Traffic Steering

Traffic Steering refers to the process of directing network traffic along specific paths based on predefined criteria, such as application type, network performance, or security policies. In modern network management, especially in environments using Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) and other advanced networking technologies, traffic steering plays a crucial role in optimizing performance, ensuring reliability, and maintaining security.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of traffic steering, focusing on its key concepts, benefits, and implementation in various contexts:

Key Concepts of Traffic Steering

1. Application-Based Steering:

   • Application Awareness: Traffic steering often involves directing traffic based on the type of application generating the traffic. For example, VoIP and video conferencing might be steered through high-bandwidth, low-latency paths, while web browsing traffic could use less expensive links.
   • Policy Configuration: Policies are set to determine how different types of traffic should be routed. These policies can be based on application categories, traffic volume, or service level agreements (SLAs).

2. Performance-Based Steering:

   • Real-Time Monitoring: Traffic is directed based on real-time performance metrics such as latency, jitter, packet loss, and bandwidth utilization. This ensures that traffic is sent through the most optimal path based on current network conditions.
   • Dynamic Path Selection: The network can automatically switch traffic paths in response to performance changes, such as shifting traffic from a congested link to a less congested one.

3. Load Balancing and Failover:

   • Load Balancing: Distributes traffic across multiple WAN links to balance the load and prevent any single link from becoming a bottleneck.
   • Failover: Provides automatic rerouting of traffic in the event of a link failure, ensuring continuity and minimizing downtime.

4. Policy-Based Routing:

   • Static Policies: Administrators can configure static routing policies that direct traffic based on predefined rules, such as sending all traffic from a specific department through a certain link.
   • Dynamic Policies: Uses real-time data and network conditions to adjust routing dynamically, improving efficiency and responsiveness.

5. Cost Management:

   • Cost-Based Steering: Traffic can be steered based on the cost of using different network links. For example, non-critical traffic might be routed through cheaper broadband links, while critical applications use more expensive but higher-quality MPLS connections.

Benefits of Traffic Steering

1. Enhanced Performance:

   • Optimized Path Selection: Ensures that traffic is routed through the most efficient path available, improving application performance and user experience.
   • Reduced Latency: Minimizes latency by directing traffic away from congested or suboptimal paths.

2. Improved Reliability:

   • Automatic Failover: Provides robust failover mechanisms, maintaining network reliability and continuity even when primary links fail.
   • Load Distribution: Prevents any single link from becoming overloaded, enhancing overall network stability.

3. Cost Efficiency:

   • Optimized Resource Use: Leverages various types of WAN links (e.g., MPLS, broadband, LTE) based on cost and performance, optimizing the use of expensive and inexpensive resources.
   • Bandwidth Management: Ensures that high-bandwidth applications are supported while managing costs by using lower-cost links for less critical traffic.

4. Increased Flexibility:

   • Dynamic Adjustments: Adapts to changing network conditions and traffic patterns, providing greater flexibility and responsiveness to network needs.
   • Policy Customization: Allows for granular control over traffic routing based on specific business requirements or application needs.

Implementation in FortiGate SD-WAN

In the context of FortiGate SD-WAN, traffic steering is implemented through several key features:

1. Application Control:

   • Application-Based Policies: FortiGate SD-WAN allows administrators to create policies that steer traffic based on the type of application. This ensures that critical applications receive the required performance.

2. Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics:

   • Performance Metrics: FortiGate SD-WAN continuously monitors network performance metrics such as latency, jitter, and packet loss. Traffic is steered based on these metrics to ensure optimal performance.

3. Dynamic Path Selection:

   • Automatic Routing Adjustments: Based on real-time performance data, FortiGate SD-WAN dynamically adjusts traffic paths to avoid congestion and optimize resource use.

4. QoS and Bandwidth Management:

   • Traffic Shaping: Configures QoS settings to prioritize traffic and manage bandwidth allocation, ensuring that high-priority applications receive the necessary resources.

5. Cost-Based Routing:

   • Flexible Link Utilization: Routes traffic through the most cost-effective links based on the type of traffic and network conditions, optimizing overall network expenditure.

Example Use Case

A company with multiple branch offices and a mix of critical and non-critical applications might deploy FortiGate SD-WAN to:

1. Set Up Policies:

   • VoIP and Video Conferencing: Configure policies to steer VoIP and video conferencing traffic through high-quality MPLS links to ensure low latency and high reliability.
   • Standard Web Traffic: Route less critical web traffic through lower-cost broadband connections.

2. Monitor and Adjust:

   • Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor link performance and adjust routing based on real-time data to avoid congestion and maintain application performance.
   • Automatic Failover: Implement automatic failover to backup links in case of primary link failures to ensure continuous connectivity.

In summary, Traffic Steering is a crucial aspect of modern network management that enhances performance, reliability, and cost efficiency. By leveraging technologies like FortiGate SD-WAN, organizations can implement sophisticated traffic steering strategies that optimize network resources and improve overall operational effectiveness.