AI-Native SD-Branch

Juniper AI-native SD-Branch is a comprehensive solution that simplifies the management of branch offices by integrating all networking and security functions into a single, cloud-managed platform. It goes beyond a traditional SD-WAN by consolidating switching, Wi-Fi, and security delivered from the Juniper Mist cloud. Tunnel-free Session Smart™ Routing accelerates application performance for faster response times while Marvis AI automates operations and speeds up troubleshooting. With visibility into the real-time service levels of individual users, network administrators can continuously fine-tune the network and optimize user experiences.

The SD-Branch solution includes an array of industry-leading Juniper components, such as:

1. AI-native SD-WAN, complemented by WAN Assurance
2. Wired access networking, complemented by Wired Assurance
3. Wireless access networking, complemented by Wi-Fi Assurance and indoor location services
4. Network access control, complemented by Access Assurance
5. Modern enterprise security that encompasses next-generation firewall functionality, deny-by-default Zero Trust access, adaptive encryption, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and URL filtering

Combine SD-Branch with Juniper Secure Edge for additional security and a complete Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution.

Juniper AI-native SD-Branch stands apart from competitive solutions by integrating a full stack, AI-native approach from client to cloud, rather than simply offering a bundle of disparate technologies. Juniper is also the only vendor with a microservices cloud architecture that is purpose-built for rapid service deployment. This includes Wi-Fi access points, access and distribution switches, and SD-WAN gateways—all managed from the same cloud portal. It also features zero scheduled downtime for upgrades and near-real-time visibility into user experience. Juniper’s use of tunnel-free Session Smart™ Routing enhances application performance for faster response times, eliminating the slowdowns associated with traditional tunneling protocols.

Juniper AI-native SD-Branch is a comprehensive solution that simplifies the management of branch offices by integrating all networking and security functions into a single, cloud-managed platform. Its AI-native foundation sets it apart by automating operations and providing proactive insights to ensure a superior user experience.

The SD-Branch solution delivers:

• AI-native insights for better visibility into network performance
• Anomaly detection to ensure application performance and network uptime
• Full stack integration with the Juniper Mist cloud for accelerated deployments and simplified policy enforcement and management
• Threat-aware network security that protects across every network connection point
• Fast onboarding with Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP)
• Integrated security that defends against evolving threats while maintaining compliance with company policies
• “Branch in a Box” option to combine all necessary networking hardware into a single platform

Juniper AI-native SD-Branch provides unique security advantages by integrating an AI-driven Zero Trust framework from the ground up, rather than simply adding security as an afterthought.

Juniper's solution implements a deny-by-default policy for network sessions. This means that a session is only allowed if there is an explicit, valid policy for it. Any session without a defined policy is automatically dropped. This approach creates a Zero Trust environment where no user, device, or application is implicitly trusted, significantly reducing the attack surface. Access Assurance further enhances this environment by ensuring strict adherence to compliance and access policies.

The AI-native SD-Branch solution consolidates security functions like NGFW, intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS), and URL filtering directly into a unified platform. This "Branch in a Box" approach ensures that security is consistently applied at every point of the branch network, from the WAN edge to wired and wireless clients. This tight integration eliminates security gaps that arise from managing separate, siloed security products.

The platform's security is enhanced by Marvis AI, which provides a holistic view of the network from client to cloud. It can detect anomalies and identify threats in real time. This proactive threat-aware security helps protect every network connection point and reduces the risk of lateral threat movement within the branch.

Juniper's AI-native SD-Branch is designed to be SASE-ready (Secure Access Service Edge). It provides a seamless path to adopting a hybrid security model that combines on-premise security functions with cloud-delivered security services, such as the Juniper Secure Edge or any third-party SSE, allowing organizations to maintain flexibility and protect a distributed workforce.

The Juniper AI-native SD-Branch solution is designed to deploy in a rapid and highly automated manner, moving from a complex, multiday task to one that can be completed in minutes. This is accomplished through a simple, three-step process centered on the Juniper Mist cloud and ZTP.

Step 1: Design and configure your network

Using the Juniper Mist cloud portal, IT staff can design the entire branch network before powering on any hardware. This involves using configuration templates to set up policies for SD-WAN, switching, Wi-Fi, and security for one or many sites. This repeatable and scalable process eliminates manual errors and ensures consistent configurations across all branch locations.

Step 2: Zero Touch Provisioning

Once the hardware arrives at a branch site, it can be deployed by anyone—even nontechnical staff—with ZTP. The installer simply connects the device to the internet and powers it on. The device automatically contacts the Juniper Mist cloud, downloads its preconfigured settings, and comes online. ZTP eliminates the need for expensive on-site IT resources and ensures rapid deployment.

Step 3: AI-native operations

After the initial deployment, the AI-native platform takes over. The Marvis AI engine continuously collects telemetry data, provides real-time visibility into performance, and proactively identifies issues. This lets you manage the entire branch from a single pane of glass and ensures that the network remains optimized, secure, and reliable without constant manual intervention. For a full description of SD-Branch deployment steps that includes implementation training resources and other tools, see the SD-Branch Implementation Guide.

Juniper AI-native SD-Branch is an ideal solution for small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises, telecommunications providers, and managed service providers looking to simplify network management, improve user experiences, and strengthen their security posture. For businesses with limited IT resources, the AI-native SD-Branch solution reduces deployment times and time spent troubleshooting network issues, freeing up valuable resources for other critical tasks.

Businesses and institutions across financial services, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing rely on Juniper AI-native SD-Branch, including four of the Fortune 10. For example, AmeriTrust, a specialty insurance commercial underwriter and administration services company, uses AI-native SD-Branch to react faster and make better decisions, deliver optimized and secure user experiences, and enable Zero Trust access.

Read the AmeriTrust case study for deeper insights into an SD-Branch deployment and see the AI-native SD-Branch solution brief for other customer examples.