SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a modern, cloud-centric architecture that merges networking and security into a unified framework. It combines SD-WAN capabilities with a comprehensive suite of cloud-delivered security services, enforced through unified policies and distributed via edge infrastructure.
The goal? To ensure secure, reliable access to network resources-no matter where users or devices are located.
Core Components of SASE
While interpretations of SASE vary across vendors, most effective implementations include these key components:
- FWaaS (Firewall as a Service)
- SWG (Secure Web Gateway)
- SD-WAN
- Bandwidth Aggregation
- WAN Optimization
- ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
- CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
SASE with Uplevel Systems
Uplevel Systems delivers a practical SASE solution tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. Here’s how its platform supports the key components:
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Uplevel’s solution is centered on FWaaS through its cloud-managed, SMB-optimized firewalls. The platform is delivered as IT Infrastructure as a Services (IaaS), offering simplified deployment and centralized control.
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Available through the Advanced Security package, Uplevel filters and monitors web traffic, blocks known malicious sites, and enforces acceptable use policies-protecting users from threats and unsafe browsing behavior.
- SD-WAN: Integrated directly into Uplevel’s on-premises gateways, their SD-WAN features include Quality of Service (QoS), bandwidth aggregation, and dynamic load balancing across multiple WAN connections-all managed remotely.
- ZTNA and VPN Access: The platform supports secure remote connectivity through both ZTNA principles and VPN technologies (remote access and site-to-site), all configured via a centralized portal for consistent policy enforcement. Uplevel Systems’ new ZTNA-as-a-Service solution offers fine-grained access control with zero-trust, always-on VPN security.
- WAN Optimization: Uplevel enhances application performance through intelligent traffic management, failover, and prioritization of critical traffic—key aspects of WAN optimization for SMBs.
- CASB Integration: CASB functionality is enabled through third-party integrations, giving administrators visibility into cloud service usage, data retention policies, DLP enforcement, and compliance posture. Uplevel supports a variety of CASB solutions and has existing integrations with providers such as Actifile and Todyl.
For MSPs and IT professionals supporting distributed SMB environments, Uplevel Systems offers a cost-effective, scalable path to SASE adoption. By combining essential networking and security capabilities into a single, manageable platform, Uplevel enables businesses to modernize their infrastructure without sacrificing simplicity or budget.
