The promise of 5G for enterprise WAN is clear. It’s a required connectivity for IT leaders to gain better bandwidth, lower latency and faster branch deployments. It is an important tool for business continuity in the event of unforeseen network failures. As businesses accelerate branch expansion, adopt cloud and SaaS applications, and prepare for connectivity to AI workloads, 5G is no longer an option, it is foundational.
However, realizing the full potential of 5G in today’s WAN architecture requires more than just a modem. It demands seamless integration with existing WAN edge infrastructure, centralized management, and complete visibility into connectivity and performance. This is where Versa plays an important role in helping help you deploy and operationalize 5G with its external 5G/LTE Extender approach.
Despite growing availability, many businesses struggle to deploy 5G effectively across distributed locations. They are facing challenges that include:
Disparate 5G and WAN architectures: Most network infrastructures using point products for 5G/LTE connectivity find it complex to integrate it with their existing WAN edge devices, creating operational silos, poor connectivity and inconsistent WAN policies.
Lack of centralized visibility and control: Without a single pane of glass, IT teams lack insight into 5G signal strength, performance, and availability, making troubleshooting and resolution of connectivity issues difficult and time-consuming.
Poor signal strength: While many SD-WAN vendors provide integrated 5G connectivity, large branches like manufacturing sites, distribution centers and financial branches are impacted with poor signal strength from their 5G links. IT leaders are seeking the to connect 5G modems at the right location within their branches for best signal strength and better bandwidth availability.
To overcome these challenges, businesses need a flexible approach that offers 5G connectivity from the WAN edge without sacrificing performance, security, or manageability. In addition to its existing offering of Versa CSG appliances with integrated 5G, Versa now offers a separate 5G modems device that enables:
This model shifts 5G from a bolt-on connectivity option into a fully integrated part of the enterprise WAN connectivity.
Versa now offers CSM64 External 5G/LTE Extenders. This enterprise-grade 5G extender is designed to work with all Versa appliances operating on Versa Operating System (VOS). It provides key capabilities including,
Most importantly, the extender is fully managed and controlled from a centralized orchestration through Versa management console, delivering a simplified operation across wired and wireless WAN links.
Its not just the appliance but it’s the integrated software-driven architecture that offers:
Unified management and visibility: 5G interfaces are monitored alongside wired WAN links in the same console, with complete visibility into signal strength and performance through Versa Analytics.
Flexible deployment models: CSM64 can connect directly to PoE-capable Versa SD-WAN appliances, or via PoE-powered Versa switches supporting diverse branch sites and 5G extender placement needs.
Accelerated branch deployments: IT leaders can simplify operations while enabling rapid deployment using 5G as the primary access or backup connectivity.
Improved ROI: Existing Versa appliances including platforms without native 5G support can gain 5G connectivity without forklift upgrades.
As businesses modernize their WAN to support cloud, SaaS, AI, and edge computing, 5G must be deployed in a way that is flexible, scalable, and operationally simple. Versa’s CSM64 – External 5G Extender removes point products, operational complexity, and visibility challenges while enabling faster branch deployment and resilient connectivity.
Ready to accelerate branch deployment and unlock the full value of 5G in your WAN? Explore the Versa CSM64 External 5G Extender Datasheet and learn how to seamlessly extend enterprise-grade 5G connectivity across your network.
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