Why IP VPN Is More Relevant Than Ever In Today’s Network Landscape

Applications are managed across increasingly dispersed environments—from data centers to the cloud and on the edge—and prioritizing the end-user experience means investing in network services that get your data where it needs to be, fast. With the increased adoption of cloud-based applications and the work-from-anywhere model, it’s paramount that your network is flexible and evolves in lockstep with your business needs.

There’s a common misconception that IP VPN, an established networking technology, hasn’t kept pace with today’s network transformations. That’s simply not the case. Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Lumen offers a variety of network connections that can be integrated to provide the optimal combination of services, with the flexibility to automatically scale as needed—all backed by a leading provider that has the experience and infrastructure to provide solid performance.

Evolving Businesses Need Agile Networks

Let’s look at a couple of use cases that reflect some of the most recent business trends we’ve seen across our customer base—and how the responsive Lumen network environment can address them all.

1. All about apps: One common theme, across all sectors, is the pandemic-forced shift to remote work, which can take a toll on application performance as employees try to perform business-critical tasks and access key data from home.

The need: An application-centric network for dynamic data delivery

The solution: A hybrid network strategy

In this case, it’s essential to prioritize an application-centric network by combining the best of both private data networking and internet connectivity. A hybrid WAN strategy enables you to move data seamlessly across the network and to configure service by location—for example, you could add internet access (for cloud-based applications like Salesforce) and IP VPN (for private access to sensitive data) and prioritize use based on the location.

2. To the cloud and beyond: Another major trend is the overall move toward cloud-based applications, driven in part by the massive increase in the remote workforce. Using cloud-based apps on a network that isn’t designed to handle it may introduce latency and poor performance. IT professionals need an agile network solution that enables cloud connectivity on demand.

The need: A dynamic network solution that supports low-latency, pay-as-you-go cloud connections

The solution: Lumen® IP VPN On-Demand

Lumen provides IP VPN and Dedicated Internet Access for cloud connectivity, enabling you to easily switch between public and private connections.

What’s more, our IP VPN On-Demand solution to leading cloud providers enables instant connections that are customizable and available as needed. Lumen IP VPN On-Demand empowers your business to leverage private data connections in a highly flexible manner. Rapid provisioning of Lumen® Network-as-a-Service products has revolutionized networking by enabling you to use your IP VPN connection within minutes of purchasing it.

3. Streamlined network integration: Acquisitions and expansions can be very exciting for a business, but they can also be stressful, particularly when downtime and disruption can cost tens of thousands of dollars per day.

The need: Easy onboarding and integration with minimal disruption

The solution: Lumen® SD-WAN

SD-WAN has many uses—the software-based network overlay helps to manage the underlying network connections. One use case where SD-WAN really shines is its ability to deploy connectivity to new branches and streamlining operations across multiple locations. SD-WAN works in combination with transport options such as IP VPN and internet to give customers visibility and control of their network through a centralized portal.

For example, if a customer has hundreds of branch locations, they could create an application-centric template, modify it as needed and update every single site with just one click.

As a trusted network provider, Lumen has a suite of services that customers can integrate to meet their needs. If you’re interested in a more flexible, future-ready approach, reach out to your customer success representative today to discuss how the Lumen Network can work for you.

Explore all our networking solutions to see how you can build a network optimized for your apps, users and locations.

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