WAN optimization

WAN optimization products seek to accelerate a broad range of applications accessed by distributed enterprise users via eliminating redundant transmissions, staging data in local caches, compressing and prioritizing data, and streamlining chatty protocols (e.g., CIFS).

WAN Optimization is a superset of WAFS in that it also addresses:

• SSL-encrypted ASP and Intranet applications
• Multimedia e-learning applications

Component techniques of WAN Optimization include WAFS, CIFS proxy, HTTPS Proxy, media multicasting, Web caching and bandwidth management.

Detailed descriptions of WAN/Internet Optimization techniques

Compression - Relies on data patterns that can be represented more efficiently. Best suited for point to point leased lines.

Caching/Proxy - Relies on human behavior , accessing the same data over and over. Best suited for point to point leased lines, but also viable for Internet Connections and VPN tunnels.

Protocol spoofing - Bundles multiple requests from chatty applications into one. Best suited for Point to Point WAN links.

Traffic shaping - Controls data usage based on spotting specific patterns in the data and allowing or disallowing specific traffic. Best suited for both point to point leased lines and Internet connections. May be hard to keep current with ever expanding types of applications.

Equalizing - Makes assumptions on what needs immediate priority based on the data usage. Excellent choice for wide open unregulated Internet connections and clogged VPN tunnels.

Connection Limits - Prevents access gridlock in routers and access points due to denial of service or peer to peer. Best suited for wide open Internet access links , can also be used on WAN links.

Simple Rate Limits - Prevents one user from getting more than a fixed amount of data. Best suited as a stop gap first effort for a remedying a congested Internet connection or WAN link.

See also

• Web caching
• Protocol spoofing
• Traffic shaping

External links

• Silver Peak's WAN optimization
• Ipanema's WAN Governance solutions
• Riverbed's WAN optimization solution
• Cisco WAN Optimization solution
• Citrix Branch Optimization solution
• ApplianSys CACHEbox and VOIPbox WAN optimization solutions for web and VOIP traffic
• Review WAN Optimization Appliances
• Acceleration and Optimization Application Note
• Analysis Options for Network Optimization
• Beware the WAN Bottleneck
• WAN Optimization for Dummies e-book (PDF) by Blue Coat Systems
• WAN Optimization - The Bandwidth vs. Latency Debate
• Accelerate while protecting critical application performance