Secure access service edge (SASE) is a network architecture that unites software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) and security into a cloud service directly to the source of the connection, delivering improved efficiency, simplified WAN deployment, and most importantly – security.

SD-WAN as a Foundation for SASE

With the ever-expanding plethora of devices, high-speed connectivity, and cloud-based services, network IT managers need to consider both networking and security technology investments that best align with their changing business needs and requirements. Therefore, it only makes sense to drive more automation and integration into networking and security at the same time.

SD-WAN has successfully empowered network and IT managers to manage their networks using software from the cloud via a single, centrally managed WAN edge platform. Additional benefits of SD-WAN include improved security, bandwidth optimization, reduced CAPEX/OPEX costs, simplified management, and speedy cloud application performance.

SASE leverages SD-WAN capabilities by delivering a more centrally manageable, software-defined platform with optimized network routing, security, cloud acceleration, and remote access.

Benefits of SD-WAN with SASE

By consolidating SD-WAN with SASE, enterprises can reduce costs and complexity, provide improved and flexible security, real-time application optimization, and centralized orchestration and management.

SASE simplifies the network and security stack by consolidating key networking and security functions from disparate point products into single point solutions, which reduces CAPEX and OPEX costs. SASE delivers a comprehensive range of security services through key components including Firewall as a Service, providing scalability and elasticity to extend a full network security stack in scale; Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), embracing a zero-trust policy to secure application access for users; in addition to Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) to protect users against malware, phishing and assist enterprises to adapt to new threats. SASE leverages cloud availability to deploy new resources for enterprise workforce and users, thus optimizing performance and improving agility.

Conclusion

SD-WAN with SASE framework empowers enterprises with enhanced security while consolidating their management and orchestration layers on the network level, laying the groundwork to take advantage of new technologies such as edge computing, 5G, and AI. SASE may not be able to resolve all network and security issues, but it does allow companies to respond faster to disruptions or crises while minimizing the impact. For Lanner SASE solutions, please visit latest SASE news “Cybersecurity Trends: SD-WAN, Firewall, and SASE”.