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Corporate networks have evolved rapidly over the last few decades. In view of increasing cloud integration, the classic "hub-and-spoke" network model has become obsolete - at the cost of escalating complexity and all the associated problems. With SASE, a new model is now on the market that no longer separates network and security management.
While these networks used to have relatively simple structures, technological advances and changing business requirements have led to increasingly complex architectures.
The same goals still apply to the further development of company networks: Scalability, security, availability and reliability must be guaranteed at all costs. Manageability and monitoring are just as important, and in order to be future-proof, it should also be possible to easily integrate new technologies.
However, IT managers are increasingly coming up against limits when expanding and modernising established network structures, as the multitude of functions and tools is almost unmanageable. Innovative technologies usually come with their own additional consoles, which ultimately increases the management effort.
The latest step in this evolution is now leading in a different direction for the first time. The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) concept is a solution that brings network and security functions back together and helps to manage the increasing complexity of modern corporate networks.
Challenges of traditional networks
Traditional enterprise networks were often based on a hub-and-spoke model. With the advent of cloud computing, remote working and an increasing number of mobile devices, the way networks are built and managed has fundamentally changed. At the same time, cyber threats in the form of ransomware and other attacks are increasing massively, requiring greater integration of security solutions. Additional pressure is being exerted by increased legal requirements in this area, such as the second European Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2), which has been in force since October 2024.
In light of this, the SASE concept has evolved in response to the challenges of modern corporate networks. SASE, a term coined by Gartner analysts, stands for "Secure Access Service Edge". It is a cloud-based service that combines network and security functions in a single, convergent architecture.
WAN, cloud and security combined
SASE offers a flexible, scalable solution that enables companies to adapt their networks to modern requirements without increasing complexity. Not only the network connections themselves, but also the associated security aspects are seamlessly integrated and managed via a standardised management console.
Looking at SASE from a technical perspective, three building blocks in particular can be recognised. Firstly, SD-WAN functionality is combined with a fast cloud connection and the whole thing is supplemented by a range of security functions "as a service". These can be summarised under the term Security Service Edge (SSE). In detail, the following functions are summarised under SSE:
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Secure Web Gateway (SWG),
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Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB),
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Data loss prevention (DLP),
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Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA),
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Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) with
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Advanced Threat Prevention (IPS, Next Generation Anti-Malware)
With this combination, SASE makes up for a decisive disadvantage of the SD-WAN concept, which requires greater efforts to secure the network externally due to specific properties such as "full mesh", but also when interacting with cybersecurity applications.
Conclusion
The development of corporate networks reflects rapid technological change and changing business requirements. SASE provides companies with a modern solution that enables them to take their networks and security infrastructures to the next level. By integrating network and security functions in a cloud-based, global architecture, SASE provides an answer to increasing complexity and growing security requirements. This technology enables companies to manage their networks efficiently, reducing overheads while increasing the quality of data connections and the overall level of security.
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