What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a modern cyber security framework that combines networking and security functions into a single, cloud-delivered service. Instead of routing traffic through traditional data centres, SASE enables users, devices, applications, and data to be securely accessed from anywhere, on any network.
At its core, SASE converges Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with Zero Trust security, delivering a unified platform that securely connects users, endpoints, systems, and remote locations to the apps and data they need.
By shifting from legacy, hardware-based architectures to a cloud-native approach, SASE eliminates the need for managing multiple, separate solutions. It builds a flexible, cloud-based corporate network that helps organisations simplify operations while enhancing security and performance.
How does SASE work?
SASE works by delivering security and networking as a unified service from the cloud. It inspects and secures traffic at the “edge” location and connects users directly to the resources they need.
Meanwhile, IT teams gain full visibility and control over network activity and security policies from a single platform, enabling consistent enforcement no matter where users or devices connect from.
SASE For Hybrid and Remote Work
SASE provides hybrid and remote workers with secure, reliable access to corporate applications, data, and services, regardless of where those resources are hosted. With SASE, employees can work from anywhere with confidence, knowing their connections are protected.
By combining cloud-delivered security services with advanced networking capabilities, SASE ensures consistent, secure access across all environments. This convergence not only strengthens security but also improves productivity through seamless, edge-to-edge connectivity.
What are the key components of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
SASE is made up of several cloud-based technologies that work together to deliver secure, high-performance access to applications and data from anywhere.
1. Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN)
Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) securely connects users across different locations using the internet, instead of MPLS networks. It ensures fast, reliable connections and helps prioritise important business traffic.
2. Security Service Edge (SSE)
Security Service Edge is the security element of SASE, delivering a set of cloud-managed security services that protect users, devices, and data from threats no matter where they are. It simplifies the rapid enforcement of security policies across remote users, branch offices, and cloud apps.
3. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) protects the use of cloud apps like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. It helps control who can access what, monitors activity, and ensures sensitive data stays secure in the cloud.
4. Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
Secure Web Gateway (SWG) filters internet traffic to block unsafe websites, malware, and harmful content. It enforces your organisation’s web browsing policies and keeps users safe while online.
5. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) replaces traditional VPNs by giving users access only to the specific apps they need, based on their identity and role, not just their network location. It follows a “never trust, always verify” model for stronger security.
6. Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based firewall that protects against online threats. It offers advanced security services like deep traffic inspection, access control, and real-time threat prevention, without needing on-site hardware.
Why is SASE important in modern network security?
SASE, Secure Access Service Edge, is important because it addresses the security and connectivity challenges of today’s digital and remote-first world. Traditional security models were built around a fixed network perimeter, but modern businesses operate across cloud services, mobile devices, and remote locations, making those old models ineffective.
SASE consolidates all of that into one integrated, cloud-based service. This helps to:
- Enable Secure Remote and Hybrid Work
Gives employees safe, reliable access to apps and data from anywhere, at home, in the office, or on the go.
- Deliver Zero Trust Security
Applies Zero Trust principles everywhere by verifying users, devices, and actions before granting access to any resource.
- Replaces Legacy VPNs and Firewalls
Modernises access and security by using cloud-based tools that are more flexible, scalable, and secure.
- Faster Performance with Lower Latency
Security is applied closer to where users are located, reducing delays and speeding up access to applications.
What are the benefits of SASE?
By integrating networking and security into one cloud-based platform, SASE offers benefits to organisations such as:
- Boosts Cloud Application Performance
Routes traffic more efficiently to cloud apps like Microsoft 365 or Salesforce, reducing delays and improving the user experience.
- Strengthens Security Posture
Enforces consistent policies across all users and devices from a single platform, reducing gaps and risks.
- Easily Scales with Business Growth
Built on a cloud-native architecture, SASE easily adapts as your organisation expands or changes.
- Simplifies IT Management
Eliminates the need for multiple hardware tools by centralising control, monitoring, and enforcing policies.
- Reduce costs and complexity
By combining multiple security and networking tools into one cloud-based platform, SASE lowers hardware, licensing, and management costs while simplifying IT operations.
What is the difference between SD-WAN and SASE?
SD-WAN, Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a networking technology that securely connects users to applications using the internet. It improves performance by intelligently routing traffic across multiple connections (like broadband or LTE), replacing older, expensive solutions like MPLS.
SASE, on the other hand, includes SD-WAN as part of a larger solution. In short, SD-WAN is networking only, whereas SASE is networking and security in a unified cloud-based platform.
How to Get Started with SASE:
Implementing SASE successfully requires careful planning, ongoing monitoring, and continuous improvement. Here are some steps to help you plan and deploy SASE in phases:
1. Define Your Goals and Needs
Start by identifying the challenges your organisation faces that SASE can solve. Clarify the business outcomes you want to achieve and determine which SASE technologies will best address gaps in your current network and security setup.
2. Choose Your SD-WAN Foundation
Select an SD-WAN solution to handle your networking needs. Then, add a Security Service Edge (SSE) provider to build a complete SASE platform. Ensuring smooth integration between these components is crucial.
3. Adopt Zero Trust Security
Make access control based on user and device identity central to your strategy. Complete your SASE deployment by choosing cloud-native security technologies that implement Zero Trust principles to protect your data effectively.
4. Test Thoroughly Before Launch
Before full rollout, test your SASE solution in a controlled environment. Check how well your cloud security tools, SD-WAN, and other components work together, and resolve any issues.
5. Continuously Optimise Your SASE Setup
As your organisation grows and evolves, regularly review and refine your SASE deployment. A phased approach lets you adapt confidently and build a mature, tailored SASE architecture over time.
Why Choose Axians Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Service?
Axians SASE service, ensures your network architecture benefits from:
- Boosted Efficiency and Productivity
A well-built SASE solution offers a centralised management console that simplifies operations, reduces complexity, and enforces consistent security policies across your entire organisation, enabling better collaboration and smoother workflows.
- Tailored to Your Unique Needs
We design and implement SASE architectures customised specifically for your business, your people, your workflows, and your strategic goals, addressing your unique network and security requirements.
- Supported by Managed Services for Continuous Optimisation
Whether you need full management of your SASE environment or prefer us to collaborate with your IT team, our dedicated managed services include strategy, design, deployment, migration, project management, and 24/7 UK-based operations centre support.
- Backed by Enterprise-Grade Expertise
With extensive experience delivering secure, large-scale network projects, we serve public and private sectors, carriers, and service providers—supporting hundreds to thousands of sites reliably and securely.
- Engineered for the Future
We help you develop a strategic roadmap for your digital transformation, ensuring your infrastructure is built to evolve and remain future-proof, meeting both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
- Global Reach and Rapid Deployment
Leveraging our global network, we can quickly deploy critical infrastructure, technology, and services in over 70 countries, including challenging and remote locations worldwide.
Find out more about our SASE services via our downloadable brochure here and get in touch with our team.
