Connectivity Articles

In today’s fast-paced digital world, enterprises rely heavily on networking infrastructure to keep operations seamless, secure, and efficient. As businesses scale and adopt cloud-first strategies, traditional first-generation SD-WAN solutions struggle to keep up with evolving demands.

This is where LP FlexNet, managed SD-WAN plus Lightpath fiber connectivity, becomes the next logical step for enterprises looking to modernize their networks. LP FlexNet is based on Cisco Meraki SD-WAN and LP FlexNet Plus is based on Versa SD-WAN. In this article, we’ll explore why making this switch is beneficial and how it future proofs your organization.

Understanding the Limitations of First-Generation SD-WAN

First-generation SD-WAN was a breakthrough in its time, allowing businesses to move away from rigid MPLS-based networking to more flexible, Internet-based connectivity. However, as cloud applications, remote work, and security requirements grew, these early SD-WAN solutions started showing their limitations:

• Limited Security Capabilities – First-gen SD-WAN often requires additional security solutions, increasing complexity and costs.
• Poor Cloud and Multi-Cloud Optimization – Many early SD-WAN solutions lack seamless cloud integration, leading to higher latency and inefficient traffic routing.
• Complex Management – Without centralized visibility and automation, IT teams struggle to maintain performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Inefficient Traffic Steering – Legacy SD-WAN solutions rely on basic path selection, often leading to congestion, packet loss, and application performance degradation.

These drawbacks make first-generation SD-WAN solutions less effective in today’s high-performance, cloud-first environments.

Why LP FlexNet Managed SD-WAN Solutions are Transformative

LP FlexNet Solutions offer a next-generation, managed SD-WAN solution that addresses the shortcomings of legacy SD-WAN while delivering advanced networking and security capabilities. Here’s why enterprises should make the switch:

1. Fully Integrated Security

Unlike first-generation SD-WAN, LP FlexNet Solutions integrate security across the network. While both Meraki and Versa offer a comprehensive suite of security features, some more advanced and granular features are only available on the LP FlexNet Plus with Versa. eneration Firewall (NGFW), IPS/IDSLP FlexNet Plus at the network edge with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) principles. This eliminates the need for separate security appliances and ensures:

• Advanced Firewall  – both platforms
• IPS/IDS – Both platforms
• Content Filtering and Malware Protection – Both platforms
• SASE, ZTNA – FlexNet Plus (Versa)

2. Advanced Cloud & Multi-Cloud Optimization

LP FlexNet solutions are designed to support cloud-first strategies, providing optimized paths to SaaS applications like Office 365, AWS, and Google Cloud. Key benefits include:

• Direct cloud breakout for reduced latency
• Intelligent application-aware routing
• Multi-cloud connectivity with seamless integrations

3. Superior Traffic Engineering and QoS

Both LP FlexNet platforms offer features for WAN optimization and Quality of Service (QoS). This prevents congestion and enhances QoS for critical applications, such as:

• VoIP and video conferencing
• Cloud-based applications
• Real-time data analytics

Why Choose Lightpath for SD-WAN?

The effectiveness of any SD-WAN solution depends on the underlying connectivity. When paired with connectivity from Lightpath, Versa SD-WAN unlocks its full potential. Here’s why:

1. Bandwidth and Latency Management

Lightpath connectivity can deliver significantly higher speeds and lower latency than traditional broadband or MPLS. This ensures:

• Faster application response times
• Seamless video conferencing and VoIP performance
• Reduced jitter and packet loss

2. Reliability & Redundancy

Lightpath connectivity can offer higher reliability with built-in core network redundancy. Lightpath can also address any high-available requirements you might have. This means:

• Less downtime and improved business continuity
• Automatic failover to alternative fiber paths
• Consistent performance even under peak loads

3. Scalable Bandwidth for Growing Organizations

As organizations expand, so do their network demands. Lightpath connectivity ensures:

• Easy bandwidth upgrades without complex reconfigurations
• Cost-effective scalability for future needs
• Improved support for remote work and branch expansions

4. End-to-End Security and Compliance

Lightpath connectivity, when combined with an LP FlexNet solution, provides an ultra-secure networking environment. This is particularly beneficial for:

• Healthcare organizations (HIPAA compliance)
• Financial institutions (PCI-DSS compliance)
• Government agencies with strict security requirements

Final Thoughts

Upgrading from first-generation SD-WAN to a modern solution like LP FlexNet with Meraki or LP FlexNet Plus with Versa, backed by Lightpath, is a strategic decision that ensures superior performance, security, scalability, and overall management. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-first, security-driven networking models, this combination provides the flexibility, reliability, and intelligence needed to stay ahead of the competition.

If you’re ready to future-proof your network, now is the time to switch to LP FlexNet Managed SD-WAN and Lightpath connectivity. Your organization will benefit from better security and enhanced cloud connectivity —all while enjoying the reliability of fiber connectivity speed.

To learn more about LP FlexNet or to schedule a free consultation to explore modernizing your existing SD-WAN solution, connect with Lightpath today.