Lumen and HPE Bring Smart, Fast, Secure AI Solutions to the Edge

Artificial intelligence is a modern business imperative. Yet as enterprises rush to deploy AI, one truth stands out: AI is only as powerful as the network that supports it. Turning raw data into real-time intelligence requires infrastructure that can move, secure and scale massive volumes of information instantly.

Lumen and HPE Networking are tackling that challenge together. This deployment delivers AI that is smart, fast and secure—and supports sustainability—at the edge, where milliseconds matter and innovation becomes execution.

“We’re helping businesses turn ideas into action, quickly and securely,” said Dave Ward, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Lumen. “By combining HPE Networking’s programmable networking with Lumen’s edge capabilities, we’re making it easy for companies to launch AI services that respond in real time, scale effortlessly and stay protected.”

Why the Edge Matters

Across industries, the most transformative AI use cases depend on real-time responsiveness. Retailers use AI-driven video analytics to manage inventory across hundreds of stores instantly. Healthcare providers rely on bedside AI models to analyze imaging scans and deliver near-instant diagnostic insights. Financial institutions detect fraud in milliseconds to protect both trust and revenue. And manufacturers leverage predictive AI to identify anomalies before equipment fails, preventing costly downtime and improving safety.

In each of these scenarios, customers aren’t asking for more complexity; they’re demanding better outcomes. They want faster launches, smarter operations, stronger security and lower costs. And they want it all delivered with simplicity and speed.

How Lumen Delivers

Lumen edge infrastructure gives enterprises the reach and agility to deploy AI services close to where data is created and consumed. The platform accelerates time-to-market, reduces latency and simplifies scaling across hybrid environments, helping customers move from concept to production in weeks—not months.

Security is built in. Lumen Defender℠ Powered by Black Lotus Labs^® provides multilayered protection designed for AI-era threats. Energy-efficient networking supports sustainable growth while minimizing cost and carbon footprint.

Where HPE Fits In

HPE Networking’s technology plays a critical role in enabling the Lumen customer-first promise. The Juniper Networks^® MX Series Universal Routers, deployed across the Lumen Network, are optimized for ultra-low latency and massive throughput, making real-time AI applications not just possible but practical.

Security is embedded into every layer of the solution. Inline encryption, combined with line-rate DDoS defense, protects applications without slowing them down. When paired with Lumen advanced threat intelligence, enterprises gain a defense-in-depth model built for the demands of AI.

Agility is another key advantage. AI workloads are dynamic, shifting across sites, clouds and geographies. HPE Networking’s open APIs, telemetry and automation allow Lumen to deliver services that adapt as fast as business needs to evolve. Enterprises benefit from closed-loop automation, elastic scaling and continuous performance optimization.

“AI is changing how businesses operate, and networks must keep pace,” said AE Natarajan, SVP & GM, Routing Infrastructure Solutions, HPE Networking. “Our deployment with Lumen brings together the best of both worlds, programmable infrastructure and edge reach, to help customers unlock the full potential of AI.”

Redefining Networking for the AI Era

Traditional networks were built for static, client-server models. AI workloads demand something different—dynamic, intelligent and secure. Together, Lumen and HPE are delivering infrastructure that is:

• Smart: Embedded intelligence driving better business decisions
• Fast: Ultra-low latency responsiveness for real-time applications
• Safe: Security built into every layer
• Sustainable: Energy-efficient design supporting responsible growth

The Future of the Network

Tomorrow’s infrastructure must do more than move data; it must sense, adapt and optimize itself in real time. That vision defines the Lumen edge strategy. Adaptive networks that flex to new workloads, predictive systems that self-heal, and sustainable architectures that lower cost and carbon—all are now within reach.

AI is rewriting the rules of business. With Lumen and HPE, your network becomes a catalyst—not a constraint. Because with AI, timing is everything. And the edge is where timing matters most.

Ready to accelerate your business with secure, scalable edge AI? Discover more about our solutions now.

This blog contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding management’s expectations with respect to our business, strategy and operations as well as statements identified by words such as “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not promises nor guarantees of future results, are based on our current expectations only and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as updated in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated by us in these statements due to several factors, including those referenced in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.