SASE Networking Explained: Why Multi-Site Businesses Are Adopting It

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines wide-area networking with cloud-delivered security into a single service. For businesses with multiple locations, remote workers, and cloud applications, SASE eliminates the need for expensive MPLS circuits and centralized security stacks.

## What SASE Replaces

Traditional multi-site networking uses MPLS circuits to backhaul all traffic through a central data center where security appliances inspect it. This model has problems: - MPLS is expensive ($500-2,000/month per site) - Backhauling cloud traffic through HQ adds latency - Remote workers need VPN connections that are slow and unreliable - Adding a new site takes weeks for circuit provisioning

## How SASE Works

SASE moves the security stack to the cloud edge: - **SD-WAN** at each location routes traffic over broadband internet with application-aware path selection - **Cloud security** (firewall, URL filtering, DLP, CASB) inspects traffic at the nearest point of presence - **Zero trust network access (ZTNA)** replaces VPN for remote workers with per-application access - **Centralized policy** manages security rules across all locations from a single dashboard

## The Business Case

For a 10-location business: - **MPLS cost:** ~$10,000-20,000/month for circuits - **SASE cost:** ~$5,000-8,000/month for SD-WAN + cloud security - **Savings:** 40-60% reduction in WAN costs - **Additional benefits:** Faster cloud app performance, simpler branch networking, remote worker support included

## Infrastructure Requirements

SASE still requires solid local infrastructure at each site: - Reliable broadband internet (ideally two circuits for failover) - Quality switching and cabling (garbage in, garbage out) - WiFi designed for the application mix - Edge computing for latency-sensitive applications

Summit DNC designs the local infrastructure that SASE platforms depend on — structured cabling, switching, WiFi, and power systems at every site.