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Isidore Quantum® As a Low-Cost SD WAN: All-in-One Cybersecurity and Drop in PQC Solution

Case Study: Isidore Quantum Configured as a Secure Low-Cost SD-WAN for the Quantum Era

Updated this week

November 27, 2025

Key Outcomes of the Case Study:

Eliminate tunnels and latency: Routes sessions intelligently, improving performance and cutting bandwidth and hardware costs by 50%

Combine SD-WAN agility with PQC security: quantum-resilient, zero-trust connectivity across multi-site and cloud networks

Autonomously detect, adapt, and self-heals: AI-driven antifragility maintains uptime even under cyberattack or degraded connectivity

Drop-in integration with no re-architecture: protecting legacy and modern systems using CNSA 2.0-compliant encryption and zero-trust

Modern enterprises and defense networks face relentless pressure from two converging forces: 1) advanced cyberattacks and 2) the emerging quantum threat. Traditional WANs, built on static routing, VPN tunnels, and manual configuration, lack the agility, visibility, and resiliency required to safeguard distributed operations.

Software-Defined Wide-Area Networks (SD-WANs) were created to address that challenge. Through software control that dynamically directs traffic across MPLS, broadband, or satellite links, SD-WANs improve uptime, and safeguard vital communications. SD-WANs provide centralized management, encrypted connections, and application-aware routing, which are essential components of a zero-trust framework in the post-perimeter era.

Isidore Quantum configured as a low-cost and quantum safe SD-WAN alternative

The Situation

SD-WANs play a vital role in securing and managing modern distributed enterprises, allowing organizations to connect multiple sites across public and private networks with enhanced agility, visibility, and control. Traditional WANs depend on static routing and fragile VPN tunnels, while SD-WANs apply intelligent software to dynamically direct traffic according to performance, security, and application are being used to achieve the segmentation needed to sustain operations during active threats.

Even so, quantum decryption remains a powerful and unavoidable challenge. Within the next decade, quantum computers will possess the ability to break RSA and ECC encryption, which form the foundation of VPNs, routers, and data links currently in use, placing enterprise, defense, and industrial data at risk through Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) attacks. The evolution of SD-WANs must therefore surpass software intelligence and incorporate quantum resilience from the outset.

95%: Rise in ransomware attacks exploiting legacy VPNs and unsegmented routing planes

77%: Of enterprises report visibility gaps across hybrid networks, leaving encrypted traffic unmonitored

$9,000/minute: Average cost of network outage from cyber disruption

90%: Global networks that rely on RSA and ECC that will be vulnerable by 2027

Taken together, the above statistics highlight the urgent need for SD-WANs to advance beyond basic connectivity by incorporating AI-driven control, zero-trust enforcement, and quantum-safe encryption to stay effective in a rapidly intensifying threat landscape. Recognizing the challenge, Lumen Technologies chose to test Isidore Quantum as a low-cost SD-WAN option for a clear reason: traditional SD-WAN solutions often carry prohibitive costs, particularly when deployed across multiple sites or configured with advanced security capabilities. Standard SD-WAN subscriptions and hardware from providers such as Palo Alto Networks and HP can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per site, including hardware, licensing, and ongoing support. When quantum-resilient encryption is added, the total cost of a “quantum-safe SD-WAN” from legacy vendors can easily double or triple due to specialized hardware requirements, higher computing demands, and premium licensing fees.

That premium creates a significant obstacle to widespread deployment, particularly for distributed branch offices, small enterprise locations, and middle-market organizations. In contrast, Isidore Quantum has demonstrated the ability to deliver full SD-WAN functionality, zero-trust security, and CNSA-compliant PQC within a compact, low-SWaP, drop-in device, enabling secure and quantum-ready networking and segmentation at a fraction of the typical per-site cost. The affordability of this approach makes broad SD-WAN adoption achievable. For Lumen and its clients, the result is scalable, secure, and resilient connectivity without the high capital and operational expenses that limit traditional SD-WAN implementations

The Isidore Quantum Advantage: SD-WAN + PQC

Isidore Quantum represents the next generation of secure networking. Developed and field-tested in collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA), it integrates AI-driven SD-WAN control, zero-trust security, and CNSA 2.0 compliant Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) within a compact, plug-and-play platform suitable for enterprise, industrial, and defense deployments.

