Secure access service edge (SASE) architecture combines network and security solutions into a cloud-based service to bring more accessibility, efficiency, and security to an enterprise’s network. SASE is integrated networking and security delivered as a cloud service, so it is well aligned to help enterprises with digital transformation, remote work, SaaS applications in the cloud, and the use of IoT. One aspect that's often overlooked, however, is how it also complements the transition to 5G.

SASE and 5G network rollout go hand-in-hand

5G networks are based on a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) framework that extends from the radio access network (RAN) to the cloud. It provides the infrastructure for cloud-native, secure SD-WAN, as does SASE. With 5G, a vendor can create an end-to-end virtual network. This virtual network can then be shared across a multi-tenant 5G infrastructure to provide network slicing. Network slicing is when multiple unique virtualized networks are created over a common multi-domain infrastructure. The promise of these network slices is that they will significantly reduce latency and provide improved reliability for business and consumer services that are data heavy. These can include gaming services, mobile TV, video conferencing, full-length feature mobile internet access, and video conferencing. 

To deliver these services, communication service providers (CSPs)  and enterprises are working together and using a universal multi-cloud edge platform that delivers the scale needed for these data transfers. SASE complements the rollout of these 5G services by providing security for multi-cloud edge platforms. CSPs and enterprises rely on these multi-cloud edge platforms because they provide the flexibility to leverage different cloud-based technologies and access multiple backend cloud providers.

SASE vendors are placing emphasis on this complement to 5G since there are CSPs who see the potential in converting their local access facilities into SASE post office protocol  (PoP), an application-layer Internet standard protocol, and edge nodes. There are also content delivery (CDN) and cloud infrastructure vendors (hyperscalers) who consider 5G as a means to develop new SASE services. This is in the best interest of both vendors and CSPs as it creates a more secure cloud-edge delivery environment for the increased amounts of data traveling over 5G networks. 

Challenges with SASE implementation

Shortage of SASE experts: The key challenge is there is a shortage of professionals who fully understand  SASE since it has different functions than standard SD-WAN. 

Time and cost constraints: Designing and implementing a SASE structure requires vendors to invest time and cost into adopting SASE-specific skill sets. 

Reluctance among decision makers: Another challenge is that enterprises may be reluctant to this upgrade as they have already invested significantly in previous generations of security infrastructures.

G2 data shows rising interest in the SASE category

G2 readers validate this increased market interest in SASE. In the past month, G2 witnessed a 12% increase in traffic to the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platforms category. This product suite category was created because G2 saw a rise in customer and seller-side demand.

What makes up SASE platforms?

SASE is an architecture that combines network and security solutions in the cloud to bring more security for enterprises that are relying more heavily on the cloud edge. 

The core components of a SASE solution include the following technologies:

Future of SASE adoption

Even for those enterprises that may be hesitant about investing in SASE, it doesn’t take away from the concept of a more efficient security offering for the cloud edge. SASE is a solution that enables everything from remote working to more data-heavy consumer and business services over 5G networks.

The transition to SASE must start with a heightened awareness and training of what SASE entails, but the benefits will be worth the time and money. I predict there will be increased interest in SASE, especially how it complements 5G networks.

Edited by Jigmee Bhutia