SD-WAN vs. SASE: How They Work Together
Nothing is more crucial for your business’s connectivity than ensuring you always have quick, dependable internet access. To ensure that data is safe and applications function correctly, you need security and performance features in addition to high-speed internet. SD-WAN and SASE are helpful in this situation.
With its robust technology for creating quick and secure connections, SD-WAN is the foundation of connectivity. SASE also has features for enterprise-level security and application performance that are unmatched by competing services. These resources work effectively together to boost any company’s productivity and efficiency.
What is SD-WAN?
Networking techniques have changed paradigms with the introduction of SD-WAN. Due to their reliance on complicated hardware and complicated configuration protocols, traditional WANs can be challenging and time-consuming to administer. In contrast, SD-WAN is software-driven, making the system’s administration more straightforward and flexible. Thanks to this, businesses can change their network settings as their needs change, which boosts productivity and lowers costs.
Fundamentally, SD-WAN uses intelligent traffic routing techniques and cutting-edge software algorithms to improve performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional WANs. With the aid of these advanced technologies, SD-WAN enables enterprises to monitor real-time network activity from any location quickly and to swiftly optimise network architecture in response to shifting weather conditions or spikes in traffic. Overall, SD-WAN has emerged as a crucial tool for managing contemporary networks, allowing companies across all sectors to thrive in the digital age.
What is SASE?
SASE, or secure access service edge, is a cloud-based security architecture that unifies various security functions into a single, integrated platform. These functions include firewall as a service (FWaaS), web security, identity and access management (IAM), and data loss prevention (DLP).
Additionally, SASE offers fine-grained visibility into network activities, enabling organisations to recognise and address security concerns immediately. Businesses may safeguard their data from various threats with the help of this all-encompassing security strategy.
How SD-WAN and SASE Work Together
While SD-WAN and SASE are crucial components of contemporary networking, combined, they can offer businesses of all sizes a genuinely transformational experience. SD-WAN provides the quick and dependable connectivity required to enable cloud-based services and applications. SASE simultaneously increases security by adding a layer, ensuring that data is safe from internal and external attacks. Additionally, SASE simplifies network security management by combining several security operations into a single platform, enabling enterprises to protect their data.
Benefits of Using SD-WAN and SASE Together
There are several benefits to using SD-WAN and SASE together, which include:
Increased flexibility and agility
SD-WAN and SASE are software-based solutions that don’t require complicated hardware or configuration and can be rapidly and easily installed. This increases the agility and flexibility of enterprises by enabling them to alter their network architecture as their demands change quickly. Additionally, SASE simplifies network security management by combining several security operations into a single platform, making it more straightforward for enterprises to protect their data.
Performance gains
SD-WAN optimises network traffic using sophisticated algorithms, and SASE offers granular visibility into network operations. Businesses may quickly and easily discover potential performance issues with this feature set, which enhances overall performance.
Reduced costs
SASE can assist in reducing the cost of WAN by up to 90%, whereas SD-WAN can help reduce the cost of security infrastructure by up to 50%.
The Challenges of Integrating SD-WAN and SASE
Despite the numerous advantages of combining SD-WAN and SASE, there are a few difficulties that should be taken into account:
The complexity of management and implementation
The complexity of setup and management when combining SD-WAN and SASE is one of the main difficulties. Both options require proper deployment and configuration, which might make your network architecture significantly more complex.
Cost increases
The initial cost of deploying these solutions can be high, even though SD-WAN and SASE can help you lower the overall cost of your WAN and security architecture. Fees may also rise due to the difficulty of managing and executing these solutions.
Lack of standardisation
Currently, there is no accepted method for integrating SD-WAN and SASE, meaning each supplier has its own proprietary solution. Due to the lack of standardisation, businesses may need help to compare multiple vendors and choose the best solution for their needs.
Increased security risks
SASE can help your network become more secure, but it also brings new hazards that must be controlled. Incorrect configuration of your SASE system, for instance, could allow attackers to get over your security measures and access your data. To correctly configure security measures, SASE also necessitates that enterprises have a thorough awareness of their network traffic. If your company lacks this knowledge, you can endanger your data’s security.
Businesses may enhance the performance and security of their networks with the help of SD-WAN and SASE, two potent technologies. These solutions must be designed appropriately and implemented to prevent rising complexity and expenses. Additionally, it may be challenging to analyse several solutions and select the best one for your needs due to the need for more consistency across supplies. With that said, SD-WAN with SASE may be the best option for your company if you’re seeking a strategy to expand the speed and security of your network.
How Excelien can help
Excelien partners with leading providers in the industry, such as Masergy, Aryaka and Globalgig – we can help navigate the market to find the best solution based upon your requirements.
Contact the team at hello@excelien.com or book an appointment with our specialists.
