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* Products  
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  * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)  
    [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Exposure Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/exposure-management?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Advanced Email Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/advanced-email-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* Solutions  
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  Secure AI by Design
  
  * [Secure AI Ecosystem](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure GenAI Usage](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown)  
    Network Security
  * [Cloud Network Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Center Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/data-center?ts=markdown)
  * [DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Intrusion Detection and Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown)
  * [Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/device-security?ts=markdown)
  * [OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-device-security?ts=markdown)
  * [5G Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/5g-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure All Apps, Users and Locations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-users-data-apps-devices?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure Branch Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-branch-transformation?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure Work on Any Device](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-work-on-any-device?ts=markdown)
  * [VPN Replacement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/vpn-replacement-for-secure-remote-access?ts=markdown)
  * [Web \& Phishing Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown)  
    Cloud Security
  * [Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Software Supply Chain Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/software-supply-chain-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Code Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/code-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-infrastructure-entitlement-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/data-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/ai-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Workload Protection (CWP)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-workload-protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Web Application \& API Security (WAAS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/web-app-api-security?ts=markdown)  
    Security Operations
  * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Security Information and Event Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/modernize-siem?ts=markdown)
  * [Network Security Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/network-security-automation?ts=markdown)
  * [Incident Case Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/incident-case-management?ts=markdown)
  * [SOC Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/security-operations-automation?ts=markdown)
  * [Threat Intel Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/threat-intel-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Attack Surface Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/attack-surface-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Compliance Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/compliance-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Internet Operations Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/internet-operations-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Extended Data Lake (XDL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdl?ts=markdown)
  * [Agentic Assistant](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-agentic-assistant?ts=markdown)  
    Endpoint Security
  * [Endpoint Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/endpoint-protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Extended Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
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  * [Small \& Medium Business Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/small-medium-business-portfolio?ts=markdown)

* Services  
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  [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Assess](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown)
  
  * [AI Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ai-security-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Attack Surface Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/attack-surface-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Breach Readiness Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/breach-readiness-review?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [Cloud Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/cloud-security-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Compromise Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/compromise-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [M\&A Cyber Due Diligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/mergers-acquisitions-cyber-due-diligence?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Penetration Testing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/penetration-testing?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Purple Team Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/purple-teaming?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Ransomware Readiness Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ransomware-readiness-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [SOC Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/soc-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Supply Chain Risk Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/supply-chain-risk-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Tabletop Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/tabletop-exercise?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Respond](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/cloud-incident-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Digital Forensics](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/digital-forensics?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/incident-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-detection-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed Threat Hunting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-threat-hunting?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Transform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown)
  
  * [IR Plan Development and Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/incident-response-plan-development-review?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Security Program Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/security-program-design?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Virtual CISO](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/vciso?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Zero Trust Advisory](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/zero-trust-advisory?ts=markdown)  
    [Global Customer Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Education \& Training](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/education?ts=markdown)
  
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    UNIT 42 RETAINER
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* Partners  
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  * [Solution Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-solution-providers?ts=markdown)
  * [Managed Security Service Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers?ts=markdown)
  * [XMDR Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers/xmdr?ts=markdown)  
    Take Action
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  * [Become a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=becomepartner)
  * [Request Access](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=requestaccess)
  * [Find a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerlocator)  
    [CYBERFORCE
    CYBERFORCE represents the top 1% of partner engineers trusted for their security expertise.
    Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberforce?ts=markdown)

* Company  
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  Palo Alto Networks
  
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  * [Precision AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Our Platform Approach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/platformization?ts=markdown)
  * [Accelerate Your Cybersecurity Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/nam-cxo-portfolio?ts=markdown)
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    Careers
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    Read more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2021/palo-alto-networks-secures-top-ranking-on-newsweek-s-most-loved-workplaces-list-for-2021?ts=markdown)

* More  
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  * [Threat Vector Podcast](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-threat-vector-podcast/)
  * [Packet Pushers Podcasts](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/packet-pusher?ts=markdown)  
    Connect
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3. [What Is Hybrid SD-WAN?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan?ts=markdown)  
   Table of Contents

* [From traditional WANs to hybrid SD-WAN: an evolution in networking](#from)
* [How does hybrid SD-WAN work?](#how)
* [What are the core components of hybrid SD-WAN?](#what)
* [What are the benefits of hybrid SD-WAN?](#benefits)
* [Use cases for hybrid SD-WAN](#usecases)
* [Hybrid SD-WAN FAQs](#faqs)

# What Is Hybrid SD-WAN?

5 min. read  
Table of Contents

* [From traditional WANs to hybrid SD-WAN: an evolution in networking](#from)
* [How does hybrid SD-WAN work?](#how)
* [What are the core components of hybrid SD-WAN?](#what)
* [What are the benefits of hybrid SD-WAN?](#benefits)
* [Use cases for hybrid SD-WAN](#usecases)
* [Hybrid SD-WAN FAQs](#faqs)

1. From traditional WANs to hybrid SD-WAN: an evolution in networking

* [1. From traditional WANs to hybrid SD-WAN: an evolution in networking](#from)
* [2. How does hybrid SD-WAN work?](#how)
* [3. What are the core components of hybrid SD-WAN?](#what)
* [4. What are the benefits of hybrid SD-WAN?](#benefits)
* [5. Use cases for hybrid SD-WAN](#usecases)
* [6. Hybrid SD-WAN FAQs](#faqs)  
  ![What Is Hybrid SD-WAN?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/video-thumbnail-what-is-hybrid-sd-wan.png)  
  close

Hybrid SD-WAN is a combination of SD-WAN services and MPLS that explicitly integrates traditional MPLS with other connections like broadband and LTE. It works well for organizations that still rely on MPLS for certain critical applications but want to enhance their network with the additional flexibility and cost savings of SD-WAN.

## From traditional WANs to hybrid SD-WAN: an evolution in networking

![Evolution of SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/evolution-sd-wan.png)

Traditional WANs were built to connect various branches of an organization to the central network, relying heavily on [MPLS (multi-protocol label switching)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/mpls-what-is-multiprotocol-label-switching?ts=markdown) for reliable, predictable performance.

However, MPLS had its limitations.

![MPLS architecture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/mpls-architecture.png)

Deploying MPLS could be slow and costly, especially when scaling to multiple locations. Its rigid structure made it challenging to adapt to the changing needs of modern businesses, which increasingly relied on cloud services.

Enter SD-WAN.

[SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sd-wan?ts=markdown) emerged around 2014 to address these limitations.

It uses software-defined networking (SDN) principles to abstract the network control layer from the underlying hardware. Which allows SD-WAN to use any available connection type, including broadband, LTE, MPLS, or the public internet.

## ![SD-WAN Architecture Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/sd-wan-architecture-explained.png)

This optimizes traffic based on current network conditions and application requirements.

SD-WAN brought many improvements. At the same time, there were still enterprises with significant investments in MPLS infrastructure, or the need for the reliability of MPLS for certain critical applications.

This gave rise to hybrid SD-WAN, which combines both MPLS and SD-WAN.

***Note**: Hybrid SD-WAN is distinct from hybrid WAN. Hybrid SD-WAN specifically integrates traditional MPLS circuits with other WAN connections for dynamic traffic optimization. Hybrid WAN simply uses multiple WAN connections without advanced SD-WAN capabilities.*

***Further reading:***

* [What Is SD-WAN Architecture?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sd-wan-architecture?ts=markdown)
* [What Is the Difference Between SD-WAN and MPLS?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sd-wan-vs-mpls?ts=markdown)

## How does hybrid SD-WAN work?

Hybrid SD-WAN combines the distinct capabilities of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) and SD-WAN technologies to create a versatile, efficient network architecture.

SD-WAN serves as an overlay that enhances network flexibility and control. It uses software to manage various virtual network layers over existing physical networks. Which allows organizations to direct and reroute network traffic dynamically based on the specific needs of different applications.

![Hybrid SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/hybrid-sd-wan.png)

MPLS functions as the underlay, providing the robust, reliable connectivity essential for supporting sensitive or high-priority data transfers. By maintaining MPLS within the hybrid setup, organizations can ensure stable, high-performance connections where necessary---such as for bandwidth-intensive or latency-sensitive applications.

The combination allows the physical infrastructure to support crucial business operations with reliability.

## What are the core components of hybrid SD-WAN?

![Core components of hybrid SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/core-components-hybrid-sd-wan.png)

Hybrid SD-WAN infrastructure is fundamentally similar to traditional SD-WAN, incorporating all of the same core components, including:

* Internet connectivity
* Dynamic path selection
* Centralized management
* [Quality of service (QoS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-quality-of-service-qos?ts=markdown)
* Security features
* Application-aware routing

Hybrid SD-WAN is unique in that it integrates MPLS into its architecture. The integration results in a network solution that combines the high reliability and low latency of MPLS with the cost-effectiveness and agility of internet-based SD-WAN connections.

