Connectivity Articles

In today’s digital-first business landscape, organizations require agile, secure, and scalable network solutions to support their operations. Traditional WAN architectures, reliant on MPLS circuits and legacy hardware, struggle to keep up with modern demands for Cloud applications, remote work, and high-bandwidth services. This is where Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solutions can help. SD-WAN offers enterprises a cost-effective, flexible, and secure way to optimize their networks. That’s why deploying an LP FlexNet SD-WAN solution from Lightpath is a strategic move for any enterprise. 

1. Improved Network Performance & Reliability 

Legacy WAN architectures rely heavily on MPLS circuits, which can be expensive and inflexible. SD-WAN solutions like Lightpath’s LP FlexNet dynamically route traffic across multiple fiber-based WAN links ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical applications. LP FlexNet utilizes intelligent path selection and application-aware routing to guarantee low-latency connections, improve uptime, and minimize packet loss. 

2. Integrated Security and SASE Capabilities 

Growing cybersecurity threats are making security a top priority for any enterprise. Both LP FlexNet solutions (Meraki and Versa) offer advanced, integrated security that is deployed across the entire network with centralized control and management. Both platforms offer advanced features like Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), IPS/IDS, content filtering,  more.    

When an organization demands even more sophisticated and granular security features like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), LP FlexNet Plus with Versa SD-WAN can solve for these requirements.   

3. Cost Savings & Operational Efficiency 

Traditional MPLS-based WANs rely on old technologies that can be costly and have bandwidth limitations. LP FlexNet SD-WAN solutions enable enterprises to leverage more cost-efficient Internet connectivity with enterprise-grade performance and security. In addition, as a holistic Managed Service, LP FlexNet centralized management automates network operations and streamlines troubleshooting, reducing the need for costly on-site IT staff while providing control, flexibility, and ease along with expert custom design, zero-touch onboarding, and excellent ongoing care. LP FlexNet managed SD-WAN solutions are both available as fully managed or co-managed solutions, which can also increase your internal efficiency. 

4. Simplified Cloud & SaaS Connectivity 

With enterprises increasingly adopting Cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365, AWS, and Google Cloud, traditional WAN architectures can cause bottlenecks due to backhauling traffic to data centers. LP FlexNet SD-WAN solutions enable direct Cloud access and intelligently routes traffic to the nearest Cloud entry point, improving application performance and reducing latency. This Cloud-first approach enhances user experience and productivity. 

5. Scalability & Agility for Growing Businesses 

Enterprise networks must be able to scale rapidly to support expansion, remote work, and evolving business needs. LP FlexNet’s flexible SD-WAN architecture allows quick deployment of new branches, addition of bandwidth as required, and support for hybrid workforces. With centralized management and Lightpath by your side, scaling operations becomes more seamless and cost-efficient. 

6. Better Visibility & Control 

The LP FlexNet SD-WAN centralized management console offers visibility to monitor performance and gain insights across the entire network and applications for proactive decision-making. End-to-end visibility and analytics enable enterprises to assess network health issues and bandwidth utilization so they can adjust and forecast resources more efficiently, optimize network traffic in real time, and achieve rapid failure correlation and mitigation. It also enables identification of security threats and enforcement of security policies.   

Summary

Deploying a modern SD-WAN solution, like either LP FlexNet platform, is a game-changer for enterprises looking to enhance their network performance, security, and agility while reducing costs. With features like intelligent traffic routing, integrated security, simplified Cloud access, and centralized management, LP FlexNet managed SD-WAN empowers organizations to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced digital world. SD-WAN is no longer a luxury but a necessity for future-proofing their network infrastructure to better support their business. 

To learn how LP FlexNet SD-WAN Solutions can help your organization, contact a Lightpath expert today at 877-544-4872.