What is the difference between SD-WAN and SDN (Software Defined Networks)?

The main distinction between SDN and SD-WAN is the purpose for which they are employed. SDN is used to manage Local Area Networks (LANs) or carrier core networks in today’s networks, whereas SD-WAN is utilised to link geographically dispersed sites and distant users.

Do you offer SD-WAN as a managed service?

Yes, Stream haver a range of SD-WAN packages available. WIth every business having different needs and setups, we don’t have simple “off the shelf” solutions”, instead we tailor our solution to your requirements.

How many locations does the Stream SD-WAN serve?

Our SD-WAN solution has been tested as a fully functioning software-defined WAN that is scalable to over 10,000 routers/endpoints and can meet the business needs of any organisation.

Business Connectivity

SD-WAN

Intelligent, software-defined networking that links every site securely and routes traffic for peak performance.

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Part of Business Connectivity

One intelligent network across every site.

SD-WAN links all your locations into a single, secure, software-defined network — automatically routing traffic over the best available path for performance, resilience and control. It's a simpler, more flexible and more cost-effective replacement for legacy MPLS, without sacrificing security or sophistication.

Head office

Branch sites

Remote users

Stream SD-WAN

Application-aware routing & security

Public cloud & SaaS

Voice & UC platforms

Internet & data centre

Traffic from every site and user is steered by application, over the best available path, with security applied at every hop.

Smart traffic routing

Applications are steered over the best link in real time, keeping voice and cloud responsive.

Built-in resilience

Automatic, application-aware failover between circuits means a single line fault never takes a site down.

Central visibility

Manage policy, security and performance for every site from one place with our CSO orchestration platform.

Next-generation security

Advanced firewalling, intrusion prevention and web filtering built in as standard, on-edge or via centralised breakout.

Zero touch provisioning

New sites and devices are provisioned automatically, cutting the cost and time of rolling out new locations.

Cost-effective connectivity

Blend Ethernet, full-fibre, broadband and mobile LTE for internet access, reducing reliance on expensive dedicated circuits.

Ready to modernise your WAN?

Talk to our team about replacing legacy MPLS with a Stream Managed SD-WAN built around your business.

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The Stream SD-WAN network

Built on our own core network

Key SD-WAN functionality is pre-built within our core aggregation network, reducing the capital expenditure needed for dedicated controllers and hubs — and giving you access to one of the largest aggregation platforms for underlay access in the UK.

We hold dedicated peering agreements with the UK's main voice carriers for SIP termination, and with major cloud providers including Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google, IBM, Oracle and SAP — ensuring your traffic always takes the best path to the applications your business relies on.

Application Steering

Automation and intelligence combine to prioritise bandwidth for the applications that matter most.

SD-WAN Monitoring

Full real-time visibility of WAN and security infrastructure, traffic, applications and devices from one console.

Zero Touch Provisioning

New devices and sites are provisioned automatically, with minimal manual intervention needed.

Next Generation Security

Advanced firewall, intrusion prevention, antivirus and web filtering built in as standard on every deployment.

SD-WAN benefits

One trusted partner

From connectivity to communications, security and cloud — one team that knows your business.

24/7/365 UK support

Real experts on our own monitored network, on hand whenever you need them.

Carrier-grade & accredited

Built on infrastructure accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 for peace of mind.

Enhanced failover

Fail over application-specific traffic based on QoS and latency rules, rather than switching your whole network at once.

Lower connectivity costs

Reduce reliance on expensive dedicated Ethernet circuits by blending fibre, broadband and mobile LTE access.

Session Smart Routing

Service-centric routing delivers a flexible, secure and robust WAN connection built for the modern digital enterprise.

FAQs

SD-WAN, answered

What is the difference between SD-WAN and SDN?

SDN (Software Defined Networking) is used to manage local area networks or carrier core networks. SD-WAN uses the same underlying principles but is designed to link geographically dispersed sites and remote users into a single, intelligent wide area network.

How many locations can Stream's SD-WAN support?

Our platform is tested and proven as a fully functioning software-defined WAN that scales to over 10,000 routers and endpoints — able to meet the needs of any organisation, from a handful of sites to large multi-site enterprises.

Is SD-WAN available as a managed service?

Yes. We offer a range of SD-WAN packages, and because every business has different needs and existing infrastructure, we don't work from an off-the-shelf template — we tailor the solution to your requirements.

Can SD-WAN replace our existing MPLS network?

Yes — Stream Managed SD-WAN provides an easy migration path from legacy MPLS or IP VPN to a cloud-ready, flexible, application-aware WAN, without sacrificing the security or sophistication your business relies on.

Does SD-WAN include security?

Yes — next-generation security comes as standard, including advanced firewalling, intrusion prevention, application visibility and control, antivirus, antispam and enhanced web filtering, deployed on edge devices or via centralised internet breakout.

Ready to talk about SD-WAN?

Our team will help you scope the right solution for your business — with support that's always on.

Talk to our team 01635 884 170