A New flexiWAN Release Supporting VLAN and Security Improvements

See how we upgraded infrastructure, VLAN support, revamped network management interfaces, and advanced BGP features!

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By Ivor Kreso
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Edited by flexiWan Staff

Updated April 24, 2024.

Foundations

We are pleased to announce the release of flexiWAN version 6.2.1, a major upgrade that brings significant improvements and exciting new features to our open source SD-WAN solution. The focus of this release is on expanding functionality and intuitivity and ensuring long-term stability. Let’s take a look at the main highlights of this latest release.



Improving the Engine

One of the great features of flexiWAN version 6.2.1 is the extensive upgrades under the hood. We’ve upgraded the flexiEdge host OS from Ubuntu 18.04 to Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS (Long Time Support).

This upgrade is essential as Ubuntu 18.04 recently reached the end of life, and moving to a more secure and supported platform is important. Using the latest Ubuntu LTS version keeps flexiWAN stable, secure, and up-to-date with the latest system improvements.

Upgrading to the new version of Host OS is handled in a similar fashion as upgrading flexiEdge, using the Action menu > Host OS upgrade from flexiManage. Learn more about how to upgrade your Host OS here.

Lastly, in case of any issues with upgrading, please consult our troubleshooting Host OS upgrade section.

Host OS upgrade wizard


In addition to migrating to Ubuntu 20.04, and to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology, we have updated the underlying Python version used by flexiWAN.

With version 6.2.1, flexiWAN now uses an upgraded Python version to ensure optimal performance, improved stability, and compatibility with the newer Python libraries and frameworks. This update reflects our commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices to deliver a seamless and future-proof SD-WAN experience.

Talking about security, this is also an opportunity to mention that flexiWAN was lately examined by one of the largest and well known security audit companies. This was done on behalf of a customer from the financial sector. We were happy to see flexiWAN pass this audit successfully.

Making Network Segmentation and Management Easier

In response to user feedback and requests, we are happy to introduce VLAN support in this version.

With this new feature, flexiWAN now fully supports VLANs on all wired interfaces. This means one can easily segment and manage network traffic based on VLAN tags, allowing more granular control and improving network efficiency.

Whether you have a complex network architecture or need network isolation for specific applications or departments, flexiWAN’s VLAN support has you covered.



A New Look

We are proud to announce a complete overhaul of our network management and configuration interfaces. This overhaul ensures a user-friendly and intuitive experience, allowing users to easily navigate and access all major settings in each interface.

New interface settings allow users to see and manage all important settings for each interface at a glance. Whether it’s a WAN interface, LAN interface, or other connected interface, you can conveniently and easily access their individual settings.

New interfaces layout


By integrating these advanced features and options into the interface configuration, we aim to streamline the configuration process and provide a comprehensive network management solution within flexiWAN.

Whether you need to optimize routing, implement VLAN segmentation, or manage interface-specific settings, you can now easily access them from a single interface configuration window.



A Few More Things...

We understand that different network deployments may have their own requirements for VXLAN port configuration. Some ISPs are also known to manipulate or block the default VXLAN port, so with the flexIWAN 6.2.1 version, we are introducing the ability to change the source VXLAN port from the default of 4789. The port can be configured per each organization setting. Learn more about it here.

Changing VXLAN port per organization


For users leveraging Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for their routing needs, we’ve enhanced and added a few more features to it. The latest release includes advanced BGP filtering options, allowing fine-grained control over the routes accepted or advertised by flexiWAN deployment.

In addition to filtering options, flexiWAN now offers the ability to set next hop and community settings in BGP configuration. This allows more control over selecting the paths and manipulation of traffic within the infrastructure. Find more on BGP with flexiWAN here.

New BGP functionality


Lastly, our documentation pages have yet again been greatly expanded and upgraded. We recommend giving it a look.

Live Webinar & Q&A to Review the New Version

We’re excited to announce our upcoming webinar focused on the latest developments in the flexiWAN SD-WAN software. As we navigate through the significant upgrades found in our new version, we will explore the refreshed interface designs, detailing their new flow and how they can enhance your SD-WAN experience.

Key features we will dissect include the introduction of VLANs, alongside other improvements, allowing you to further optimize your network infrastructure. We will also delve deep into the underlying upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, discussing how this platform switch bolsters performance and stability.

For those considering the transition, we will also provide insights on how to smoothly upgrade from previous flexiWAN versions.

Lastly, we’ll provide a glimpse into the future of flexiWAN, sharing the exciting updates we’re currently working on. Join us as we delve into the enhanced capabilities and extended potential of flexiWAN in this informative webinar.



In Conclusion

The release of flexiWAN version 6.2.1 marks a significant milestone in enhancing the performance, security, and management capabilities of flexiWAN SD-WAN software. With upgraded infrastructure, VLAN support, revamped network management interfaces, and advanced BGP features, flexiWAN empowers users to optimize and control their networks with ease.

Upgrade to flexiWAN 6.2.1 to experience the benefits of a robust and flexible solution, aligning with the evolving needs of your infrastructure. Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to innovate and refine our open source SD-WAN solution.