If you’re researching SD-WAN, you’ve probably seen another term floating around: SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).
It’s the latest buzz in enterprise networking. But is it relevant to your business? Should you pick SD-WAN or SASE — or both?
Let’s demystify it.
What Is SD-WAN?
To recap, SD-WAN is a smart, software-driven way to connect your offices, branches, remote users, and cloud services over any mix of UK internet links.
It manages traffic across fibre, FTTP, 4G/5G — securely and efficiently.
What Is SASE?
SASE (pronounced “sassy”) is a cloud-based security architecture that includes:
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SD-WAN
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Secure web gateways
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Zero-trust network access
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Firewall-as-a-service
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Cloud access security broker (CASB)
Where SD-WAN optimises network performance, SASE adds cloud-delivered security controls to that foundation.
Key Differences
| Feature | SD-WAN | SASE |
|---|---|---|
| Network optimisation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud-based security stack | ❌ No (unless added) | ✅ Built-in |
| Remote access support | ✅ Partial | ✅ Strong |
| Zero-trust enforcement | ❌ Optional | ✅ Core feature |
| Cloud-native delivery | ❌ Often on-prem or hybrid | ✅ Fully cloud-based |
Which One Do You Need?
Go with SD-WAN if you want:
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Multi-site performance and failover
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A cost-effective MPLS alternative
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Better cloud access speeds
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Something manageable, fast to deploy, and budget-friendly
Go with SASE if you need:
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Strict security and compliance
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Fully cloud-delivered solutions
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Identity-based access everywhere
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Zero-trust access for a dispersed team
Or… start with SD-WAN now, and layer in SASE later.
That’s what many UK businesses are doing — and Connect2 can support both.
What We Offer
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SD-WAN as a fully managed service
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Integration with your security tools
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Options to evolve into full SASE over time
We’re already helping UK businesses prepare for zero-trust and cloud-first futures — without overwhelming their teams.
Not sure if you need SD-WAN or SASE?
Get a free SD-WAN quote and we’ll help you decide what’s best for your size, setup, and security goals.
