Which solution fits your business
Networks can often feel like a maze of technical terms and solutions. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an IT expert to understand the difference between SD-WAN and SASE. This isn’t just some tech jargon, but a showdown focused on your network’s needs. Which solution is the best fit for your business?SD-WAN: flexibility and control across locations
Do you have multiple physical locations where critical business processes and activities take place? Do you want control over your network and flexibility in switching between different connections (such as fiber, 5G, and DSL)? Then SD-WAN is your best friend.SD-WAN is a software-defined network that automatically selects the best route for your traffic, providing fast, reliable connections without being tied to a single expensive provider.
Why SD-WAN?
| You have a lot of control over network traffic between locations. |
| You want to use multiple network options (e.g. fiber or 5G) without being tied to expensive contracts. |
| It’s a cost-effective solution, especially if you already have an existing network infrastructure. |
With SD-WAN, you can easily connect all your locations. But know: security is not built-in with all SD-WAN solutions. That’s why we ensure our SD-WAN solutions are security by design – no worries about hackers or data breaches.
Management and updates? With SD-WAN, you’re in control, but that also means you need to perform updates and maintenance. Want to spend less time managing this? Read on about SASE.
SASE: all-in-one solution for cloud and users
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is the next step in network management. SASE is a mix of SD-WAN and security, but fully integrated in the cloud. No more physical firewalls or VPN headaches, everything is managed through a global security network.Do you have a cloud-first policy or have employees working across different locations? Then SASE is the game changer you’re looking for.
Why SASE?
| You work a lot with SaaS applications and hybrid work environments. |
| You want less local management, with everything automatically updated in the cloud. |
| You need a ‘zero-trust’ security approach, where every device and user is continuously verified. |
With SASE, security is centrally managed. No need for separate firewalls, VPNs, or security software, the cloud handles it for you. This means less IT stress, less maintenance, and better security.
One thing to consider: since SASE is fully cloud-based, reliance on an external provider for security and network management might be a factor to consider. Some organizations prefer more customization, while SASE offers a more standardized solution.
When should you choose SD-WAN? |
When should you choose SASE? |
SD-WAN and SASE: why not both?
It doesn’t have to be a battle between SD-WAN and SASE, you can easily combine both! Many companies opt for a hybrid approach, where some locations use SD-WAN and others use SASE for secure cloud access.This way, you get the best of both worlds: SD-WAN’s flexibility for on-premise locations and the scalability and security of SASE for cloud users.
So, what’s the real difference?
While there are nuances and exceptions, here’s a general comparison of SD-WAN vs. SASE:| Feature | SD-WAN | SASE | SD-WAN & SASE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network management | Decentralized, per location | Centralized, via the cloud | Hybrid locations |
| Security | Basic security, extendable with add-ons | Fully integrated cloud security | Custom security: on-premise & cloud-integrated |
| Focus | Flexible connections between physical locations | Cloud users and SaaS access | Optimal connectivity for both locations and cloud uses |
| Updates & management | Manual, depends on IT manager | Automatic, always up-to-date | SD-WAN partly locally managed, SASE fully automatic |
| Costs | Affordable in hardware | Higher operational costs, often pay-per-use model | Flexible costs allocation between hardware and cloud use |
| Flexibility | Much customization possible | Standardized, integrated solution | Maximum flexibility from both benefits |
Which solutions fit your business best?
No worries, you don’t have to figure this out alone. At Elite Networks, we’re here to help you determine the right strategy for your network and security.Want to be sure which solution is the best fit for your business? Our network experts are ready to assist. Schedule a free consultation today!
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