SDN and SD-WAN
Trusted Advisor for IT & Telecommunications Sourcing
SD-WAN and SASE: The key to stable, secure networks
How companies can future-proof their networks
SD-WAN and SASE as the foundation of secure, cloud-ready enterprise networks.
Companies face the challenge of networking hybrid working models, cloud applications and IoT devices securely and efficiently. A robust, flexible network is the basis for stability and innovation. SD-WAN and SASE enable this balance through better scalability, integrated security and higher performance.
In a nutshell:
- SD-WAN replaces hardware-centric networks with a software-controlled, centrally managed architecture.
- SASE merges SD-WAN with cloud-native security such as Zero Trust and firewalls into one framework.
- A cloud-centric architecture reduces latency and brings critical applications closer to users.
- Without seamless security integration, complexity remains and SD-WAN does not deliver the expected value.
The solution: SD-WAN and SASE thought of together form a software-defined network with integrated security that connects sites, clouds and mobile users. SAVECALL compares the suitable managed service providers in a vendor-neutral way.
What this article covers: Why traditional hardware networks reach their limits, what a cloud-centric architecture looks like, what role SD-WAN and SASE play and what matters during migration.
Why companies need a new network architecture
A robust and more flexible network is an important platform that enables companies to overcome uncertainties. But how can companies make their network truly stable, secure and future-proof? And in such a way that it supports their innovation strategy? Distributed locations need to be connected, cloud environments integrated, data and connection security guaranteed and wired and wireless networks integrated. A network must be able to handle the different requirements of these various network participants (users, servers, IOT sensors). This integration is one of the most important tasks of an IT department today and SD-WAN can be the key to success.
Companies need a cloud-centric architecture
A cloud-centric architecture is the need of the hour as it enables organizations to make the best use of their networks. Building agility at the cloud edge with easy deployment of various virtual network functions at these edges enables better connectivity to critical applications across multiple clouds. Companies therefore often rely on providers with a global presence to get as close as possible to the cloud and thus optimally route business-critical data traffic to the cloud applications.
SD-WAN as a software-controlled network solution
A high degree of scalability is required to successfully cope with unforeseen circumstances. Scalability is often severely limited by a hardware-centric model. Therefore, the use of software-driven network solutions is increasingly important. Faster provisioning of network functions and routing policies is necessary. SD-WAN has emerged as an important solution here.
SD-WAN has many advantages. But does this approach automatically work as a panacea for various network problems? The answer is no, because not every company has the technical capabilities to make the most of this approach. For implementation in an environment where other technologies are already in use, companies need a mature and methodical migration strategy. This is the only way to turn the use of SD-WAN into a success story.
Secure network infrastructure through SASE
Security and reliability play a crucial role for companies when choosing the right network solution, alongside rapid deployment and flexibility. A secure network infrastructure is very important for the complete digital transformation of a company. And this is where another trend comes into play: Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). SASE is not entirely new, as it is an amalgamation of many existing tools. SD-WAN and VPN technologies are combined with cloud-native security features such as Zero Trust and firewalls.
How SAVECALL supports you with SD-WAN and SASE
Whether SD-WAN and SASE fit together depends on the technology, price and architecture of the respective provider. SAVECALL does not evaluate individual appliances in isolation but compares the suitable managed service providers in a vendor-neutral way and finds the right combination for your sites, your cloud strategy and your budget. From requirements analysis through provider selection to migration, SAVECALL supports the entire process.
Conclusion
All of this is intended to reduce complexity on the one hand and increase security on the other. If the integration of security solutions into SD-WAN is not seamless, the complexity will remain and SD-WAN will not deliver the value that organizations expect. There are many use cases for which a software-defined network makes sense. For enterprises, a software-defined hybrid network can secure all locations and ensure maximum availability through load balancing. With the proliferation of hybrid workplaces, virtualized networks allow companies to run the functions of their network in the cloud and change their IT architecture as needed without changing hardware.
The justified hype surrounding SD-WAN and SASE clearly shows one thing: the industry and companies have begun to view and accept security and the network as a single entity in order to achieve maximum security and flexibility at the same time. To be truly innovative as a company, this is now more important than ever.
Written by
Frank Frommknecht
Key Account Consultant, SAVECALL
Has supported companies for over 20 years in selecting and optimizing their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and strategically finding the right solution.
Why
Telecom & IT sourcing. Worldwide. Carrier-independent.
Selection & operation of worldwide connectivity & cloud infrastructure. Without vendor risk & unnecessary costs.
- 80+ carriers worldwide
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Sources
- SAVECALL: SD-WAN for businesses
- SAVECALL: Enterprise IT security (SASE, Zero Trust)
- Gartner: glossary definition “Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)”, Gartner Inc.
Frequently asked questions about SD-WAN and SASE
SD-WAN is the software-controlled network layer that connects sites flexibly and centrally and routes traffic dynamically over the best path. SASE extends this basis with cloud-native security by merging SD-WAN with functions such as Zero Trust and firewalls into one framework. In short: SD-WAN delivers the connectivity, SASE integrates the security directly into that network. Together they form a secure, cloud-ready enterprise network.
A cloud-centric architecture is needed because distributed sites, multi-cloud environments and mobile users must work together seamlessly and with high performance. Traditional hardware-centric networks scale too slowly for this. Virtual network functions at the cloud edge bring critical applications closer to users, reduce latency and route business-critical traffic optimally. This keeps the network stable even amid uncertainty and supports the innovation strategy of the company.
No, SD-WAN is not an automatic cure-all. Not every company has the technical prerequisites to realise the full benefit. When SD-WAN is introduced into an environment with existing technologies, it requires a mature, methodical migration strategy. Only then does the deployment become a success story. SAVECALL assesses in a vendor-neutral way whether and how SD-WAN fits the specific starting point, and supports the migration.
Zero Trust is a central security building block of SASE. SASE combines SD-WAN and VPN technologies with cloud-native security functions such as Zero Trust and firewalls. No access request is trusted automatically; each is verified based on context. Users only gain access to the applications they actually need, regardless of location. This increases security while at the same time reducing complexity in the network.
Without seamless integration of security, complexity remains and SD-WAN does not deliver the expected value. Network and security are then still treated separately, which creates gaps and friction. The advantage of SASE lies precisely in thinking of both as a single entity: a software-defined network with integrated, consistent security. This achieves maximum security and flexibility at the same time for the hybrid working world.
SAVECALL is a vendor-neutral selector and procurer for network and security solutions. Instead of evaluating individual appliances in isolation, SAVECALL compares suitable managed service providers based on technology, price and architecture. This helps companies find the right combination of SD-WAN and SASE for their sites and budget. From requirements analysis through provider selection to migration, SAVECALL supports the entire process.
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