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Secure SD-WAN: Essential Element of Modern Network Security

SD-WAN is one of the most widely adopted technologies in the last decade due to its efficiency in optimizing application delivery and cost-efficiency. Network security has become an indispensable element of modern networks. Organizations must thoroughly evaluate their cybersecurity needs. They must assess the efficiency of SD-WAN’s security features to protect sensitive data, proactively identify vulnerabilities, and maintain the resilience of their SD-WAN infrastructure.

SD-WAN for Better Return on Investments and Enhanced Security

SD-WAN enables organizations to transform their network with better Return on Investments by optimizing network performance and enhancing overall productivity. While SD-WAN has many power-packed features for better ROI, one of multiple organizations’ extensively used SD-WAN features during this network transformation journey is migrating from MPLS technology to Internet technology for Edge connectivity. This migration requires the technological capability of seamless aggregation of any connectivity and robust security functionalities in SD-WAN technology to prevent the Edge from cyber-attacks.

Securing an SD-WAN deployment from end to end is vital to safeguard sensitive data and ensure the reliability of network operations. To achieve this, organizations can utilize several security measures, including encrypted traffic, Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and blockchain-type data transmission:

SD-WAN encrypts traffic to make sure that sensitive data is not compromised.
SD-WAN utilizes NGFWs that offer advanced threat security, intrusion detection and prevention, web filtering, content filtering, etc.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) enhances security when used alongside SD-WAN by providing secure, monitored, and enforced access to remote resources, safeguarding against unauthorized access and threats. Only authorized users and devices have the permission to access the network.
SD-WAN provides unmatched security with innovative concepts like Blockchain type of data transmission thereby offering foolproof mechanisms of data packet transmission.

FatPipe Networks, the inventor and numerous patents holder of SD-WAN, not only provides technically superior load balancing, link reliability, link aggregation techniques but also impregnable native security and SASE-based security for any organization’s SD-WAN requirements. FatPipe has invented a unique way of securely transmitting data over lines with multi-path security also known as MPSEC TM, which provides an additional level of fortification for business-critical traffic throughout a client’s enterprise architecture. FatPipe products, besides providing increased security also obfuscates internet traffic, making it almost impossible to decrypt, through a mechanism similar to Blockchain technology.

Network Resilience: SD-WAN vs Emerging SASE Solutions for Modern Networks

Earlier, SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) freed companies from the problems of legacy MPLS services. Though SASE (secure access service edge) has grown in popularity, optimizing traffic management within the network (SD-WAN principle) remains relevant because it directly impacts network efficiency, application performance, and user experience.

The need now is an approach that utilizes SD-WAN to connect locations besides addressing its security and deployment limitations. While SD-WAN principles focus on traffic management, SASE is useful in ensuring comprehensive security across distributed networks, securing remote access, and adapting to the dynamic needs of the modern workforce.

Addressing Core Operational Concerns with SD-WAN and SASE

SD-WAN and SASE collectively address a company’s core operational concerns. SASE, with its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) model, provides branch offices, remote workers, and mobile users, with secure application access. Besides, it eliminates the attack surface by verifying user identities and enforcing strict data access policies. SD-WAN complements this by optimizing application traffic, ensuring seamless access to critical applications and data while efficiently routing traffic to match workflow needs.

SD-WAN and SASE: Key Differences

SD-WAN and SASE benefit organizations in the need to improve their security and network performance.

Key Areas	SASE Benefits	SD-WAN Benefits
Deployment and Architecture	Unified, cloud-native, simplified deployment	Optimized traffic routing for efficiency and not a cloud-centric solution though can provide cloud computing
Security	Comprehensive, built-in security	Security features may require additions
Traffic and Connectivity	Secures traffic from any location	Efficient traffic management within the network
Remote Access	Enables secure remote access	Supports remote access, may need additional components
Required Expertise	Requires expertise in networking and security	Requires less specialized expertise

SD-WAN and SASE serve different networking needs for businesses. The choice between SASE and SD-WAN depends on a company’s specific network requirements and operational priorities.

Business Type	Networking Solution that Best Fits the Needs
Small Businesses/Startups	SD-WAN
Remote Workforces/Cloud-Based Applications	SASE

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, network security and performance have become critical. While SD-WAN can optimize network traffic and streamline deployment, SASE can ensure data integrity and protect the organizational network against evolving threats. Thanks to remote work, SASE has quickly become popular since 2022. By offering a comprehensive approach to optimizing network performance through managed SD-WAN, FatPipe Networks helps organizations achieve seamless connectivity and enhanced efficiency. Besides, extending SD-WAN with the security functions of SASE ensures a holistic and robust defense against cyber threats.