SD-WAN vs. SASE vs. SSE: What are the differences?
The differences between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE are primarily based on their core functionalities and integration of security services.
SD-WAN focuses on optimizing and managing WAN connections to improve network performance and reliability. SASE (seucre access service edge) combines SD-WAN with comprehensive security services into a single cloud-based solution, addressing both network performance and security. SSE (security service edge), a subset of SASE, focuses exclusively on delivering security services without the networking components of SD-WAN.
What is the history of SD-WAN, SASE and SSE?
It’s one thing to simply establish the general technological differences between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE. But what’s perhaps more important to understand is the reasons they came into being, when, and how.
Here’s why.
The creation of SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE more effectively provides context for the specific challenges they address. Knowing the background offers a clearer picture of their practical applications and benefits.
So, let’s walk through each step by step.
The journey of SD-WAN (software-defined networking), SASE (secure access service edge), and SSE (security services edge) began with SD-WAN.
SD-WAN emerged around 2014 as a response to the growing need for more flexible, cost-effective, and efficient networking solutions. Traditional WAN architectures were becoming inadequate because of the fast, increasing adoption of cloud services and SaaS applications.
SD-WAN provided a transport-agnostic solution that could use any available connection type, optimizing traffic and improving application performance.
In 2019, Gartner introduced the concept of SASE to tackle the limitations of traditional networking and security architectures.
SASE combines the networking capabilities of SD-WAN with a comprehensive suite of security services delivered from the cloud: secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA).
This new approach aimed to simplify management, enhance security, and improve user experience via one cloud-native platform.
As organizations began adopting SASE, it became apparent that not everyone needed the full suite of features it offers. Instead, some organizations needed a more focused approach to cloud-delivered security without the networking component.
This led Gartner to introduce the term SSE in 2021. SSE includes the security aspects of SASE—SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA—without the SD-WAN component. So organizations can adopt a more modular approach to securing cloud access and applications.
Ultimately, the evolution of these three technologies reflects the shifting landscape of enterprise networking and security:
- SD-WAN addressed the initial need for more efficient and flexible networking.
- SASE integrated security into the new network paradigm.
- SSE provided a more focused solution for those primarily concerned with security.
The progression demonstrates how the industry adapted to the growing complexity of modern information technology environments.
What is SD-WAN?
A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is a modern approach to managing and optimizing wide area networks (WANs).
At its core, SD-WAN separates network management from the underlying hardware, allowing for centralized control of network traffic. SD-WAN technology uses software to manage the connections between data centers, remote offices, and cloud resources.
It also monitors the performance of connections in real-time. SD-WAN applies dynamic path selection to route traffic over the most efficient path automatically.
All of which add up to better application performance and, for most organizations, reduced costs.
But how does SD-WAN work?
SD-WAN works by using various transport services, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet. By continuously analyzing the state of these connections, SD-WAN can automatically direct traffic based on current conditions.
For example: If one path experiences high latency, the system reroutes traffic to a better-performing link without manual intervention.
The ability to adapt means that applications receive the bandwidth and quality of service they need, which is especially beneficial for cloud-based applications and services.
The are many benefits of SD-WAN, including:
- Operational simplicity
- Carrier-independent WAN connectivity and improved ROI
- Improved security
- Enhanced performance
- Improved connectivity and direct cloud access
- Foundation to SASE strategy
Since SD-WAN can use less expensive internet connections alongside traditional MPLS, it reduces dependency on costly dedicated circuits. Plus, the centralized management feature simplifies network administration. And that makes it a lot easier to implement security policies and manage multiple locations.
Use cases for SD-WAN include:
- Branch connectivity
- Enhanced security
- Centralized management and visibility
- IoT security, connectivity, and performance
- Application control and quality of service
- Cloud connectivity and strategy
Further reading:
What is SASE?
Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-native framework that combines network security functions with SD-WAN.
More specifically, as explained earlier, SASE merges SD-WAN with SWG, CASB, FWaaS, ZTNA and other security features into a unified cloud-native service.
The integration allows organizations to simplify network infrastructure while enhancing security. SASE provides seamless, secure access to applications and data, regardless of where the user is.
Here’s how it works.
SASE relies on a cloud-based architecture to deliver security and networking services closer to the user. It ensures traffic is inspected and secured at the nearest point of presence (PoP) before it reaches its destination.
This approach reduces latency and improves performance. Not to mention, the SASE model supports dynamic policy enforcement based on user identity and context. Which means organizations have a much more flexible, scalable way to manage security in distributed environments.
Basically, combining networking and security into one service makes management easier and majorly lessens complexity.
The benefits of SASE are extensive, including:
- Visibility across hybrid environments
- Greater control of users, data, and apps
- Improved monitoring and reporting
- Reduced complexity
- Consistent data protection
- Reduced costs
- Lower administrative time and effort
- Less integration needs
- Better network performance and reliability
- Enhanced user experience
SASE use cases include:
- Powering hybrid workforces
- Connecting and security branch and retail locations
- Supporting cloud and digital initiatives
What is SSE?
