Cisco SASE Architecture: SD-WAN Meets Cloud Security

Cisco SASE architecture and components

Cisco SASE follows the identity-first principles of the SASE model, integrating Cisco Secure Access, Catalyst SD-WAN, Meraki, and Cisco ISE. The objective is simple: deliver predictable policy enforcement (such as multi-factor authentication) to remote users, IoT, and hybrid work scenarios, while streamlining management. At the same time, it provides simplified, unified routing and security across multicloud and the data center, resulting in improved network performance and secure connectivity.

Core cybersecurity capabilities are anchored in ZTNA, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), data loss prevention (DLP), and digital experience monitoring (DEM). Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer security, threat intelligence, and cloud security functions, while ThousandEyes delivers end-to-end visibility into user experience and network health. 

These form key elements of the Cisco Umbrella SASE solution, aligning with the broader landscape of SASE providers that combine SD-WAN and security. Cisco also offers specialization opportunities for partners and certification tracks for engineers who must demonstrate expertise in deploying and managing a complete SASE solution.

Cisco SASE products training and pricing

Cisco Secure Access was generally available as of September 2023. This solution provides cloud-delivered security service edge functions, including a SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA. It extends protection to endpoints and remote users, while enabling scalable policy enforcement in support of the hybrid workforce. Secure Access also positions itself to meet Cisco’s SASE vision.

Cisco Umbrella continues to serve as a foundational, cloud-based security platform, providing DNS-layer security, threat intelligence, and performance controls to enhance network security and application performance. Secure Access and Umbrella work together to advance Cisco’s SASE architecture and provide more secure connectivity in SaaS and multicloud environments.

Cisco SD-WAN is available through the Catalyst and Meraki platforms, each delivering robust routing and VPN capabilities with integrated security features. These solutions give customers flexible options for unifying connectivity and security to support their business needs.

By integrating networking and security platforms, organizations can streamline policy enforcement and policy orchestration. This helps IT teams address vulnerabilities and simplify end-to-end management, including Cisco Meraki and other Cisco devices.

Cisco has training and certification programs for engineers and partners to help validate technical skills in SASE deployment. Pricing is subscription-based with tiers according to user counts and the term of the contract. Many organizations combine the subscription model with policy orchestration across multicloud and on-premises environments utilizing the Tufin Orchestration Suite.

Cisco SASE alternatives and buyer considerations

IT buyers may compare Cisco SASE against other security solutions providers like Zscaler, Palo Alto Prisma, and Versa Networks. Those platforms all have SSE, but only Cisco also offers SD-WAN, routing, and policy enforcement. As a result, Cisco SASE can serve as a single framework for secure connectivity in hybrid work and multicloud settings.

Cisco SASE also supports heterogeneous vendor environments. Catalyst SD-WAN, for example, can extend connectivity to external SSE services. Meraki is also popular with organizations that want a simpler branch network. Another example of its value is orchestration, which involves the policy-based automation of the hybrid network. Cisco and Tufin show end-to-end optimization across data center, cloud-native, and IoT environments. The Tufin Orchestration Suite also helps users align network security and connectivity policies across firewalls, switches, and routers.

Cisco SASE buyers typically need more than a feature checklist when assessing their options. The hybrid model fuses SD-WAN with cloud-based security services, including ZTNA, CASB, SWG, and FWaaS. This combination offers IT teams protection for remote workers, SaaS traffic, and hybrid workloads. Cisco Umbrella offers DNS-layer security and visibility, while Cisco Secure Access and Catalyst SD-WAN provide support for endpoints and cloud-native applications.

Vendor direction is another area for buyers to consider when comparing SASE providers. Cisco is evolving its portfolio from SecureX to Cisco XDR and Security Cloud Control. Understanding how a vendor plans to match long-term product roadmaps with maturing security service edge requirements is as important as assessing existing functionality. 

As Gartner’s SASE security model highlights, evaluating a provider’s adaptability is just as important as reviewing current functionality. As such, IT decision-makers should research providers who can meet both scalable network performance goals today and expanding cybersecurity demands in the future.

Conclusion

Cisco SASE architecture unifies SD-WAN, cloud-native security service edge, and policy enforcement, providing IT teams with a single solution to simplify and secure hybrid work and remote access. With Cisco Umbrella for DNS-layer security, a cloud access security broker, and firewall as a service, enterprises can protect users, accelerate application performance, and reduce complexity across SaaS, IoT, and service provider networks. 

As Gartner advises, organizations should consider long-term adaptability as heavily as current capabilities. If you’re an IT decision-maker interested in scalable network performance and robust security capabilities, get a demo to see it in action.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Cisco SASE different from other vendors?

Cisco SASE includes SD-WAN, routing, and policy enforcement. Many other vendors focus solely on security service edge (SSE). For IT teams, Cisco SASE means fewer vendors to manage and a framework that supports secure connectivity across hybrid environments.

Learn more in SASE Providers with SD-WAN and Security Coverage.

How does Cisco SASE work with Meraki deployments?

Cisco SASE expands Meraki functionality with secure access service edge capabilities for cloud network management. This helps IT teams enhance security and user experience for branch offices without introducing additional complexity.

See how this works in Tufin’s Integration with Cisco Meraki.

How can policy management strengthen Cisco SASE architecture?

Policy management gives IT teams the tools to ensure firewalls, routers, and data center resources are properly aligned. It also helps reduce gaps across hybrid networks and ensures security functions are tailored to application performance and user needs.

Find details in Cisco and Tufin Security Policy Management.