Lumen help
As we set up your Lumen SD-WAN with Versa Networks service, use this guide to follow the process step by step and to know where we'll need your help.
By partnering with Lumen for your SD-WAN solution, you get all the benefits SD-WAN brings as a technology without the overhead of managing, configuring, and provisioning on a manual basis.
Lumen Managed SD-WAN is built on a toolset from Versa, our partner company, and is delivered as a managed service. Lumen SD-WAN with Versa Networks is an enterprise network created, defined, and controlled by a central software platform powered by Versa Networks that remotely configures and monitors physical and virtual customer-premises equipment (CPE) connected by a mix of network technologies including Internet broadband, wireless, and MPLS.
Lumen supports the initial configuration of the service, along with monitoring and managing events associated with the SD-WAN appliance and circuit availability.
Cost savings: the ability to intelligently use lower cost Internet connections to achieve MPLS-like QoS provides a greater return on investment. Also, all bandwidth is utilized, so bandwidth per dollar costs is lower. SD-WAN also utilizes lower cost common off the shelf (COTS) x86 hardware.
Application-aware routing: traffic path can be chosen based on application and/or performance of the connection in near real-time. We measure packet loss, latency, and jitter on every path for the best route possible.
Visibility: SD-WAN services are centrally managed via one powerful interface. Common traffic prioritization rules/templates can be applied across locations, reducing provisioning time and risk for errors. SD-WAN provides complete network visibility and real-time reporting at the application level.
Simplicity: SD-WAN uses a remote configuration deployment method using standardized non-proprietary hardware and requires no on-site resources to complete. This means that the SD-WAN device connects home to obtain its configuration upon security validation once it’s powered on. Provisioning the service from open box to active network can be done in minutes.
Bundled and managed connectivity: transport options can include MPLS, Internet, Wireless (LTE), and Cable from Lumen or other carriers in which Lumen has agreements. All transport provided by Lumen includes a single point of contact to resolve any connectivity issues.
Scheduled activations for SD-WAN service(s) require a two-step process: installing equipment (phase 1) and scheduling the activation (phase 2). If your order includes on-site installation, expect a site visit by a Lumen technician to install and test the equipment before the scheduled activation event.
We understand the service-delivery process can be complicated and are committed to making it easy for you by communicating with you every step of the way and giving you visibility to manage your orders.
Your CCM ensures all related services, including internet, MPLS, or broadband are delivered on-time and in coordination with your SD-WAN project manager. Your acknowledgement letter includes contact information for your CCM: name, phone number, and email. Your CCM assists you with any questions about your order, keeps you informed of the status every step of the way, and acts as your advocate. They are your contact throughout the lifecycle of your order and manages your order from when your order is submitted to when you accept your new service, and they communicate with you at key milestones and updates. If you have questions about your order, please contact your CCM.
Your SD-WAN PM enters the process when the first location in the project scope reaches implementation readiness status. This occurs when IP information is available from all supporting circuits present in the SD-WAN network. The SD-WAN PM schedules a kickoff call with you to review the implementation process and coordinates communication with your CCM regarding the remaining locations in the project scope. Your SDWAN PM helps you with any questions about your SD-WAN order, keeps you informed of the status every step of the way, works closely with your CCM and various SD-WAN engineering teams responsible for implementing your SD-WAN services. Once your services are ready to be activated, the SD-WAN PM contacts you to schedule the activation for all locations.
Your TDE interviews you (or your IT contact) to validate that we have all the necessary technical information to properly install your service. This is our opportunity to ensure we accurately confirm details that impact your final configurations.
Examples of the information we will gather include:
Once the technical details are gathered by the TDE team, the SDWAN build team
Once the build is complete, the activation will be scheduled with an SD-WAN activations engineer. It is important to note that the related transport circuits must be ready in order to proceed with the scheduled activation and ensure configurations are complete.
During the activation call, the Lumen activations technician works with your technical contact to onboard the SD-WAN appliance, validates configurations on the SD-WAN appliance, and helps in the testing process.
Before you install your device(s), make sure you record the serial number for each. You can find the serial number on the bottom of the device. This is the quickest way for your support member to find your information.
Ports on the Advantech FWA 1320
Ports on the Lanner Lanner NCA-1515B or Lanner NCA-1515A
Ports on the Advantech FWA 2320
Ports on the Advantech FWA 3260
Ports on the Advantech FWA 5020
To help ensure we stay on track and successfully design and activate your SD-WAN network, we recommend you do the following:
Your SD-WAN project manager monitors the progress of your order. Once we have indicated the order to be installation complete, we will contact you to schedule the days and times for installing your equipment and activating your service. Once confirmation of internal resource availability has been received with approval to schedule, we will communicate the final date/time of your activation call.
Before the day your service is activated, we'll contact your local contact to confirm the date/time of your activation. If you need to change the reserved activation date/time, contact your SD-WAN PM immediately to reschedule. If you have to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of the scheduled activation start time, you may be charged.
If you requested an after-hours or weekend activation call and a Lumen contact doesn't attend, please contact your SD-WAN PM.
Use the information below to understand the installation and activation and what responsibilities you (and your on-site content) have beofre these scheduled events.
To help ensure a successful activation, you should
While we're installing your managed SD-WAN equipment (before the scheduled activation call), please make on-site contact is ready for the following:
After we install your SD-WAN equipment, we'll schedule your activation call (a conference call between you and Lumen). We will activate your service by following these steps:
If you recently activated your service and can't pass any traffic, please contact your SD-WAN PM to engage the SD-WAN Activation team for help.
If you have activated your service but are experiencing issues after passing traffic for at least 12 hours, please contact Lumen SD-WAN Support:
If we are simply adding sites to your existing network, we will start billing after activating each site.
If we are installing a new network, we will start billing once we have activated two sites, with at least one active transport service connected to the SD-WAN equipment. (Note: If you have a preference which two sites we activate first, please contact your SD-WAN PM.)
In both instances, we will send you a connection email confirming that we've started billing you for your service.
To help you quickly resolve a service issue, we recommend that you double-check these items before calling Lumen for support. Here are a list of common causes for not being pass traffic successfully.
Please note that speed testing an off-network circuit is not a reliable indication of QoS. This testing should not be confused with class of service (CoS) testing.
North American test link: speedcenter.level3.net/
We work hard to deliver your service with your cooperation as of the customer commitment date (CCD). If your delay or inaction prevents us from installing your service, we will begin charging for the service(s) starting on the customer commitment date. Service charges will continue to accrue until you're ready and Lumen can complete service installation. Accrued service charges will appear on your first invoice. If you have any questions about any site readiness or other actions you need to complete so we can meet the CCD and assure you are ready, please contact your SD-WAN PM as soon as possible.
Additionally, communicating important information to your site technical contact as soon as possible will help identify and address any issues ahead of time. Our goal is to work with you to achieve and exceptional delivery experience.
Lumen will confirm the specified scheduled date and time of the requested managed activation submitted by the SD-WAN PM on your behalf. Lumen Scheduling emails a confirmation of the scheduled managed activation date to you, to your CCM, and to the remote managed activation technician. The field technician who will install your equipment also receives a copy. Lumen also makes every effort to remind you of the upcoming scheduled managed activation date and time.
Below are the cancellation options: