FS Multi-Branch Network Solution Drives IT Modernization for State and Local Governments

In today's digital-first world, state and local governments are under increasing pressure to modernize their IT infrastructure. The demand for secure, efficient, and scalable solutions is higher than ever, especially as more public services transition to online platforms. FS multi-branch network solution is designed to facilitate the much-needed IT modernization for government, ensuring seamless communication between departments and agencies.

The Importance of Government IT Modernization

IT modernization involves transitioning from outdated solutions and legacy systems to more automated and innovative alternatives, consolidating systems and workflows for improved efficiency.

Government agencies manage massive volumes of data, from citizen records to public services, and require robust IT systems to ensure seamless operations. Outdated legacy systems are no longer capable of meeting today’s digital demands, posing risks in terms of security, performance, and scalability.

Modernized IT infrastructure allows governments to increase efficiency, improve transparency, enhance service delivery, and bolster security. A modern branch network, in particular, enables reliable connectivity between central offices and remote branches, ensuring smooth coordination across multiple locations.

Key Network Challenges in Government IT Modernization

State and local governments are frontline service providers that many people rely on daily. However, the modernization journey is a complex one, and they must address several key issues:

• Network Load: With the increasing use of mobile devices, IoT (Internet of Things) data streams, and bandwidth-heavy applications such as streaming video and IP voice, the amount of data flowing through government network edges is rapidly expanding. This surge in traffic can overwhelm the existing switch infrastructure.

• Limited Budget: Many government agencies have dozens or even hundreds of switches that need upgrading, with many located in small offices or buildings spread across large geographic areas, such as entire states or counties. Tight IT budgets and lean IT staff are common challenges. IT teams need simplified management tools to monitor network performance, security, and connectivity across numerous locations.

• Security Concerns: Government data is highly sensitive, often including personal information, financial records, and classified documents that, if compromised, could have serious consequences for both citizens and government operations. This makes robust security a top priority. Government networks are frequent targets for cyberattacks, including data breaches, ransomware, and other malicious activities aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities.

• Wireless Connectivity: As remote and mobile workforces grow, there is an increasing expectation for seamless Wi-Fi access regardless of location, including in government buildings. Employees often use two or three mobile devices daily, making stable Wi-Fi a necessity.

These challenges create the need for a highly flexible, secure, and scalable branch network solution tailored specifically to the unique needs of state and local governments.

FS Multi-Branch Network Solution: Meeting Modernization Challenges

FS multi-branch network solution provides a comprehensive, scalable, and secure platform to address the unique challenges of government networks. With PicOS® for flexible scalability, AmpCon™ for simplified management, WiFi 6 for high-speed wireless access, and comprehensive security features, FS empowers government agencies to modernize their IT infrastructure with confidence.

Create Resilient Networks to Government IT

FS multi-branch network solution builds resilient networks for government IT by leveraging a flexible, scalable architecture that adapts to growing network demands.

• Layered Architecture for Optimal Performance: FS network design for government applications uses a three-layer structure to boost scalability and performance. Access switches in office environments feed data to aggregation switches in data centers, which then direct traffic to core switches in the network backbone. This layered approach simplifies management and allows for easy expansion. For branch offices, FS offers a scalable two-layer or optional three-layer setup that balances simplicity with growth potential, ensuring flexible and secure connectivity across various locations.

• PicOS® Switches for Seamless Integration: The S5860 and S5810 series switches come pre-installed with the PicOS® operating system, offering backward compatibility and seamless integration with other switches. This allows for gradual network upgrades within budget constraints. Equipped with Broadcom chips, these enterprise switches deliver high performance and stability, with a switching capacity of up to 760 Gbps and a forwarding rate of up to 565 Mpps. They are well-suited to handle high-bandwidth applications such as mobile devices, IoT data streams, streaming video, and IP voice.

• Redundant Design for Increased Reliability: To ensure network reliability, FS implements Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG) across various layers. This approach provides network redundancy, reduces single points of failure, and ensures a resilient infrastructure critical for uninterrupted government services.

Simplify the Complexity of Modern Networks

Managing a network that spans multiple branches and offices can be a challenge, but FS simplifies this complexity with the AmpCon™ controller, a powerful, automated, and scalable network management tool.

• Centralized Management: AmpCon™ allows government IT teams to centralize the management of all branch and campus networks, significantly reducing operational burdens while ensuring smooth access and control. With a single dashboard, IT staff can monitor the entire network, including remote offices, gaining full visibility and control over network devices, configurations, and security settings. This centralized approach streamlines operations and enhances network oversight.

• Push-Button Deployment: One of AmpCon™’s standout features is its Push-Button Deployment capability, which simplifies the installation and configuration of remote switches. Whether deploying a few or hundreds of switches running on FS PicOS® network operating system, IT teams can effortlessly roll out configurations with a single click. This feature enables fast, large-scale deployments without the need for complex manual setups, ensuring a smooth, error-free process.

• Quick-Start Mode: Even non-technical personnel can leverage the system’s intuitive Quick-Start Mode, allowing them to deploy switches using simple, GUI-based commands. This eliminates the need to send specialized technicians to each site, saving both time and operational expenses. The automation provided by AmpCon™ ensures consistency in network configuration across all locations, which improves security and reduces human error.

Exceptional Wi-Fi 6 Digital Experiences

As the demand for mobile and remote connectivity continues to grow, FS solution leverages advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology to meet these evolving needs. By utilizing products such as AP (access points) and AC (access controllers), the solution supports centralized management and seamless roaming across different locations. This high-speed, secure, and efficient wireless coverage not only accommodates mobile users and IoT devices but also ensures that government employees and public users can access the network without interruptions.

By providing reliable wireless access, FS WiFi 6 technology lays a strong foundation for government IT modernization. Whether in remote offices or central hubs, WiFi 6 improves productivity and facilitates smoother collaboration, making it an essential component in enhancing government operations and services.

Full Government Network Security

As more government services move online, an increasing number of remote workers are accessing sensitive data. The FS multi-branch network solution integrates high-performance NGFW (next-generation firewalls), NSG-5220 and NSG-3230, equipped with intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect and block real-time network-based attacks, proactively halting malicious activities. With deep packet inspection (DPI) capabilities, it offers comprehensive insights into user, device, network, and application activities, highlighting potential risks.

Furthermore, robust VPN interconnection technologies facilitate connectivity for remote branches, mobile offices, and dial-up access in various scenarios, enabling centralized deployment and monitoring. Through data encryption, authentication, and validation, it prevents data leakage. In a word, ensuring comprehensive data security is not only important but absolutely crucial for the integrity and reliability of government IT networks.

Conclusion

With robust security measures, high-performance Wi-Fi, and a strong focus on user experience, FS multi-branch network solution enables state and local governments to deliver efficient and accessible online services across multiple locations. This not only enhances citizen satisfaction but also encourages greater participation in digital government initiatives, helping to build stronger, more connected communities. Explore our multi-branch network solution and contact our experts today to learn more.