As enterprise networks expand across global locations, hybrid work, and multi-cloud environments, IT leaders are responsible for delivering fast, secure, and predictable connectivity everywhere. Traditional WAN architectures, once reliable for static branch-to-datacenter traffic, cannot support modern cloud and AI-driven workloads efficiently. This is where Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and similar solutions are reshaping enterprise networking strategies, helping organizations unify connectivity, security, and intelligence under one architecture.
The Challenge: Managing a Distributed Network
Today’s enterprise networks span multiple clouds, thousands of users, and vast data ecosystems. As your organization integrates more SaaS applications, IoT endpoints, and AI workloads, the challenge grows: how do you maintain control and security across all connections?
Many organizations are finding that traditional WAN architectures struggle to keep up with the increasing demand for secure, high-quality access to cloud applications and data. As workloads move closer to the edge, SD-WAN has become the foundation for connecting users, devices, and data in a way that supports growth and operational consistency.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN: Performance Backed by Proven Results
In independent tests by Miercom, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN demonstrated 25% stronger security efficacy compared to the industry average across leading SD-WAN solutions.
The evaluation covered malware detection, phishing defense, and throughput performance under both Direct Internet Access (DIA) and Secure SD-WAN Overlay configurations.
Key findings include:
- 98% malware detection efficacy across both Catalyst and Meraki WAN appliances
- 95–99% success rate in blocking phishing and malicious URLs on day 0 exposure
- 100% threat prevention upon retest within 72 hours
- Zero application transaction failures in performance throughput testing
These results show why choosing a trusted Cisco partner matters. Cisco’s combination of AI-powered threat intelligence, next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, and unified policy management enables enterprise IT leaders to implement consistent protections from the datacenter to the branch and even to home offices without trade-offs in network performance.
Secure SD-WAN Solutions for Modern Enterprise Needs
SD-WAN solutions have become essential for aligning your business objectives with network operations. Cisco’s approach extends beyond connectivity and integrates advanced security features such as intrusion prevention, URL filtering, and application-aware firewalls within the same platform.
Through integration with Cisco Umbrella and ThousandEyes, IT teams gain deep network and application telemetry for proactive issue detection and policy enforcement. This translates to predictable user experiences across SaaS platforms such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Webex.
Moreover, the latest Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN platforms, such as the 8200 and 8300 series, deliver high-throughput encrypted tunnels using IPsec, ensuring data integrity without latency compromises. Miercom’s enterprise application mix (EMIX) testing confirmed exceptional throughput for both encrypted and unencrypted traffic, demonstrating reliability even under demanding workloads.
Accelerating the Path to AI-Driven Networking
Enterprises are increasingly exploring the best AI infrastructure consulting and integration services to automate network operations and accelerate digital transformation. SD-WAN is now a foundational enabler of AI-powered decision-making, helping your teams leverage predictive analytics for routing optimization, threat mitigation, and service assurance.
As your AI infrastructure partner, Cisco integrates machine learning into its SD-WAN fabric to identify traffic anomalies, adapt to performance shifts, and prioritize mission-critical workloads automatically. This intelligence can accelerate AI time to value, reducing manual troubleshooting and freeing your teams to focus on business innovation.
By deploying SD-WAN in conjunction with AI-based management, enterprises gain control over application policies and security postures across all edges, ensuring that your organization can scale innovation without compromising reliability or compliance.
Partnering for Long-Term Success
Partnering with the right Cisco partner is essential to realizing the full potential of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN. As an experienced technology integrator and Cisco partner, WEI brings deep expertise in designing and deploying enterprise-grade networking solutions that align with your organization’s long-term goals. WEI helps simplify deployment and configuration while ensuring your SD-WAN strategy supports broader business objectives
Through guided workflows and innovative configuration templates, Cisco’s architecture minimizes human error and accelerates deployment timelines. For enterprise decision-makers, this means faster time to deployment, consistent protection across users and sites, and a network ready for the next generation of applications.
Final Thoughts
Your organization’s network is the backbone of every digital initiative. Modern SD-WAN solutions like Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN empower IT leaders to simplify management, strengthen security, and deliver reliable connectivity across an increasingly distributed enterprise.
At WEI, we specialize in designing and deploying enterprise-grade SD-WAN environments with a focus on security, resilience, and future readiness. As an experienced Cisco partner, WEI offers deep technical expertise, AI infrastructure consulting for enterprises, and proven strategies to help you accelerate AI time to value through intelligent networking.
Contact us today to explore how our tailored Cisco SD-WAN deployments can transform your network into a secure, AI-ready foundation for innovation.
Next Steps: As businesses undergo digital transformation, the need for updated corporate networks and IT architectures becomes critical. Cisco ACI aids this shift by providing a network foundation that integrates with cloud environments and adapts to changing business needs.
Download this free WEI white paper to find out more about this proven solution.