Security service edge (SSE), is a specialized subset of the SASE framework that focuses specifically on delivering security services from the cloud.
As mentioned previously, SSE encompasses the advanced security features of SASE.
Let’s take a look at how SSE works.
SSE uses cloud-based services to enforce security policies and protect data as it moves between users and cloud applications. By routing traffic through cloud-based security gateways, SSE can inspect, filter, and secure data in real time. This way, organizations can detect and mitigate threats before they reach the end user.
SSE’s cloud-native architecture means that organizations can deploy security services closer to the user. And that reduces latency and improves performance.
Plus: SSE supports zero trust principles by continuously verifying user identities and access rights. Which equates to a robust security layer for both remote and on-premises users.
The benefits of SSE are:
- Improved security
- Greater agility and flexibility
- Simplified management
- Improved performance
- Enhanced visibility and control
- Reduced data and security breaches
SSE use cases include:
- Secure remote access
- Secure cloud and SaaS adoption
- Identifying and protecting sensitive data
- Detecting and mitigating threats
- Establishing a foundation for SASE
What are the differences between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE?
What are the differences between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE? |
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|---|---|---|---|
Parameters |
SD-WAN |
SASE |
SSE |
Core functionality |
Optimizes WAN connections for better performance. |
Combines network performance with security in a cloud service. |
Provides security features without networking components. |
Security approach |
Basic built-in security, often needing third-party solutions. |
Integrated security and network performance in one package. |
Advanced security without network management. |
Deployment and architecture |
Centralized control, connects branch locations to a data center, supports physical and cloud environments. |
Cloud-native, distributes services across global points of presence (PoPs) for low latency |
Cloud-native, focuses only on security, streamlining security services without network traffic management. |
SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE each represent different approaches to addressing the modern challenges of connectivity and security.
SD-WAN focuses on optimizing network performance, SASE integrates both networking and security into a cohesive cloud-based solution, and SSE zeroes in on delivering robust security services independently of network management.
Here’s how they compare:
Core functionality
While SD-WAN enhances network performance, SASE combines this performance with comprehensive security, and SSE provides a focused security solution without the networking components. Each serves a different purpose, depending on whether you need better connectivity, integrated security, or just an enhanced security posture.
Let’s break this down:
Think of SD-WAN as a foundation. Its main job is to enhance network connectivity by using software-defined networking to manage and optimize WAN connections. This means it ensures fast, reliable, and secure connections between your branch locations, data centers, and cloud resources.
SASE builds on this foundation with added layers of security. It integrates the connectivity benefits of SD-WAN with a full suite of security. Essentially, SASE doesn’t just focus on making your network fast and reliable—it also ensures it’s secure. SASE provides a unified, cloud-delivered service that tackles both performance and security.
SSE, on the other hand, focuses purely on the security aspect, without the networking part provided by SD-WAN. It offers the same security features found in SASE. It works well for organizations that already have their network performance needs met.
Deployment and architecture
When it comes to deployment and architecture, each technology has a distinct approach.
SD-WAN relies on a centralized control plane, which means it manages and routes traffic from a single point. This setup can handle both physical and cloud-based environments, making it versatile. However, it primarily connects multiple branch locations to a central data center.
SASE takes a different approach with its cloud-native architecture. Instead of relying on a single control point, it distributes networking and security services across multiple, globally located points of presence (PoPs). Which reduces latency and improves performance by bringing services closer to the end users.
SSE shares the cloud-native advantage of SASE but, again, only focuses on security. It doesn't manage network traffic like SD-WAN does. Instead, it streamlines security services across various locations, ensuring consistent protection without the networking layer that SD-WAN provides.
Security approach
When it comes to security, SD-WAN covers the basics. It provides some built-in security features, but to get a fully comprehensive security framework, you’ll often need to bring in third-party solutions.
SASE, on the other hand, has security baked right in. It combines the connectivity advantages of SD-WAN with a suite of integrated security services. Which means you get both high performance and robust security in one package.
SSE focuses solely on security. It offers the same advanced security features found in SASE but without the networking aspects of SD-WAN.
In essence, while SD-WAN needs a bit of help to be fully secure, SASE offers an all-in-one solution for both performance and security, and SSE provides only advanced security features without altering your existing network.
Further reading:
- Securing Branch Networks with SD-WAN
- What Is the Cloud-delivered Branch?
- What Is SASE for the Cloud?
What are the similarities between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE?
