flexiWAN vs Nokia Nuage Networks SD-WAN
flexiWAN
flexiwan.comNokia Nuage Networks SD-WAN
documentation.nokia.comSide by side
| Figure | flexiWAN | Nokia Nuage Networks SD-WAN |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1.42/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 1 |
| Spec score · SD-WAN Software | 8.0 (#4) | 7.6 (#7) |
| Architecture | The system consists of flexiManage for centralized management, flexiEdge for local routing and security, and flexiAgent for synchronization and monitoring. | Nuage Networks describes SD-WAN 2.0 as a centrally controlled, open, multi-cloud virtual networking platform. |
| Security | The platform includes firewall controls with application identification, port forwarding and 1:1 NAT, and supports 2FA login. | Nokia describes embedded Nuage SD-WAN security and integration with third-party cloud security and SSE products to offer a SASE solution. |
| Support | During the 30-day trial, flexiWAN says support is provided and it will assist with installation and configuration as required. | The Cloud-Managed SD-WAN service brief lists professional services and a global technical support organization among its benefits. |
| Target users | The SaaS model is presented for enterprises and small-to-medium service-provider deployments, while the service-provider model is typically used by service providers and system integrators. | Nokia describes VNS as an enterprise SD-WAN solution and its SD-WAN 2.0 architecture as flexible for communication service providers delivering SASE services. |
Plans
flexiWAN
- Enterprise SaaS — 1–5 flexiEdge InstancesFree
- Enterprise SaaS — 1,001–5,000 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$12 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 501–1,000 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$17 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 501–1,000 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$20 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 101–500 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$21 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 101–500 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$25 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 11–100 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$25 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 11–100 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$30 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 1–10 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$33 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 1–10 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$40 a month
Nokia Nuage Networks SD-WAN
- Nokia Cloud-Managed SD-WAN ServicePriced on request
In their own words
flexiWAN
flexiWAN is an open-source SD-WAN and SASE platform for managing network routing and security. Its components divide the work among flexiManage for centralized management, flexiEdge for local routing and security, and flexiAgent for synchronization and monitoring. Network options include IPSec over VxLAN tunnels, mesh and hub-and-spoke layouts, application-based path selection, internet breakout, DHCP, and static routes. Automation includes zero-touch provisioning, multi-WAN failover, tunnel load balancing, and AI-based network healing. Firewall controls include application identification, port forwarding, and 1:1 NAT; 2FA login is supported. The modular App Store accommodates third-party applications for security, optimization, voice and video, and DPI. flexiWAN runs through Linux, web, API, and self-hosted deployments, with cloud and virtual appliance options. A free plan for 1–5 instances and a trial are available. The pricing note lists plans from $33/mo (annual); the pricing page says minimum fees apply after the trial period.
Nokia Nuage Networks SD-WAN
Nokia Nuage Networks SD-WAN, also called VNS, links branch locations with private data centers, public clouds, provider-managed VPNs, and SaaS services. A central policy repository applies business and application requirements to WAN links and routes, with the aim of meeting performance, cost, security, and policy criteria. Listed transports include IP/MPLS, internet, and LTE/5G. Nokia says automated site or VPN setup can take a few minutes rather than several weeks. The SD-WAN 2.0 architecture adds application-level visibility and control across branches, private data centers, and public clouds, with traffic details such as source, destination, type, and rates. It can orchestrate third-party virtual network functions on uCPE and chain functions in data centers or clouds. Security capabilities include web filtering, application control, segmentation, stateful Layer 3–4 security, and intrusion detection and prevention; some features require add-on licenses. It supports Linux, web, and self-hosted environments. Pricing is on request.