What Is Managed SD-WAN?

A Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD WAN) is one in which the network is defined through software rather than the actual physical structure of the underlying network. It provides considerable flexibility when network changes need to be made and has the advantage of being centrally controlled through a supervisor function.

Managed SD WAN means that this functionality is delivered to a customer by a service provider rather than having to implement it themselves. SD-WAN is an appealing solution to a hybrid computing environment that can include proprietary WAN networks, cloud computing networks and other networks (such as cellular, for example).

The main benefit of SD WAN for the end-user is that it reduces WAN costs because it can supplement or replace private WAN networks with regular broadband connectivity. Through a managed offering, organizations can get the flexibility and cost savings of SD WAN without the concerns of managing the infrastructure and connectivity.