## What are the benefits of hybrid SD-WAN?

![Hybrid SD-WAN benefits](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/hybrid-sd-wan-benefits.png)

The benefits of hybrid SD-WAN are largely the same as the [benefits of SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/benefits-of-sd-wan?ts=markdown), including:

* Operational simplicity
* Carrier-independent WAN connectivity and improved ROI
* Improved security
* Enhanced performance
* Improved connectivity and direct cloud access
* Foundation to [SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sase?ts=markdown) strategy

The main distinctive benefit of hybrid SD-WAN is its ability to combine the reliability and security of MPLS with the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of broadband internet.

The end result is optimal performance for both critical and non-critical applications. Which is achieved by dynamically routing traffic based on application requirements, like traditional SD-WAN.

Like this:

![Dynamic path selection in SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/dynamic-path-selection-sd-wan.png)

***Further reading:** [SD-WAN vs. SASE: What's the Difference?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sd-wan-vs-sase?ts=markdown)*

## Use cases for hybrid SD-WAN

Hybrid SD-WAN can be considered a niche solution.

It specifically addresses the needs of organizations that require the reliability and performance of MPLS for mission critical applications while also seeking the flexibility and cost savings of SD-WAN for other types of traffic. This makes it particularly suitable for businesses with complex, multi-site networks that cannot fully transition away from MPLS because of specific operational requirements.

Organizations might choose a hybrid SD-WAN solution when they need a controlled, phased transition from traditional MPLS connections to a more flexible, internet-based network architecture without completely discarding the MPLS infrastructure.

This approach could also work well for businesses with critical real-time applications that demand the reliability and low latency of MPLS. At the same time, it allows them to capitalize on the cost efficiency and agility of SD-WAN for other less critical traffic.

Essentially, hybrid SD-WAN provides a balance that maintains essential performance levels for key applications while transitioning other network traffic to more cost-effective routes.

[![Moving away from MPLS? Read the Forrester TEI for SD-WAN to learn how next-generation SD-WAN is the solution.' Below this text, there is a white button with the text 'Read study.' On the left side of the button, there is an icon of a document with an upward trend graph.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-hybrid-sdwan/moving-away-from-mpls.png)](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/tei-spotlight-sd-wan.html)

## Hybrid SD-WAN FAQs

### What is hybrid SD-WAN?

Hybrid SD-WAN combines SD-WAN principles with multiple types of connections, including MPLS, broadband, and LTE. It integrates these transport methods to provide a more flexible, reliable, and efficient network infrastructure.

### What are the benefits of hybrid WAN?

Hybrid WAN offers improved reliability, cost efficiency, and performance by combining different types of network connections like MPLS and broadband. It allows for dynamic traffic management and optimized application performance.

### What is the difference between hybrid SD-WAN and hybrid WAN?

Hybrid SD-WAN integrates MPLS with SD-WAN for dynamic traffic optimization, while hybrid WAN solutions use multiple WAN connections like MPLS and broadband without SD-WAN capabilities.

### What are the three types of SD-WAN architecture?

The three types of SD-WAN architecture: on-premises SD-WAN (managed entirely on-site), cloud-based SD-WAN (managed through a cloud provider), and hybrid SD-WAN (combines on-premises and cloud-based management).

### What is the purpose of a hybrid network?

A hybrid network combines different types of network connections to optimize performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency. It ensures critical applications receive the necessary resources while maximizing overall network efficiency.

### What is hybrid SD?

Hybrid SD-WAN combines the principles of SD-WAN with various types of network connections, such as MPLS and broadband, to create a more flexible and efficient network infrastructure.
Related Content  
[Report: 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN
5-time Leader with the Furthest for Completeness of Vision.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/gartner-sd-wan-mq-2024.html)  
[eBook: SD-WAN For Dummies®
Learn about the modern approach to SD-WAN.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/branch-of-the-future-with-sd-wan-for-dummies.html)  
[Infographic: 10 Benefits of SASE
Discover what businesses stand to gain by implementing SASE.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/infographics/branch-of-the-future?ts=markdown)  
[Infographic: Next-Gen SD-WAN: The Branch of the Future
Find out how next-gen SD-WAN meets today's network demands.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/infographics/branch-of-the-future?ts=markdown)  
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