By combining dynamic routing, autonomous key management, and quantum-safe encryption in one solution, Isidore Quantum provides secure, optimized connectivity without expensive infrastructure modifications. The design removes the dependence on traditional VPN tunnels, lowers latency, and maintains network continuity even in denied or degraded environments. As cyber threats intensify and quantum disruption approaches, Isidore Quantum stands as the first drop-in SD-WAN solution that is mission-ready today and quantum-resilient for the future, uniting performance, security, and forward-looking protection.

Function

Mission Impact

AI-Driven SD-WAN Control

Automates path selection and policy enforcement using performance telemetry and threat analytics

Post-Quantum Encryption

Implements CNSA 2.0 algorithms protecting data-in-transit against classical and future quantum decryption

Zero-Trust & Micro-Segmentation

Authenticates every session—user, device, or service—reducing lateral movement and insider risk

Tunnel-Free Secure Vector Routing

Cuts overhead up to 56 % vs. legacy VPNs, improving throughput and lowering bandwidth cost

Edge Resilience & DDIL Operation

Operates in denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited-bandwidth environments—ideal for tactical, mobile, or remote use

Features

Engineered to streamline network management while enhancing protection, Isidore Quantum provides zero-trust segmentation, autonomous key rotation, and AI-driven anomaly detection without requiring extensive IT resources. A low-SWaP design and software-defined flexibility enable smooth integration with existing infrastructures, supporting hybrid, point-to-point, and mesh topologies with minimal modification.

Organizations benefit from the scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency of advanced SD-WAN architecture while meeting emerging quantum-security requirements. By uniting PQC, AI autonomy, and zero-trust principles in a single drop-in solution, Isidore Quantum elevates SD-WAN from a basic connectivity system to a proactive, self-healing cybersecurity platform built for the quantum age.

CNSA 2.0 and FIPS 140-3 Compliance:


Implements NSA-approved post-quantum algorithms and validated cryptographic modules, ensuring long-term regulatory compliance and readiness for emerging government security mandates

Hardware-Enforced Red/Black Separation:

Physically isolates trusted and untrusted domains with strict boundary controls, preventing side channel and power-based attacks in demanding national security environments

Ephemeral One-Time Key Architecture:


Creates single-use, rapidly discarded session keys for every connection, eliminating persistent secrets and ensuring forward secrecy in hostile or compromised environments

Drop-in PQC Integration:


Seamlessly installs into existing complex networks without configuration changes, providing immediate post-quantum protection while simplifying modernization across legacy infrastructure systems

AI-Driven Cyber Resilience:


Continuously analyzes network behavior using trained AI models to detect anomalies, self-heal disruptions, and maintain secure operation during sophisticated, evolving cyberattacks

Remote Monitoring and Control

Designed for simple installation and management with no special skills needed, operating automatically on “power-on” after initial configuration. Administered and monitored by the CASSIAN™ management and control plane via secure in-band and out-band channels

Why It Matters

Isidore Quantum can function as a secure edge node, site gateway, or mobile access router while avoiding the licensing and orchestration complexity common to traditional SD-WAN vendors:

  • Secure connectivity without fragility: Unlike tunnel-based SD-WANs, Isidore 50’s session-aware routing eliminates packet loss and latency penalties while maintaining full visibility.

  • Quantum-resilient by design: Uses PQC encryption now—no retrofit or hardware swap needed later.

  • Affordability & interoperability: Runs on COTS hardware and integrates with MPLS, 5G, Starlink, or fiber networks.

  • Mission continuity: Self-heals and reroutes under cyberattack or link degradation to maintain uptime and command integrity.

The Takeaway

As cyber warfare converges with quantum computing, networks must advance beyond basic connectivity. Isidore Quantum demonstrates that an SD-WAN can achieve security, autonomy, and future readiness, delivering the performance and resilience required by enterprises, defense, and critical infrastructure both now and in the years ahead.

Isidore Quantum: One device. One network. Quantum-resilient security at the edge.

