SASE

How SASE Works

SASE integrates networking and security functions into a service delivered from distributed provider data centers (sometimes called points of presence, or PoPs).
Instead of routing all traffic back through a company’s HQ firewall, users connect to the nearest SASE PoP, where security checks are applied before sending traffic to its destination.

Key components usually include:

• SD-WAN: Optimizes network routing and prioritizes critical traffic.
• Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS): Provides traditional firewall protection without on-premise hardware.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Filters harmful websites and content.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Ensures users and devices are authenticated before accessing resources.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Controls access to SaaS/cloud applications.

Benefits

• Consistent security everywhere: Same protection whether at HQ, branch office, or working remotely.
• Lower latency: Traffic doesn’t need to backhaul through HQ.
• Scalability: Easy to add new users or locations without new appliances.
• Centralized management: One unified security and networking policy.

SASE in Practice

Remote Worker → SASE PoP → Internet or HQ
Remote employees connect securely to the nearest provider location, which enforces policies before traffic continues to the HQ network or cloud apps.

Branch Office → SASE PoP → Cloud Services
Branches use SASE instead of expensive MPLS links to HQ, getting direct, secure connections to SaaS apps like Microsoft 365 or Salesforce.

Quick Summary

• SASE = SD-WAN + Security-as-a-Service.
• Shifts from HQ-based security to distributed security checkpoints closer to the user.
• Ideal for organizations with many remote workers and branch o