Secure Process
Companies face many threats to their data and so security is a big issue. One outcome is that sensitive data is encrypted before transmission to prevent unauthorised access. This can cause problems for WAN optimisation because it is necessary to access the base data in order to identify and remove redundant content before compression. Sangfor handles this in a transparent and efficient manner.Encrypted data is decrypted before transmission, checked against the cache, compressed and then re-encrypted. On reaching its destination, the data is decompressed, decrypted and assembled to return it to its original form. This process ensures its transmission in both an efficient and secure manner.
The transparent operation of Sangfor's devices also applies should any problems occur. Failure of a unit does not result in the failure of the WAN and applications continue to be processed. If a Sangfor device stops working, the WAN operates in bypass mode at line speeds. The network continues as before and data is still transmitted although, obviously, at a slower speed than previously. Any data that has been transmitted to a failed device will be retransmitted using normal protocol methods until successfully acknowledged, ensuring that data always gets through. All that is needed to restore the WAN to full efficiency is to replace the failed device.
A faster and more efficient WAN can also lead to vastly increased security over the whole system. With improved transmission speeds, control from the centre becomes more practical and so proper security procedures can be introduced and enforced. No longer need data security be left in the hands of operators at remote branches. Regular data backups can be scheduled and run, with copies stored in a secure environment.
WAN optimisation also opens up the possibilities of all data being held at a secure data centre, reducing the risk of having multiple copies at remote locations. This also helps to ensure compliance with policies and to develop a reliable disaster recovery plan.