50 Mb/s

480 Mb/s

1 - 2 Gb/s

10 Gb/s

68 Gb/s

1 Tb/s

Size, Weight & Power

~140 x 89 x 39 mm (5.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 in); 450 g (16 oz); ~7 W

~140 x 89 x 39 mm (5.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 in); 450 g (16 oz); ~10 W

~140 x 89 x 39 mm (5.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 in); 450 g (16 oz); ~12 W

Available Q3 2026

Available Q3 2026

Available Q4 2026

Environmental:

–40 °C to +85 °C; shock and vibration qualified

Cryptography:

AES-256 GCM and ML-KEM

Quantum Entropy:

Integrated Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) subsystem; validated per NIST SP 800-90 A/B/C and BSI AIS-31

Topologies:

Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, mesh, and hub-and-spoke; supports wired, wireless, and hybrid topologies

Certifications and Compliance:

NSA CNSA 2.0, FIPS 140-3 (Level 3), NIST SP 800-90 A/B/C, BSI AIS-31, ECCN 5A002 (License Exception ENC)

Latency:

<90 µs (estimated)

Security Architecture

Hardware-enforced Red/Black separation with galvanic isolation; zero-trust, zero-touch operation; covert posture (no network announcements or responses to probes)

AI / Autonomy

Embedded AI engine trained for real-time anomaly detection, and self-healing response

Management System:

Cassian™ for fleet orchestration, provisioning, telemetry, and policy governance across distributed deployments

Specifications listed are subject to change without prior notice.

Copyright 2026: Forward Edge-AI, Inc.

🔹 Primary Keywords

  • Shopify/Case#study

  • ShopifyThemes

  • Isidore Quantum SD-WAN

  • Quantum-resilient SD-WAN

  • Post-quantum SD-WAN solution

  • AI-driven SD-WAN

  • Secure SD-WAN platform

  • Quantum-safe networking

  • CNSA 2.0 compliant SD-WAN

  • Zero-trust SD-WAN

  • Autonomous SD-WAN

  • Next-generation SD-WAN

End User Hardware Interface (Red)

Supported Interfaces and Protocols: Physical Interfaces (form factor dependent): RJ45 (Ethernet), USB, Serial, Optical, CANBUS, optional RF/SATCOM modem interfaces via SMA/Ethernet, waterproof available.

Network Protocols: ATM, IPv4/IPv6, SCTP, UDP, PQC-based tunnels. (protocol agnostic)

External Link Technologies (via attached modems): WIFI, SATCOM, RF radios

Network Interface (Black)

Supported Interfaces and Protocols:

Physical Interfaces (form factor dependent): RJ45 (Ethernet), USB, Serial, Optical, CANBUS, optional RF/SATCOM modem interfaces via SMA/Ethernet, waterproof available.

Network Protocols: ATM, IPv4/IPv6, SCTP, UDP, PQC-based tunnels. (protocol agnostic)

External Link Technologies (via attached modems): WIFI, SATCOM, RF radios

USB-C

Versatile deployment across diverse environments, platforms, and mission requirements

🔹 Secondary Keywords

  • Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) SD-WAN

  • Quantum-secure network infrastructure

  • AI-based network orchestration

  • SD-WAN for defense networks

  • Quantum-proof encryption

  • Tunnel-free SD-WAN

  • Software-defined networking security

  • Quantum-ready edge networking

  • Quantum-secure WAN connectivity

  • SD-WAN performance optimization

🔹 Long-Tail SEO Phrases

  • “AI-driven SD-WAN with post-quantum encryption”

  • “How Isidore Quantum secures distributed enterprise networks”

  • “Quantum-resilient SD-WAN for defense and critical infrastructure”

  • “Zero-trust SD-WAN with CNSA 2.0 post-quantum cryptography”

  • “Lumen and Isidore Quantum 50 field-tested SD-WAN performance”

  • “Next-generation SD-WAN architecture for quantum-safe communications”

  • “Autonomous, tunnel-free SD-WAN for high-security operations”

  • “Future-proof SD-WAN solution with AI and PQC integration”

  • “Quantum-ready SD-WAN for military and industrial applications”

  • “Isidore Quantum 50 case study: secure, low-latency connectivity”

🔹 Contextual/Support Keywords

  • Hybrid cloud networking

  • Edge computing security

  • Distributed enterprise connectivity

  • Network resilience under cyber threat

  • Quantum computing and cybersecurity

  • Secure routing protocols

  • WAN optimization with AI

  • Quantum defense technologies

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