SEACOM Business offers SASE network architecture

Enterprises have various choices when it comes to network architecture. IT networks can be built using multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) or Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture, to name a few. Each of these platforms has pros and cons and the best architecture depends entirely on the company’s needs.

SEACOM Business specialises in SD-WAN and SASE architecture for large enterprises in South Africa. As one of the more modern solutions, SASE is an excellent platform for corporate networks that uses security as a core pillar of functionality. As the name suggests, a SASE network is a secure, cloud-based architecture that connects users, systems and devices to cloud applications anywhere in the world.

In the age of remote working, devices, data and employees are dispersed across the country. This creates new complexities for IT infrastructure and network management, so enterprises are having to shift their approach. In addition, the increased prevalence of cyber attacks on large businesses necessitates that networks are highly secure while still being scalable.

This is where SASE networks excel. It improves cloud application delivery and adopts a zero-trust approach to network security. This not only improves the user experience and fortify’s the company's security posture, but it also delivers better network visibility and reduces complexities for IT managers.

What is a cloud-native SASE architecture

In the case of a SASE network, cloud-native implies that the security and network functions are delivered purely from a global, multi-tenant cloud environment. This allows for complete remote access and control, as well as making security available for each user, regardless of their location.

There are three components to a cloud-native architecture:

1. The cloud architecture - This is made up of things called enforcement nodes that are present in over 160 points of presence (PoPs) around the world. In essence, this allows network users to connect locally to security applications with the smallest delay possible.
2. Extending security to the endpoint - To achieve this, a client connector is installed onto an employee’s device which securely interacts with the cloud environment.
3. Application connectors - These are placed wherever the company has private applications that employees need to access.

What does all of this achieve? These connections to cloud-based apps and software are all outbound links. This means that the business removes the need to publish IP addresses, which takes the network dark and minimises attack surfaces. This straightforward security policy also runs on a zero-trust access control list that blocks all inbound links until they are completely verified as legitimate.

When an employee connects to the network, the SASE architecture will locate their position, determine the closest enforcement node and terminate their session at that node. From here, the employee will be directed to their intended destination on the network, provided they have been granted access by the zero-trust policy. This removes threat exposure and improves the security of the network and the connected devices.

Key features of a SEACOM Business SASE network

There are six core benefits of adopting a cloud-native SASE network architecture:

1. Alleviates other architecture limitations and supports application access down to the end-point.
2. Full enterprise security from the network to the end-point, whether the workforce is on-premises or remote.
3. Reduces network appliances through global PoPs that connect users to the internet, apps, networks and branches.
4. Zero-trust security policy that prevents compromised devices or unauthorised users from accessing the network.
5. Full control and visibility of the network and apps.
6. Single vendor approach that combines several technologies into one solution. These include cyber security, WAN, monitoring, identity verification and reducing complexity.

SEACOM Business offers cloud-native SASE network architecture, powered by Zscaler, to companies in South Africa. This cutting-edge architecture truly reduces complexity and improves cloud performance and the user experience. For more information or to get a quote for our SASE networking architecture services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

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