PoE-powered appliance lets IT teams place 5G where reception is strongest while managing it natively through existing Versa Secure SD-WAN
News Summary
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Versa announced support for a certified 5G Extender, an enterprise-grade, PoE-powered appliance that delivers high-performance 5G WAN connectivity to distributed branch offices.
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Unlike standalone cellular add-ons, the 5G Extender operates as a native component of Versa Secure SD-WAN, preserving centralized orchestration, unified policy enforcement, and SLA visibility across both wired and wireless links.
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The device can be placed near windows, on rooftops or anywhere signal is strongest, eliminating the signal degradation common in wiring-closet deployments.
Versa, the global leader in unified security and networking, announced that it has certified and supports a 5G Extender solution that addresses a persistent challenge in branch connectivity: 5G signal strength is typically weakest in wiring closets where network appliances are installed. The 5G Extender enables enterprises to place the 5G radio where reception is strongest — near windows, building edges, or rooftops – while continuing to manage, secure, and enforce policy through existing Versa SD-WAN infrastructure.
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Traditional deployments force a trade-off: integrated 5G modems sit wherever the host appliance sits, and the only way to reposition the radio is to replace the appliance entirely. The 5G Extender eliminates that trade-off. Powered by PoE from a compatible Versa Secure SD-WAN or Versa Secure SD-LAN appliance, it requires no additional power source in most deployments and extends 5G WAN connectivity to existing Versa CSG appliances, Versa-qualified Dell platforms, and Versa-qualified white-box CPEs.
Native to Versa SD-WAN, Not a Bolt-On
Unlike standalone cellular adapters that require a separate management plane, the Versa 5G Extender is automatically recognized and configured as a native interface within Versa software. SD-WAN traffic steering, security policy, and SLA monitoring apply to the 5G link alongside all wired connections, eliminating the need for parallel tooling and operational fragmentation.
The device supports dual SIMs for carrier redundancy and can be switched remotely between providers based on signal quality, performance, or commercial preference, without requiring a technician on site. 5G-aware SD-WAN probes and adaptive traffic controls help optimize cost and performance across metered wireless links, making the extender efficient as either a primary or backup WAN connection.
Common enterprise use cases include:
- Rapid branch turn-up at retail sites, pop-ups, and temporary locations where wired circuits are delayed.
- Wireless failover for business-critical sites requiring continuous uptime.
- Environments such as healthcare, manufacturing, and warehouses, where network closets have poor RF reception.
- Rural and hard-to-wire locations where 5G serves as the primary WAN connection.
“Enterprises increasingly rely on 5G for rapid site turn-up, business continuity, and resilient WAN connectivity, but integrated 5G hardware is too often deployed exactly where radio conditions are worst,” said Rahul Vaidya, senior director of product management at Versa. “The Versa 5G Extender separates radio placement from appliance placement. IT teams get stronger reception, centralized control, and full SD-WAN policy enforcement without replacing infrastructure they’ve already invested in.”
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