs of for Virgin customers. The ability to safely connect users across any service point ensures secure access in various operational environments, a key requirement for businesses with distributed workforces with remote access.

The unified IT experience provided by Cisco+ Secure Connect simplifies the management of network security and connectivity, reducing the complexity typically associated with these tasks. The dynamic and resilient network created by the solution secures the hybrid workforce via a single solution on a unified platform to improve the security posture with continuous visibility into threats.

Meraki with Virgin offers a simplified path to SASE to unite networking and security delivered from the cloud in a single solution making the transition to SASE accessible for Virgin Media Business customers. The scalability and ease of deployment is backed by Cisco Meraki's global network partners to ensure that the solution can support a wide range of network sizes and complexities. The enhanced security and productivity includes faster onboarding of remote workers and secured access for all applications across multiple locations, are a great fit for Virgin Media Business customers looking to improve their network security and operational efficiency in a hybrid working environment.

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Virgin Media and Fortinet SD-WAN

Arguably the most security-focused solution in this article, Fortinet's SD-WAN solution integrates advanced routing, automated WAN path control, and simplified orchestration to quickly deploy across Virgin Internet connectivity. This makes Fortinet the ideal choice for Virgin Media Business customers with strict security requirements. With the Fortinet centralised management console, Virgin customer's can easily control and view visibility across their underlay services, as well as managed security features at every network edge.

Fortinet advanced routing and automated WAN path control supports traffic management and optimal path selection. Their Fortinet capability is beneficial for Virgin Media Business customers the solution offers automatic adjustments to network changes to consistent application performance. With Virgin underlay, Fortinet simplifies orchestration and centralised management via their unified management interface. This is a really nice advantage for Virgin Media Business customers managing extensive network environments resulting in easy configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of their networks.

Fortinet SD-WAN the integrates  intrinsic security features, including next-generation firewall capabilities. With their strong Firewall features, the application steering and performance capabilities of the solution ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and resources.

Virgin Media and Fortinet SASE Security

Fortinet's SASE solution combines networking and security services to provide comprehensive protection. Virgin Media Business customers with remote work and cloud-based service requirements are a good fit for Fortinet's SASE capability. Fortinet access to cloud-based services includes AI-powered secure web gateway, zero-trust network access, cloud access security broker, and Firewall-as-a-Service.

The single-vendor SASE approach integrates cloud-delivered SD-WAN connectivity with cloud-delivered security service edge, which extends the convergence of networking and security. The overall approach benefits Virgin Media Business customers by providing a unified solution that simplifies management and enhances security. Fortinet with Virgin offers control, visibility, and analytics offered by their user interface with unified network and security visibility, making it easier for businesses to monitor and manage their security posture. This feature is needed for Virgin Media Business customers requiring detailed insights into their network and security status, such as for regulatory compliance and audit trails.

Real-time threat protection counters threats with FortiGuard AI-powered Security Services, offering Virgin Media Business customers advanced protection capabilities. The support for secure internet access, private access, and SaaS application access meets the demands of businesses with remote or hybrid work models. Virgin Media Business customers can provide their employees with secure and reliable access to necessary resources, regardless of their location. The Fortinet Universal ZTNA feature enables consistent application access control in all locations, which maintains security and compliance in a distributed workforce environment.

Fortinet's SD-WAN and SASE solutions offer a range of features that significantly benefit Virgin Media Business customers, particularly in terms of enhanced network performance, security, and the ability to support a hybrid workforce.

FortiSASE alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services

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Virgin Media and VeloCloud SD-WAN

The final vendor in this article, VMware offers VeloCloud, a Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN which is noted for their early adoption of cloud-based delivery. Given that Virgin Media Business is increasingly supporting cloud dependencies and distributed workforces, VMware is therefore the most ideal solution for using Virgin Media Business for cloud applications and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). VeloCloud integrates both virtual and physical appliances to connect various company locations through broadband Internet access or MPLS, with this overlay capability incorporates both private clouds (e.g. AWS) and SaaS applications such as Office 365.

The architecture of VeloCloud's solution is comprised of four key components:

• Gateways: Deliver network services from the cloud, optimising data paths to data centres, branches, and web applications.
• Edges: Zero-touch appliance that ensures connectivity to applications, manages Quality of Service (QoS), and hosts VNF services.
• The Orchestrator: Centralises the installation, monitoring, and configuration of the enterprise-wide SD-WAN, which manages the network's data flow.
• The Controller

VeloCloud's platform is best suited for hybrid and remote workforces, due to being designed to enable cloud platforms, especially when used alongside Virgin Media Business underlay. VeloCloud also reduces the complexity of service provider networks, lower operating costs, and provide control through a single user interface. This approach is beneficial for operators and MSPs via differentiated services over broadband or alongside MPLS. The architecture includes cloud gateways, a service delivery layer, and an orchestration layer. VeloCloud cloud gateways consist of a global network that sits atop the underlying transport, while the service delivery layer includes network services - i.e. QoS and firewalls. The orchestration layer focuses on visualisation, network service insertion and business policy automation.

VeloCloud's SD-WAN models are available in two types: Over The Top (OTT) and network integrated. The OTT model offers a lightweight, versatile WAN solution that is transport-agnostic, suitable for Virgin Broadband and Leased Lines. The network integrated model provides multi-tenant virtual gateways deployed in data centres and service provider networks to ensure optimal access to cloud-based applications and on-demand bandwidth.

Virgin Media and VeloCloud SASE Security

VeloCloud's SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) integrates networking and network security services into a single, cloud-delivered service model. Their integration is designed to support the dynamic secure access needs of Virgin customers, especially businesses with a significant presence in the cloud and a distributed workforce.

VeloCloud's SASE provides secure and optimised connectivity to cloud applications. This capability  is achieved through a combination of advanced networking and security functions, which work together to ensure that data and applications are securely accessible regardless of the user's location. The VeloCloud solutions is particularly relevant for Virgin's customers which rely heavily on cloud services and have remote or home office employees. VeloCloud converge networking and security services by reducing the complexity associated with managing multiple standalone products.

VeloCloud's SASE security posture offers advanced threat protection, secure web gateway, and firewall capabilities. Virgin customers are protected against a wide range of cyber threats to maintain a high level of security as they adopt cloud services and support a distributed workforce.

For customers of Virgin Media Business, the integration of VeloCloud's SASE solution can offer significant advantages. Virgin Media Business provides SOGEA, FTTP and leased line internet connectivity options, which is combined with VeloCloud's SASE results in a secure network infrastructure. The partnership is particularly advantageous for businesses that require reliable and high-performance connectivity to support their cloud-based applications and services.

Lastly, VeloCloud's SASE solution presents a unified approach to networking and security, offering features that are well-suited to Virgin clients with cloud-centric operations and distributed workforces.

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How to select an SD-WAN vendor for Virgin Media

When selecting an SD-WAN vendor for Virgin Media Business, decision makers should consider various factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with existing services.