Hybrid warfare threats, such as sabotage of fiber optic cables, highlight the critical need for resilient and reliable WAN architectures. While businesses heavily rely on fiber connections for their operations, this dependence creates a significant vulnerability. Although 5G often serves as a backup, its reliance on cell towers connected to the same fiber networks undermines its effectiveness during crises. In the era of hybrid warfare, WAN connectivity requires proactive measures and innovative solutions.

Current Challenges in WAN Resilience

Fiber as the Primary Connection: Businesses depend on fiber for WAN networks due to its high bandwidth and reliability. However, this creates a central point of vulnerability, as critical cables are prime targets for sabotage.

5G as a Backup Connection: While 5G often acts as a fallback for fiber, its major weakness lies in its dependence on towers connected to the same fiber networks. This makes it less reliable in situations where fiber networks are disrupted.

Sabotage has so far focused on submarine cables and regional international links, but cutting multiple backbone connections simultaneously would not be difficult in a larger operation. These critical connections are limited in number, making them an attractive target.

Modern Solution: SD-WAN and Satellite Connectivity

SD-WAN: SD-WAN provides a dynamic and flexible way to manage WAN connections, offering capabilities such as:

  • Automated Traffic Management: Seamlessly routes traffic across multiple paths to minimize business disruption.
  • Dual-Path Routing: Transmits application traffic simultaneously over two paths, ensuring successful transactions and reducing downtime.
    SD-WAN technology has evolved from traditional dynamic network routing to autonomous, application-level intelligent routing. This enables application-specific traffic management, improving network efficiency and user experience significantly.

Satellite Connectivity as a Backup

Integrating satellite connectivity into an SD-WAN architecture can significantly enhance WAN resilience:

  • Starlink: Provides direct satellite-to-ground station connections, bypassing local fiber networks.
  • European Constellation (Iris²): Offers additional redundancy and options for satellite connectivity in the future while supporting European autonomy.
  • China’s Constellation: Anticipated to be operational by 2027, adding further global redundancy.

Aligning WAN Design with Business Application Needs

Business-critical applications like SAP, financial systems, and industrial automation typically do not require the massive bandwidth needed by consumer applications such as streaming or gaming platforms. This allows enterprise network architectures to prioritize stability, low latency, and transaction reliability over sheer bandwidth capacity.

A Combined Strategy for Resilient WAN Architecture

An effective WAN architecture for hybrid warfare scenarios combines the following elements:

  • SD-WAN Technology: Flexible and intelligent traffic management to minimize disruptions and optimize application performance.
  • Primary Connection: Fiber-based fixed internet connection.
  • Secondary or Backup Connection: Satellite connectivity independent of local infrastructure.

The EU’s Iris² Satellite Initiative

The European Union has launched its most ambitious space project of the decade: the €10.6 billion Iris² satellite network. The initiative aims to deliver secure and fast connections, competing with solutions like Starlink while promoting European autonomy and the competitiveness of its space industry. The project also provides opportunities for satellite manufacturers and fosters innovation.

Summary

In the era of hybrid warfare, securing WAN connectivity is essential for business continuity. A combination of fiber, SD-WAN technology, and satellite connectivity offers a robust solution that not only minimizes risks but also lays the foundation for future-proof, secure, and resilient networks. In the era of hybrid warfare, WAN connectivity requires proactive measures and innovative solutions.

 

Hannu Rokka, Senior Advisor

5Feet Networks Oy