Is a secure, cloud-based wide area network — also known as an SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) — difficult or even impossible to implement in the public sector? This impression may arise when considering the shortcomings of some network technology vendors regarding European security standards, regulatory compliance, digital sovereignty, and procurement processes.
However, the advantages of reliable networking and secure data exchange between public services are too significant to ignore — making a suitable SD-WAN solution essential.
That is why LANCOM Systems, a German IT infrastructure provider, has specialized in serving the public and critical sectors. We build highly secure SD-WANs for public authorities, hosted either in a sovereign public cloud located in Germany or in an equally secure private cloud, depending on individual requirements. Compliance with EU regulations, national laws, official recommendations (such as those from the BSI), and municipal guidelines throughout the entire procurement process is firmly embedded in our products and solutions.
Discover the secure SD-WANs for the public sector by LANCOM and strengthen your digital sovereignty with solutions engineered in Germany — 100% GDPR-compliant and free of backdoors.
Maximum compliance
- Fully compliant with German and EU regulations, including GDPR, NIS2, the IT Security Act, and requirements for critical infrastructures
- Certified by leading authorities, including multiple BSI certifications and quality trust marks such as BSZ, the BSI IT Security Label, and ISO/IEC 27001
Budget-friendly solution
- Future-proof, scalable architecture using the latest technologies — easily expandable through upgrades and updates
- Long-term software maintenance for three to five years and beyond
- Optional: independent, cloud-based network management
- Comprehensive training and service offerings for lasting operational confidence
Public sector x LANCOM SD-WAN
SD-WAN in the public sector: Advantages, challenges, and solutions
Is SD-WAN technology compatible with existing systems? Does it meet legal requirements for data protection, IT security, and protection against eavesdropping? Can it be integrated and operated smoothly — without service interruptions and even by personnel without specialized training? And finally: is the investment sustainable and worthwhile in the long term? These are just some of the typical questions raised when evaluating SD-WAN solutions for the public sector.
SD-WAN advantages for the public sector
The advantages of centrally managed, cloud-controlled IT networks — with uniform security policies and continuous monitoring for faster response times—should also be made available to the public sector. Public authorities can benefit from:
- Higher network performance and stability
- Reduced IT costs
- Enhanced network security
- Future-ready capabilities such as mobile workstations and cloud-based services.
SD-WAN requirements in the public sector
A secure SD-WAN is a valuable enabler for digitalization initiatives and projects such as e-government and digital citizen services. However, this is only true if:
- the highest standards of cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and digital sovereignty are met,
- the SD-WAN can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures,
- and it can be operated cost-effectively over the long term.
The LANCOM SD-WAN solution for the public sector
LANCOM’s SD-WAN solutions for the public sector address these concerns by safeguarding the digital sovereignty of public authorities. Why? Because:
Maximum IT security – engineered in Germany
With next-generation firewalls featuring Unified Threat Management (UTM) functions and built-in redundancy in core network devices, LANCOM ensures state-of-the-art IT security — developed and engineered in Germany.
Compliance
LANCOM solutions are developed in full accordance with current national and international standards and regulations — including GDPR, NIS2, the IT Security Act, and the regulations on critical infrastructures. Their security is backed by certifications such as the BSI IT Security Label, the BSI BSZ, ISO/IEC 27001, and the TeleTrust “IT Security made in Germany” trust mark, among others.
Digital sovereignty and backdoor freedom
LANCOM solutions guarantee full GDPR compliance and complete freedom from backdoors. They strengthen the digital sovereignty of public authorities and institutions by being engineered in Germany and — when using the LANCOM Management Cloud — hosted in Germany. For maximum control, a private cloud option is also available.
Flexible interfaces, effortless rollout
With an unmatched variety of interfaces — including DSL, fiber optics, Ethernet, LTE, and 5G — LANCOM devices can be seamlessly integrated into any existing internet connection and easily combined with legacy systems. Thanks to their cloud readiness and full compatibility with the LANCOM Management Cloud, installation can take place smoothly during ongoing operations. Customers are supported at every stage of their SD-WAN journey by experienced, German-speaking partners — and benefit from comprehensive, end-to-end service.
Sustainable SD-WAN one-box solution
With the intelligent SD-WAN one-box solution by LANCOM, a single device handles both the underlay and overlay — keeping acquisition and operational costs low. Modern SD-WAN features, extensive upgrade options via accessories and software, and transparent lifecycle management ensure long-term quality, flexibility, scalability, and cost predictability.
SD-WAN networking in the city administration
Networking of administrative units of a city / district with a network connection to the town hall
Your secure SD-WAN cloud from LANCOM (public or private)
The term “cloud” can initially raise concerns for public authorities — especially when the solution is neither audited nor managed by a trusted, sovereign entity. Given the data protection practices of many external cloud providers, such skepticism is entirely justified.
When it comes to cloud services in the public sector, security must be the top priority. That is why it is essential to look closely at key aspects such as data protection, failover mechanisms, access control, and network security. Our infographic and infopaper offer a detailed overview of how the LANCOM Management Cloud (LMC) — the central element of the LANCOM SD-WAN — meets these requirements.
Infopaper: LMC (Public) — Data Protection and Data Security
As shown in the infopaper, even the public version of the LANCOM Management Cloud offers a high level of protection. It complies fully with the GDPR, is free from backdoors, and is hosted in Germany. Geo-redundancy, strict access and authentication policies, and multiple high-availability features make it a secure and future-ready platform for managing public-sector networks.
The LANCOM Management Cloud (Private) for particularly high security requirements
Prefer to keep hosting fully under your control? Then take advantage of the option to run a private instance of the LANCOM Management Cloud in your own data center — or in a trusted data center of your choice!
If strict, organization-specific security policies require a private cloud environment, but you still want to benefit from the features and usability of the LANCOM Management Cloud, the private cloud is the ideal solution. It allows the LMC to operate within a completely isolated infrastructure — either in your own data center or directly on premises — without any shared tenancy with other clients.
How a LANCOM SD-WAN protects your digital sovereignty
The unique advantage of LANCOM SD-WAN: It is a German-engineered SD-WAN solution built entirely with European products — placing the highest priority on the digital sovereignty of its users.
How exactly does it achieve this? We’re happy to show you:
References
As a long-standing and trusted partner to municipal administrations, public utilities, emergency and security services, and educational institutions, we have already equipped numerous public-sector organizations with LANCOM products and solutions.
Reference story Kindernothilfe
Secure, legally compliant implementation of e-government and digital citizen services
- Fulfill complex public-sector tendering requirements
- Ensure compliance with BSI recommendations, security policies, and regulations such as GDPR and NIS2
- Maximize data protection and safeguard digital sovereignty
- Seamless integration into existing infrastructures
Protected, encrypted communication and networking between public authorities
- Secure handling of sensitive data such as citizen records, financial information, population registers, and investigation data
- Protection against complex cyberattacks, including advanced persistent threats (APTs) and DDoS attacks
- Interoperability between systems from different administrative bodies
- Implementation and operation of tap-proof communication networks using tamper-resistant technologies
Ensure 24/7 network stability — especially in critical infrastructure
- Reliable, secure connectivity for mobile units such as police and emergency services
- Fail-safe, round-the-clock operation of critical infrastructures (e.g. energy supply or traffic management systems)
- Consistently stable network performance for essential applications such as communication platforms and citizen portals
Network optimization under budget constraints and IT staff shortages
- Navigating tight financial margins and lengthy approval processes
- Long-lasting, scalable products that offer investment protection
- Modernization of legacy systems and seamless integration of new solutions into existing IT environments
- Addressing the shortage of qualified IT personnel with simplified management and automation
