What is the difference between 'managed SD-WAN' and 'do-it-yourself SD-WAN' in MEF context?

• A. Managed SD-WAN is provisioned, operated, and supported by the service provider; DIY SD-WAN is customer-owned hardware/software managed by the customer.
• B. Managed SD-WAN is cheaper than DIY.
• C. DIY SD-WAN is fully hosted by provider.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (A)

In MEF SD-WAN service models, who provisions, operates, and supports the network defines the difference. Managed SD-WAN means the service provider handles the full lifecycle—provisioning the WAN, configuring and deploying the SD-WAN, monitoring, troubleshooting, and ongoing support under a service agreement. The customer essentially buys the service and relies on the provider to manage the SD-WAN environment, though the customer may still own some devices or lease them through the provider.

DIY SD-WAN means the customer owns and manages the hardware and software, taking responsibility for setup, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance. The provider may offer connectivity, but the customer controls the SD-WAN control plane and operations.

This distinction matters because it clarifies who bears the day-to-day management burden and who has control over the SD-WAN environment. Cost differences can vary and aren’t a guaranteed rule, and the statement that DIY is fully hosted by the provider contradicts the basic idea of DIY. Saying there’s no difference ignores the clear division of responsibilities.