What is the difference between SASE and SD-WAN?
When you are considering different connectivity solutions to enhance your network or support your digital initiatives, you will probably hear the terms SASE and SD-WAN. What can be confusing is that the goal of both technologies seems to be identical: secure access, independent of underlying networks. And, SD-WAN is often specified as part of the SASE definition. So, what is the difference between SASE and SD-WAN? And when should you choose one over the other?
Let’s start with the similarities: both SASE and SD-WAN promise to intelligently connect branches, users, and devices based on the corporate policies on performance and security. Both use virtual overlay networks to route traffic automatically via the most secure and optimal route. And both can cover large geographical areas and are particularly suitable for international companies with offices on multiple continents.
Are SASE and SD-WAN the same?
The overall similarities make sense when you look at the Gartner definition of SASE: it is a combination of SD-WAN capabilities, WAN optimization, and security functions. While this is true, the solutions are often deployed at different locations. SASE is a cloud-native architecture, and a best-of-breed SD-WAN solution often sits within a company’s own network infrastructure.
Even though SASE and SD-WAN have different homes, newer SD-WAN solutions do offer cloud enablement. With these newer SD-WAN solutions, users are connected via a virtual cloud gateway using the Internet, making the connections to cloud solutions high-performing and safe.
Your cloud acceleration could therefore be supported by either SASE or SD-WAN. It really depends on where you are on your journey and what needs you have concerning cloud and local routing.
What are the differences between SASE and SD-WAN?
There are four main differences between SASE and SD-WAN solutions. These include:
Scope and integration:
SD-WAN focuses on optimizing WAN connectivity and performance. It enhances traffic management across various connection types but does not inherently include security services.
However, SASE integrates networking and security into a unified cloud-based service, addressing both connectivity and security requirements. It provides a holistic approach to secure access for users, devices, and applications.
Deployment models are very different:
SD-WAN is often deployed as an on-premises solution, though cloud-managed options are available. It requires physical or virtual appliances at each site to manage traffic routing.
One the other hand, SASE’s cloud-native structure means it reduces the need for on-premises hardware by leveraging a global network of points of presence (PoPs) to provide secure, low-latency access to applications and data.
Management and scalability:
SD-WAN simplifies WAN management through centralized control but can become complex when integrating multiple security solutions and managing them separately.
SASE offers simplified, centralized management for both networking and security, providing a more scalable solution that adapts easily to changing business needs and the growing demands of remote work.
Security is the biggest difference
SASE has a clear focus on security, combining security and network decision-making in the same solution. It has built-in security functionalities, including secure web gateways, CASB, firewall as a service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA). These are integral components of the SASE framework, offering seamless security integration.
SASE’s focus on security means that multiple acronyms are stacked to form a single solution. Think of Secure Web Gateways (SWG) in order to protect users from web-based threats. Or a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) which secures traffic from and to cloud applications based on applied policies. Or Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) in order to check applications’ users, and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) to ensure endpoint security.
By contrast, SD-WAN’s focus is on providing smart routing. This makes sense if companies already have an extensive security practice or have a siloed approach. However, if not tackled intelligently, security could be less effective or may even impact performance.
Does your enterprise need SD-WAN or SASE?
Given that the overall goal of SASE and SD-WAN is similar, when should you choose the former over the latter, and vice versa?
The first reason you should consider SD-WAN instead of SASE is when you need locally hosted and secured data and appliances. This might be required when you want to separate OT and IT on a branch location, for example. Hybrid SD-WAN balancing on-premise and cloud networking and security will then be your best option.
SD-WAN is ideal for enterprises looking to enhance WAN performance, reduce costs, and gain better control over network traffic. It's especially useful for organizations with multiple branch offices that need reliable, optimized connectivity.
However, a key reason to choose SASE rather than SD-WAN is when you don’t want to custom-build secure access. In other words, you’re looking for one seamless solution that has users and devices as the focal point and one solution to embed all your performance and security policies in. Not only will this enable you to easily raise your security levels, but you will also reduce costs and complexity since you only have to deal with one vendor for your network and security solutions.
Work with an experienced Managed Service Provider to get the right connectivity solution
Don’t, however, rule out one in favor of the other without first thoroughly checking what solution best serves your needs.
That’s where we can help you, since we offer both, and do so ‘as a service’. This means that we don’t just advise you on which solution is best, and then implement it. We’ll manage it for you too. We check security and performance 24/7, so you can spend your valuable time on more complex projects.
Talk to one of our experts today to see what solution would work best for you.