Choosing the right approach for optimal SD-WAN connectivity

A virtual network architecture designed to use software for the management and optimization of WANs is seamlessly connecting users to applications across numerous locations, and as such, has become a crucial tool when it comes to connecting rural and remote sites across the globe.

by Sandro Delucia, Product Director at Speedcast

In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, delivering real-time connectivity is crucial. This is certainly true for those operating in remote locations, where a lack of connection can put operational efficiency and crew welfare at risk. Yet, as of 2025, only 57% of offshore vessels in service had reliable broadband connectivity, and bandwidth demands have only grown in recent years. Thankfully, the capabilities offered through enterprise Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions are helping to overcome these issues.

When it comes to enterprise SD-WAN solutions, there are several important elements to the technology, but two key concepts play a critical part in the user experience: bonding and load-balancing. Both play a pivotal role in improving network performance and reliability but differ significantly when it comes to approach and application. For organizations with complex network requirements, this could make selecting the most appropriate strategy a challenge.

Bonding versus load-balancing

At a basic level, bonding refers to the blending of multiple communications paths – including options such as cellular, WiFi, or even LEO connections – into a single, virtual circuit. The purpose of aggregating these paths into one link is to yield higher overall capacity. This is achieved through bonding, which could occur at the packet level or data link level and is accomplished most effectively through an SD-WAN integrated offering such as Speedcast SIGMA.

Sandro Delucia, Product Director at Speedcast

It is important to note that all the paths used in bonding must have similar characteristics – such as speed and latency – in order to work effectively in real-world situations. Furthermore, deviations to these qualities can reduce performance. For example, pairing an L-band with a LEO link would not be as effective, as say, a cellular and LTE connection. However, bonding is not the best approach when dealing with vastly different links, such as what is required in LEO and GEO services, because it can quickly lead to an inconsistent user experience. The objective, regardless of methodology, is to increase throughput via intelligent ways of aggregating communications paths.

On the other hand, there is load-balancing – the method which allocates entire data flows to each wide area network (WAN) fairly, meaning multiple links and a higher throughput in aggregate. Taking this approach in many cases irons out the differing performance of paths and ensures a consistent experience for users. This is the case even when switching between services with vastly different latency. Because this method can oftentimes handle paths with varying characteristics, it makes it a much more practical solution than bonding for complex networks.

We are beginning to see the successful load-balancing of traffic across LEO providers, for example, which has delivered not only great speeds, but consistent performance as well. In short, load balancing is more tolerant than bonding, however, it is not always effective for some connection types.

Leveraging expert opinion

Understanding the key differences between load-balancing and bonding is essential for remote site operations. If operators can choose the right approach, then they can give themselves the tools required for optimal network performance and reduced latency thereby ensuring a consistently great experience for the workforce residing there. By applying an enterprise-grade SD-WAN solution on top of this, users can benefit from granular, automated control over the routing of applications across multipath and multi-orbit networks.

Of course, users are not alone when it comes to SD-WAN implementations. In fact, many communication service providers offer teams of expert engineers and specialists to help customers make informed decisions about their network architecture. These teams leverage their in-depth knowledge of networking technologies when working closely with customers to tailor and implement holistic, enterprise SD-WAN solutions to meet specific, complex networking requirements.

Photo courtesy of Speedcast

Introducing application steering

Once the SD-WAN solution is up and running, it can then be built into an intelligent edge platform. Solutions such as SIGMA provide the means to selectively route applications, known as application steering, over the most suitable WAN link. As such, users can choose to send applications that require a Committed Information Rate (CIR) over a GEO very small aperture terminal (VSAT) link, at the same time as sending the crew’s internet browsing traffic over a LEO service like Starlink or OneWeb.

IP SLA rules can also be applied to a path to ensure real-time traffic generated by applications like Teams and WhatsApp can be moved effortlessly to the next best WAN path when the primary one is unavailable. By deploying an intelligent edge platform, customers can realize enhanced benefits delivered through the integration of communications paths, along with SD-WAN and load-balancing solutions.

Often powered by cloud-based orchestration to deploy and manage applications and software at the edge, this can enable one-touch activation and management, geolocation, advanced virtual functions, and the capacity to run on-network applications – resulting in ‘always on’ connectivity. Performance can be maximized since data usage can be prioritized based on operational requirements, while additional resources from cybersecurity to virtual machines can be added to drive business growth and deliver efficiencies that bring cost benefits.

Connectivity across the globe

These benefits are being seen across numerous sectors. By integrating SD-WAN with an intelligent edge platform, operators managing oil platforms as well as ships at sea can ensure continuous, high-performance connectivity, even in the most remote and challenging environments. Instead of worrying about network failure or manual troubleshooting, businesses can leverage automated, adaptive routing to maintain seamless operations and optimize costs.

For the maritime sector, this means cruise ships and vessels can sustain uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity as they transition between satellite beams and 5G/LTE networks. In the oil and gas industry, SD-WAN enables centralized oversight of offshore and onshore operations, with IoT technologies deployed at wellheads transmitting real-time data to boost efficiency and output.

Ultimately, enterprise SD-WAN technologies have revolutionized global connectivity, bridging the gap between disparate networks and enhancing reliability, while delivering the always-on, high-quality connectivity that modern enterprises demand. Therefore, choosing the right method – whether it is bonding or load-balancing – remains a key decision users must get right.