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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 also helps avoid packet delivery issues common in shared WAN environments, like MPLS and Internet VPNs.
Component techniques of WAN Optimization include deduplication, WAFS, CIFS proxy, HTTPS Proxy, media multicasting, Web caching, Forward Error Correction (FEC), and bandwidth management.
Detailed descriptions of WAN/Internet Optimization techniques
- Deduplication - eliminates the transfer of redundant data across the WAN by sending references instead of the actual data. By working at the byte level, benefits are achieved across IP applications.
- 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. Effective use of web caching typically sees a bandwidth reduction of 15-30% on WAN links.
- 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.
External links
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