Systems and methods are provided for enabling optimization of communications within a networked computing environment requiring secure, authenticated client-server communication connections. Optimization is performed by a pair of intermediary network devices installed in a path of communications between the client and the server. A secure, authenticated communication connection between the client and server is split-terminated at a pair of intermediary network devices by intercepting a request from the client for a client-server connection, authenticating the client at the intermediaries, establishing a first secure, authenticated connection to the client, authenticating the client or an intermediary to the server, and establishing a second secure, authenticate connection to the server. Depending on the operative authentication protocol (e.g., NTLM, Kerberos), an intermediary may interface with a domain controller, key distribution center or other entity.