Two technologies are frequently used together to increase the security and connectivity within an organization’s network: Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Software-Defined Wide Area Network(SD-WAN).
SASE is a cloud-based security architecture that unites various security and networking functions. It offers features like firewall, VPN and zero-trust network acces (ZTNA) that are intended to protect an organization’s network against external threats. SASE is typically offered as a cloud service and provides a flexible and scalable security solution.
SD-WAN is a network technology that allows organizations manage and optimize their wide-area network (WAN) connections. SD-WAN uses software to manage and control network traffic. This allows organizations to prioritize traffic and optimize their network connections. SD-WAN is a tool that can improve the reliability and performance of an organization’s network. It can be deployed on-premises as well as in the cloud.
SASE and SDWAN complement one another by offering a secure and efficient method to connect users with the resources they require. SASE offers a secure connection to networks through ZTNA and VPN, while SD-WAN ensures traffic is routed optimally to reduce latency and improve performance. This combination allows organizations provide reliable and secure access to their resources to users, no matter if they are located in a central office or remote locations.
SASE and SDWAN can also complement each other by allowing organizations to move their networking and security functions to the cloud. SASE is usually deployed as a cloud-based service. This allows organizations to benefit from the flexibility and scalability of the cloud for their security requirements. SD-WAN can be also deployed in the cloud. This allows organizations to use software that optimizes and manages their network connections, without the need to purchase hardware. This allows organizations to reduce capital expenditures and increase their agility.
These are five uses where SASE/SD-WAN can be combined:
- Remote work: Many organizations had to adapt quickly to remote work models after the COVID-19 pandemic. SASE and SD-WAN are both possible to be combined to offer remote workers secure and reliable connectivity. This allows them to access the same resources as they would if they were at the office.
- Multi-site organisations: SASE and SDWAN are useful tools for connecting multiple sites and optimizing traffic routing. This can improve collaboration and communication between different locations.
- Hybrid cloud environments can be created by using SASE or SD-WAN to securely connect different environments and optimize traffic routing. This allows organizations to take advantage of the advantages of both cloud and on-premises resources.
- Internet of Things (IoT), deployments: SASE or SD-WAN can be used for optimizing connectivity for IoT devices that may be scattered over a large area and require large amounts of data to be transmitted.
- Cloud-based apps: SASE or SD-WAN can be used securely to connect users to cloud applications. This allows for traffic routing optimization and performance improvements. This allows organizations to take advantage of the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based apps.
SASE and SD-WAN are complementary in that they provide a secure, efficient and cost-effective way for users to access the resources they require. They enable organizations to increase the security and connectivity of their networks while also giving them the flexibility and scalability of the cloud. These technologies can be used in many different situations, such as remote work, multi-site organisations, hybrid cloud environments and IoT deployments. They also allow for cloud-based applications to increase the reliability and performance of an organization’s network.