What are the similarities between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE? |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Parameters |
SD-WAN |
SASE |
SSE |
Enhanced performance and user experience |
Optimizes network traffic for high-speed, reliable connections. |
Integrates security measures without impacting performance. |
Delivers secure access without compromising speed or user experience. |
Centralized management |
Centralizes control of network policies and configurations. |
Integrates network and security management in a single console. |
Centralizes security management with a single interface. |
Scalability and flexibility |
Easily scales network infrastructure, supporting MPLS, broadband, and LTE. |
Scales security services alongside the network, adapting to changing needs. |
Scales security measures to grow with the business. |
Despite their distinct roles in networking and security, SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE share several similarities.
They all enhance performance and user experience, simplify management through centralized control, and offer significant scalability and flexibility.
Shared features and functionalities include:
Enhanced performance and user experience
SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE are all designed to improve both performance and user experience. Each technology ensures users can efficiently and securely access the resources they need, without sacrificing speed or reliability.
SD-WAN optimizes network traffic to maintain high-speed, reliable connections, which are essential for smooth business operations.
SASE extends these capabilities by integrating security measures that do not interfere with performance, thus maintaining low latency and high availability.
SSE also focuses on delivering secure access while preserving speed and user experience, ensuring that security measures do not negatively impact performance.
Centralized management
SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE all simplify management through centralized control. Each of these technologies enhances visibility and ensures consistent policy enforcement across the organization.
SD-WAN centralizes the control of network policies and configurations, making WAN management simpler.
SASE builds on this by integrating both network and security management into a single console, providing a unified approach.
Similarly, SSE centralizes security management, offering a single interface for various security services.
In essence, all three technologies streamline management, reduce administrative burdens, and provide a cohesive approach to network and security operations.
Scalability and flexibility
All three technologies—SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE—offer scalability and flexibility, making them suitable for modern, dynamic business environments. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt to evolving demands without compromising performance or security.
SD-WAN allows organizations to scale their network infrastructure easily, supporting various connection types like MPLS, broadband, and LTE. SASE builds on this scalability by integrating security services that can scale alongside the network, adapting to the organization’s changing needs.
SSE also offers scalability, ensuring security measures can grow with the business.
How to choose between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE
Choosing between SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE requires a thorough understanding of your current infrastructure, goals, and priorities. Consider your deployment preferences, management capabilities, budget, and future needs to make the best decision for your organization.
Tip
• If network performance and management are your primary concerns, SD-WAN is the best fit.
• For comprehensive security integrated with networking, SASE is ideal.
• If you need better security without changing your existing network, consider SSE.
1. Understand your current infrastructure and goals
First, take stock of your current network infrastructure and what you aim to achieve.
If your primary goal is to enhance network performance and streamline management, SD-WAN might be your solution. On the other hand, if security integration is critical, SASE or SSE could be more suitable.
2. Evaluate network performance needs
If your organization does struggle with network performance, especially in connecting remote offices or ensuring reliable access to cloud services, SD-WAN is your answer. It’s designed specifically to optimize and manage connections across multiple locations.
3. Consider security requirements
For organizations who are prioritizing security but already have or need robust networking—SASE offers a comprehensive solution. It provides robust security across the network.
If you already have a well-established network infrastructure but need to bolster security, SSE might be the best fit. It delivers cloud-centric security without the networking elements of SD-WAN. So this approach is beneficial if you want to enhance security without overhauling your existing network setup.
4. Assess deployment preferences
Deployment flexibility is another crucial factor.
SD-WAN can be deployed in various ways—through physical appliances, software, or cloud-based solutions—offering significant flexibility. The adaptability is great for organizations who have security under control but are juggling diverse or evolving infrastructure needs.
Conversely, SASE and SSE are inherently cloud-native solutions. They’re designed to provide seamless, secure access to cloud applications and resources. So they’re best for organizations with a strong cloud presence or plans to migrate to the cloud.
5. Determine management capabilities
Consider how much control and visibility you need over your network and security operations.
SD-WAN solutions provide centralized control and visibility, which makes network management a lot simpler. And that’s helpful if you have a dispersed network and need to ensure consistent policies and performance across locations.
SASE goes a step further by integrating security management into this centralized control, offering a single pane of glass for both networking and security. The integration can reduce complexity and improve efficiency, especially for organizations with limited IT resources.
SSE focuses on centralizing security management, providing a single interface for administering various security services. This approach simplifies managing security across different locations without the need for networking functionalities like SD-WAN.
6. Budget and cost considerations
Your budget will inevitably influence your decision.
SD-WAN can offer cost savings by optimizing the use of multiple connection types and reducing reliance on expensive MPLS circuits.
SASE and SSE can also provide cost efficiencies by consolidating multiple security functions into a single solution, potentially reducing the need for multiple point products and their associated management overhead.
7. Future-proofing and scalability
Finally, consider the future needs of your organization.
SD-WAN, SASE, and SSE all offer scalability, but their approaches differ.
SD-WAN allows you to scale network performance and connectivity, while SASE and SSE enable you to scale security capabilities in line with your growth and changing threat landscape.
