AI-Native SD-Branch

Juniper AI-Native SD-Branch simplifies branch office communications with AI-Native, software-defined routing, switching, Wi-Fi, and security delivered from the Juniper Mist Cloud. Tunnel-free Session Smart™ Routing accelerates application performance for faster response times while Mist AI™ automates operations and speeds 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-driven 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 offers the industry’s only comprehensive full stack branch solution operated from a single cloud-native and AI-Native platform. Juniper is also the only vendor with a microservices cloud architecture that is purpose-built for rapid deployment of devices. 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.

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

The primary security advantage is the deny-by-default approach to session access that establishes a Zero Trust environment. Administrators explicitly define policies for valid sessions and any session without a valid policy is dropped. Access Assurance further enhances this environment by ensuring strict adherence to compliance and access policies.

Juniper AI-Native SD-Branch includes numerous built-in security features, including corporate network firewall functions and policy-based policing and forwarding. This enables enterprises to provide differentiated security and services to every traffic flow.

In addition, Juniper Session Smart Routers, which power the Juniper AI-driven SD-WAN component of the AI-Native SD-Branch solution, can encrypt/decrypt and authenticate any packet flowing through them. With adaptive encryption, these routers dynamically detect encrypted sessions and prevent double encryption.

Finally, when businesses need more security, AI-Native SD-Branch works with Juniper Secure Edge. This provides full stack security service edge (SSE) capabilities, delivering a comprehensive SASE solution.

Juniper AI-Native SD-Branch enables simple and secure deployment and provisioning for all Day 0, 1, and 2 operations. Devices—including access points, switches, and Session Smart Routers—can be preconfigured using configuration templates in the Juniper Mist Cloud and shipped to customer sites for plug-and-play setup that typically only takes a matter of minutes.

Network administrators simply scan the claim code on the devices to instantly apply predefined configurations. They can then apply additional policies via templates and remotely provide updates from the Juniper Mist Cloud portal.

For a full description of SD-Branch deployment steps, which 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.