Global pipe manufacturer builds a simpler, more resilient network

For this global pipe systems manufacturer, it was time for a major shift across its operations spanning more than 20 countries in Europe and North America. 

As the IT team rolled out a security-driven SD-WAN architecture, it was critical to upgrade their connectivity underlay to provide reliable local internet access across their global footprint. 

The challenge? Their existing environment was a complex mix of MPLS, broadband connections, and different local providers. Some locations were difficult to reach, and they all required multiple connections for resilience.

This is when they issued an RFP for global internet access. The goal was clear: simplify the network while increasing diversity and performance.

Why they chose GNX

Rolling out connectivity across 20+ countries and more than 100 services is not just about sourcing circuits. It’s about coordination.

The customer needed a partner who could manage the complexity of global delivery while working with local providers as needed. Some sites required engineering work, others needed secondary circuits or temporary 5G access, and diversity was a top priority.

GNX stood out for a few key reasons:

• Competitive pricing across global and local providers
• A centralized rollout managed by a dedicated GNX project manager
• Transparent coordination with local ISPs to meet diversity requirements
• The ability to bring all services under a single contract and invoice

Just as important, GNX could adapt to the customer’s architecture rather than forcing a new one.

Since the company was already deploying the overlay, GNX focused on delivering the internet underlay required to support it.

The GNX solution

The project was delivered in two major deployment phases, aligned with the customer’s SD-WAN rollout.

GNX sourced and delivered a mix of connectivity services across the global footprint, including:

• Uncontended Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
• Business broadband
• Secondary connections for resilience
• Temporary 5G services for rapid activation

In total, the deployment covered around 110 services across more than 20 countries.

Because some manufacturing and operational sites were in areas with limited infrastructure, GNX worked closely with local fiber providers and coordinated custom engineering solutions where needed.

Throughout the rollout, GNX maintained bi-weekly coordination calls with the customer’s IT team, ensuring that connectivity delivery stayed aligned with the SASE deployment timeline.

The result was a network built with multiple layers of resilience – technology, path, or ISP diversity – depending on site requirements and availability. All managed through one global framework: one contract, one monthly invoice, and GNX’s global NOC for monitoring and support.

The result

What began as a fragmented connectivity environment became a simpler, more flexible global network foundation.

Today, the manufacturer operates a consistent internet access layer that supports its SD-WAN architecture across Europe and North America.

The benefits were immediate:

• Global connectivity delivered under a single contract and invoice
• Improved resilience through diverse access technologies
• Flexible connectivity options, including fiber, broadband, and 5G
• Centralized visibility through the GNX+ platform

For the IT team, the biggest improvement was operational simplicity.

Instead of coordinating dozens of local providers, they now work with one global partner who manages the complexity behind the scenes. And as new sites come online or requirements change, the connectivity foundation is already in place to support them. It is that straightforward.