Connectivity Articles

Today's organizations are turning to SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) solutions to optimize their network infrastructure and better meet the needs of an evolving digital landscape where network performance, security, and reliability are more critical than ever. To get optimal results, it is beneficial to use one provider to design and deploy both the SD-WAN solution and the underlying network connectivity. 

That’s where Lightpath can help. As a Strategic Network Partner, Lightpath has the expertise and experience to efficiently deploy both your fiber connectivity and your managed SD-WAN solution. Not only can this approach be more efficient, but it can also free up overburdened internal IT teams.  Here’s how your organization can benefit:

1. Seamless Connectivity with High-Performance Fiber Infrastructure

When designing an SD-WAN solution with the underlying connectivity, Lightpath can take a holistic and optimized approach to the overall network design. Modern SD-WAN solutions demand more in design than simply connecting locations. Connectivity design must also take into account the applications that the connectivity will be supporting and consider not just bandwidth but also specifications like latency and jitter. An SD-WAN solution with Lightpath connectivity ensures:

• Higher bandwidth capacity for data-heavy applications
• Lower latency for real-time communications, VoIP, and video conferencing
• Consistent performance across multiple locations

When the LP FlexNet SD-WAN is deployed over the Lightpath fiber backbone, organizations experience significantly improved application performance, seamless Cloud connectivity, and an overall enhanced user experience.

2. End-to-End Managed Service for Simplified Operations

Managing an SD-WAN infrastructure requires continuous monitoring, security management, and performance optimization. Lightpath connectivity coupled with an LP FlexNet SD-WAN managed solution takes the burden off your IT team by:

• Designing and deploying the network architecture tailored to your business needs
• Proactively monitoring network performance and security threats
• Providing 24/7 support and troubleshooting to ensure uptime and reliability
• Automating updates to keep the network secure and efficient

This allows organizations to focus on their core operations while benefiting from enterprise-grade network performance.

3. Enhanced Security with Integrated LP FlexNet Security Features

Growing and evolving cybersecurity threats are a major concern for modern organizations. LP FlexNet and LP FlexNet Plus deliver comprehensive suites of security features, ensuring secure, optimized, and scalable network access. LP FlexNet (with Meraki SD-WAN) and LP FlexNet Plus (with Versa SD-WAN) use different approaches to security and one or both solutions offer modern security features such as:

• Next-generation firewall (NGFW)
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
• Secure web gateway (SWG)
• Zero-trust network access (ZTNA)
• Unified Threat Management (UTM)

A centralized SD-WAN solution ensures that security policies are consistently enforced across the entire network, reducing vulnerabilities and minimizing cyber threats.

4. Optimized Cloud and Multi-Branch Connectivity

Businesses operating multiple locations or relying on Cloud applications need seamless, optimized connectivity. Each LP FlexNet solution includes advanced features for traffic routing and overall network optimization. This ensures that critical business applications receive priority while optimizing Cloud access to:

• SaaS applications like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Google Workspace
• Public Cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• Private Cloud environments for secure data access

With Lightpath as your fiber service provider, organizations can also leverage direct Cloud Connect, direct connectivity to all major Cloud providers, which further improves Cloud performance and security.

5. Cost Efficiency and Predictable Pricing

Traditional WAN solutions relying on MPLS can be expensive and inflexible. By choosing a LP FlexNet managed SD-WAN solution with Lightpath connectivity, organizations can:

• Reduce expensive MPLS costs with more cost-effective fiber options
• Optimize bandwidth usage through dynamic traffic routing
• Consolidate network and security costs into a single managed service plan

This predictable pricing model allows businesses to scale without unexpected expenses or infrastructure investments.

6. Agility and Scalability for Business Growth

A fiber-backed LP FlexNet SD-WAN solution is built for scalability. Whether you're adding new branch locations, increasing bandwidths, or integrating more Cloud services, LP FlexNet managed SD-WAN ensures:

• Rapid deployment of new sites without complex network configurations
• Automatic scaling of bandwidth as business needs evolve
• Customizable policies and configurations to adapt to changing IT demands

This flexibility empowers businesses to scale efficiently and future-proof their network infrastructure.

7. Simplified Vendor Management with a Single Provider

Dealing with multiple vendors for connectivity, security, and SD-WAN management can be complex. Choosing LP FlexNet managed SD-WAN plus Lightpath connectivity consolidates these functions, providing:

• One point of contact for all networking needs
• Integrated billing and service agreements
• Streamlined troubleshooting with local support and operations

This simplifies network management while ensuring high-quality service and accountability.

Summary

Choosing Lightpath for both LP FlexNet managed SD-WAN and fiber connectivity offers increased benefits, from superior performance and security to cost efficiency and scalability. Organizations looking to enhance their network agility, Cloud connectivity, and network security posture will find that this combined approach delivers the best value and operational simplicity.

If your organization is considering a managed SD-WAN solution, coupling LP FlexNet with Lightpath connectivity ensures that you get the most out of your investment.

Are you ready to transform your network? 

Contact a Lightpath SD-WAN expert today at 877-544-4872 or visit lightpathfiber.com.