A Managed (SD-WAN) Software-Defined Wide Area Network is a service offered by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to design, deploy, monitor, and maintain an organization’s SD-WAN infrastructure. SD-WAN is a technology that leverages software-defined networking principles to optimize wide area networks, providing organizations with greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in managing their network connections. Managed SD-WAN services help organizations maximize the benefits of this technology while offloading the management complexity to experts.

Here are key aspects of a Managed SD-WAN solution:

  1. Design and Deployment: Managed SD-WAN providers work closely with organizations to design an SD-WAN architecture that aligns with their business needs. They then handle the deployment of SD-WAN devices and software across the network.
  2. Configuration Management: MSPs manage the configuration of SD-WAN devices to ensure that they are optimized for the organization’s requirements. This includes configuring policies for quality of service (QoS), security, and application prioritization.
  3. Network Monitoring and Analytics: Continuous monitoring of the SD-WAN environment is essential. MSPs use advanced monitoring tools to track network performance, bandwidth utilization, application behavior, and security threats. Real-time analytics enable proactive issue detection and resolution.
  4. Traffic Optimization: Managed SD-WAN services optimize network traffic by intelligently routing data packets over the most efficient paths. This includes load balancing, path selection based on network conditions, and prioritizing critical applications.
  5. Security Management: Security is a top priority for SD-WAN. Managed SD-WAN services implement and manage security measures such as firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection and prevention, and secure remote access solutions.
  6. Quality of Service (QoS): Managed SD-WAN solutions include QoS configurations to prioritize mission-critical applications and ensure they receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency.
  7. Cloud Connectivity: MSPs assist organizations in connecting to cloud services seamlessly, optimizing traffic routing to cloud providers and ensuring efficient access to cloud resources.
  8. Vendor Management: Service providers manage relationships with SD-WAN equipment vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).
  9. Security Updates and Patch Management: Managed SD-WAN services keep SD-WAN devices up to date with the latest security patches and firmware updates to protect against vulnerabilities.
  10. Performance Reporting: Organizations receive regular performance reports and analytics from the MSP. These reports provide insights into network utilization, application performance, and recommendations for optimization.
  11. Scalability: Managed SD-WAN services help organizations scale their SD-WAN infrastructure to accommodate business growth, including adding new locations, increasing bandwidth, or adapting to changing requirements.
  12. 24/7 Technical Support: MSPs offer round-the-clock technical support to address SD-WAN-related issues and provide assistance to IT teams or end-users.

Managed SD-WAN solutions enable organizations to harness the benefits of SD-WAN technology while outsourcing the complexities of network management. This approach enhances network reliability, security, and performance, allowing organizations to focus on their core business objectives.