SD-WAN and SASE
Software-defined wide area networking and Secure Access Service Edge. Covers modern approaches to distributed network security, SD-WAN benefits and security, SASE architecture, and zero trust network access.
Understanding SD-WAN and SASE
Traditional WANs route all traffic through corporate data centers, creating bottlenecks as cloud adoption grows. SD-WAN and SASE represent modern approaches to distributed network security that put security controls closer to users and cloud resources.
Modern networking evolution: • Traditional WAN — MPLS, traffic through data center • SD-WAN — Software-defined, intelligent routing • SASE — Security + networking converged in cloud
Gartner predicts that by 2025, 80% of enterprises will have adopted SASE architecture. This shift recognizes that with cloud applications and remote workers, the traditional perimeter has dissolved—security must follow users and data everywhere.
Understanding SD-WAN and SASE is essential for modern network security architecture.
Why This Matters for the Exam
SD-WAN and SASE are increasingly tested on SY0-701 as organizations modernize their networks. Questions cover the benefits, security components, and appropriate use cases.
Understanding these technologies helps with network architecture, cloud security, and remote workforce protection. Traditional perimeter security doesn't work for distributed environments.
The exam tests conceptual understanding of these modern approaches and when to apply them.
Deep Dive
What Is SD-WAN and How Does It Differ from Traditional WAN?
Traditional WAN vs SD-WAN:
SD-WAN Benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost savings | Use broadband instead of expensive MPLS |
| Performance | Direct cloud access, intelligent routing |
| Agility | Rapid deployment, centralized management |
| Redundancy | Multiple transport paths |
| Visibility | Application-aware traffic management |
SD-WAN vs Traditional WAN:
| Aspect | Traditional WAN | SD-WAN |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | MPLS (expensive) | Multiple (MPLS, broadband, LTE) |
| Cloud access | Backhauled | Direct |
| Deployment | Complex | Rapid |
| Management | Per-device | Centralized |
| Visibility | Limited | Application-aware |
What Security Features Does SD-WAN Include?
SD-WAN Security Components:
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Encryption | Tunnel encryption between sites |
| Segmentation | Traffic isolation by application/user |
| Firewall | Integrated stateful inspection |
| Application identification | Classify and control apps |
| Threat intelligence | Block known bad destinations |
SD-WAN Security Considerations:
| Consideration | Why Important |
|---|---|
| Direct internet access | Bypasses central security |
| Multiple paths | Consistent policy enforcement |
| Cloud integration | Secure cloud connectivity |
| Management plane | Protect centralized controller |
Addressing Direct Internet Access:
Option 1: Local security stack at each site Option 2: Cloud-based security (SASE) Option 3: Backhaul security traffic only
What Is SASE and What Components Does It Include?
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines networking and security in a cloud-delivered service.
SASE Architecture:
SASE Components:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| SD-WAN | Intelligent routing and optimization |
| FWaaS | Firewall as a Service |
| SWG | Secure Web Gateway |
| CASB | Cloud Access Security Broker |
| ZTNA | Zero Trust Network Access |
| DLP | Data Loss Prevention |
SASE Benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Unified platform | Single vendor for network + security |
| Cloud-delivered | No hardware to manage |
| Global coverage | PoPs worldwide for low latency |
| Scalability | Elastic cloud resources |
| Consistent policy | Same security everywhere |
What Is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
ZTNA replaces traditional VPN with identity-based, application-specific access.
ZTNA vs VPN:
| Aspect | VPN | ZTNA |
|---|---|---|
| Access scope | Full network | Specific applications |
| Trust model | Implicit trust once connected | Never trust, always verify |
| Attack surface | Large (whole network) | Small (single app) |
| User experience | Connect to network | Connect to app |
| Scalability | Hardware limited | Cloud-native |
How Does SASE Compare to Traditional Architecture?
Architecture Comparison:
| Aspect | Traditional | SASE |
|---|---|---|
| Security location | Data center | Cloud edge |
| Cloud access | Backhauled | Direct |
| Remote users | VPN to DC | ZTNA to apps |
| Scalability | Add hardware | Cloud elastic |
| Management | Multiple tools | Single platform |
How CompTIA Tests This
Example Analysis
Scenario: A company has 50 branch offices and 2,000 remote workers. Currently, all traffic routes through the data center via MPLS, causing poor performance for cloud applications. They need improved cloud app performance, consistent security for all users, and reduced WAN costs.
Analysis - SD-WAN and SASE Solution:
Current Problems:
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| Poor cloud performance | All traffic backhauled through DC |
| High costs | MPLS is expensive |
| Remote user experience | VPN capacity limits |
| Security gaps | Different tools for branch vs remote |
Solution Options:
| Option | Approach |
|---|---|
| SD-WAN only | Better routing, but security gaps |
| SD-WAN + security | Need security at each site |
| SASE | Network + security converged |
SASE Implementation:
Architecture Components:
- 1.SD-WAN edges at branches
- 2.SASE agent on user devices
- 3.Traffic to nearest PoP
- 4.Security applied in cloud
- 5.Direct access to SaaS apps
- 6.Secure tunnel to data center
How SASE Addresses Requirements:
| Requirement | SASE Solution |
|---|---|
| Cloud performance | Direct-to-cloud via nearest PoP |
| Cost reduction | Replace expensive MPLS |
| Remote users | ZTNA for app access |
| Consistent security | Same cloud security for all |
Key insight: SASE consolidates SD-WAN routing with cloud-delivered security, providing consistent protection for branch offices and remote users while enabling direct cloud access. This addresses the limitations of traditional hub-and-spoke architectures.
Key Terms
Common Mistakes
Exam Tips
Memory Trick
SD-WAN Memory: "Smart Directions for WAN" Intelligent routing, multiple paths, direct to cloud
Traditional vs SD-WAN: "Traditional: All roads lead to Rome (data center)" "SD-WAN: Take the best road to your destination"
- •SASE Components - "FSCZ":
- •Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
- •Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
- •CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
- •ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
SASE Memory: "Security And SD-WAN Everywhere" All security + networking from cloud
ZTNA vs VPN: "VPN = Visitor to the Network (full access)" "ZTNA = Zero Trust, Not All access" Only the specific app, never the network
Why SASE: "Security follows users, not the other way around" Cloud-delivered = protection everywhere
Test Your Knowledge
Q1.A company wants to reduce WAN costs while improving access to cloud applications. What technology should they consider?
Q2.Which SASE component provides application-specific access based on user identity instead of full network access?
Q3.What is the PRIMARY benefit of SASE architecture for organizations with remote workers?
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