Comparing Remote Access Solutions: VPNs vs. SD-WAN vs. SASE

Remote work is undoubtedly the new normal, but is your network up to the challenge? The surge in remote work has underscored the critical need for secure and reliable remote access solutions. While traditional VPNs have been the mainstay, the evolving digital landscape has introduced new options such as SD-WAN and SASE. This blog delves into these solutions, comparing their features, benefits, and use cases to help you make an informed decision for your organization.

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Understanding VPNs, SD-WAN & SASE

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• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) establish secure connections over public networks, creating a private tunnel for data transmission. They have been the go-to solution for remote access for many years.
• SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a networking architecture that utilizes software to optimize WAN connections. It offers improved application performance, reliability, and flexibility compared to traditional WANs. By intelligently selecting the best path for traffic, SD-WAN enhances user experience and reduces costs.
• SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a cloud-based security architecture that combines network security functions with wide area networking. It offers a unified platform for secure access to applications and data, regardless of user location.

Comparing their Key Features

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While all the remote access solutions provide secure connectivity for different application cases, SASE delivers a more contemporary and flexible approach to networking and security, making it an ideal choice for larger organizations navigating the modern IT environment. VPNs continue to be valuable but are typically better suited for SMBs that cannot afford the cost and complexity of the other two approaches. SD-WAN offers a robust middle ground by enhancing network performance and scalability, making it an excellent option for enterprises needing optimized connectivity across multiple sites while balancing modern and traditional needs.

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Understanding the Pros & Cons

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1. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

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Pros:

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1. Simplicity and Ease of Setup: VPNs are relatively easy to configure and deploy. Most small businesses can set up a VPN without extensive technical expertise, thanks to user-friendly software and clear instructions.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: For small businesses or individual users, VPNs can be a budget-friendly option compared to more advanced networking solutions. Many VPN services offer low-cost or even free versions.

Cons:

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1. Scalability Challenges: VPNs can sometimes become tedious to manage as the number of users grows. Performance and administrative overhead increase, and maintaining secure connections for a large number of users can be challenging.
2. Performance Issues: VPNs can introduce latency and reduce internet speeds due to encryption overhead and the need to route traffic through a remote server. This can affect the user experience, particularly with bandwidth-intensive applications.
3. Security Vulnerabilities: While VPNs provide encryption, they are not immune to security vulnerabilities. Potential issues include outdated protocols, weak encryption standards, and vulnerabilities in the VPN software itself.

Best Practices:

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• For small businesses requiring security and access to internal resources, it is best to employ strong encryption protocols, keep VPN software updated, and regularly review and update user access controls.

2. SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)

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Pros:

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1. Improved Performance: SD-WAN optimizes application performance by intelligently routing traffic based on real-time network conditions, improving overall speed and reliability.
2. Better Scalability: Unlike traditional WAN setups, SD-WAN scales more easily as it uses software-based management and can handle a large number of connections and diverse network environments.
3. Integrated Security Features: Many SD-WAN solutions come with built-in security features such as encryption, firewall protection, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.

Cons:

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1. Higher Cost: The initial setup cost for SD-WAN can be higher compared to VPNs. It often requires investment in new hardware, software, and potentially new WAN circuits. SD-WAN providers also impose data transfer charges (per gigabyte or per megabit/second), as SD-WAN traffic must be carried through their proprietary backbones, which are expensive.
2. Complexity in Deployment: Implementing SD-WAN can be complex, requiring careful planning, configuration, and management. Businesses may need specialized skills or external consultants to deploy and manage the system effectively.

Best Practices:

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• With multiple branch offices or remote sites needing optimized application performance and reliable connectivity, it's important to select an SD-WAN solution that fits your business requirements, ensure effective network segmentation, and continuously monitor both network performance and security.

3. SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)

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Pros:

1. Comprehensive Security: SASE integrates multiple security functions into a single service, including secure web gateways, firewall as a service, and zero trust network access. This provides robust, unified security across all network edges.
2. Scalability: SASE’s cloud-native architecture allows for easy scaling, accommodating the growing number of users, devices, and applications seamlessly.
3. Cloud-friendly Architecture: SASE supports cloud-first and hybrid work environments, positioning organizations well for future growth and technological advancements.

Cons:

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1. Newer Technology: As a relatively new concept, SASE solutions may lack maturity and widespread adoption compared to traditional technologies, potentially leading to uncertainties in implementation and long-term support.
2. Potential Integration Challenges: Integrating SASE with existing IT infrastructure and applications can be complex, requiring careful planning and possibly new workflows or systems. This can be a particularly large barrier for small businesses, as it requires them to constantly audit their applications, workflows and employee practices and update their SASE settings and security posture. This is usually prohibitively expensive for businesses that do not have any internal IT staff.
3. Higher Costs: The comprehensive nature of SASE and its advanced capabilities can result in higher costs compared to more traditional solutions.

Best Practices:

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For organizations with a large, distributed workforce, cloud-first strategies, and stringent security requirements, it's crucial to assess your specific security needs. Choose a SASE provider with a proven track record, and ensure seamless integration with your existing systems.

Choosing the Right Solution

The choice between VPNs, SD-WAN, and SASE is not a one-size-fits-all. Each solution offers distinct advantages and is best suited for different scenarios. You can select the most appropriate solution to secure your remote access and enhance business productivity, on the basis of following factors:

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• Number of Remote Users: For a few hundred remote users, a VPN might be sufficient. For larger, geographically dispersed teams, SD-WAN or SASE would be more appropriate.
• Application Performance Needs: If application performance and WAN usage efficiency are crucial, SD-WAN’s intelligent routing can offer better advantages.
• Security Priorities: For organizations embracing a cloud-first approach, SASE provides a comprehensive security solution.
• IT Resources and Expertise: Evaluate your organization’s capability to manage and support the solution. SD-WAN and SASE may require more specialized skills compared to VPNs.

As technology continues to evolve, it's essential to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in secure remote access. At Uplevel Systems, we specialize in providing IT infrastructure solutions tailored for small businesses. Our VPN and SD-WAN-Lite solutions are specifically tailored towards small businesses that rely on MSPs for their IT support. By exclusively partnering with managed service providers, we deliver top-notch products and services. Find the right solutions to secure remote access for your organization with Uplevel Systems today.