Nepean Networks adds WatchGuard firewall choice to Antares

Nepean Networks has integrated WatchGuard Firebox deployment into its Antares SD-WAN and security platform, letting MSPs place firewalls at the edge or centrally without changing edge hardware. The update is available now to Nepean Networks and Fusion Broadband partners in supported regions.

Why it matters: - MSPs using Antares can now pick WatchGuard firewall protection without being locked into a bundled SD-WAN security stack. - Existing compatible SD-WAN deployments can change firewall strategy without replacing edge hardware. - The option can reduce the number of firewall instances, licenses and policy sets in distributed customer environments. - The security layer can evolve independently from the network underneath it.

What happened: - Nepean Networks announced integration of WatchGuard firewall deployment into Antares, its multi-tenant SD-WAN and security management platform. - The capability is available now to Nepean Networks and Fusion Broadband partners across supported regions. - WatchGuard Firebox security can be deployed at individual customer sites or centrally across an SD-WAN network. - The deployment model can be used at the edge, in the network core, or in a mix of both.

The details: - Antares separates the SD-WAN plane from the security plane, allowing MSPs to choose the firewall technology that fits each customer. - That choice can be changed later without rebuilding the network beneath it. - At the edge, WatchGuard can deliver dedicated firewall policy and security services for a single customer location. - In the network core, multiple sites across the same SD-WAN fabric can share centrally deployed security. - In a hybrid design, central enforcement can handle some sites while local policy remains in place where needed. - The integration expands the mix of commercial and open-source security platforms deployable through Nepean Networks architecture. - WatchGuard’s Unified Security Platform provides centrally managed network, endpoint and identity security with MSP-oriented licensing. - Antares provides multi-tenant network management, SD-WAN orchestration, traffic visibility and a white-label operating environment. - Nepean Networks said further additions to the Antares platform will be announced shortly. - The company trades as Fusion Broadband in some markets. - Nepean Networks says it has delivered white-label SD-WAN since 2011, with partners and deployments across more than 20 countries, and won the 2020 IBM Beacon Award for Outstanding Infrastructure Services Solution.

Between the lines: - The announcement is aimed at MSPs that want more security flexibility without turning a firewall change into a hardware refresh. - A separated network and security architecture gives partners more room to adapt as customer needs change. - Centralized security deployment can be more efficient for branch-heavy customers, while edge deployment still supports site-specific policy. - A customer quoted in the release said the change can be made remotely with very little disruption, which suggests the main appeal is operational simplicity rather than a new hardware feature.

What’s next: - Nepean Networks plans additional Antares platform additions soon. - Partners with compatible SD-WAN deployments can adopt the new firewall capability without replacing edge hardware. - MSPs can use the WatchGuard option to shift security placement as customer requirements evolve.

The bottom line: - Antares is being positioned as a more flexible SD-WAN platform for MSPs that want firewall choice, remote change management and less infrastructure lock-in.