1.8 Summarize evolving use cases for modern network environments
SASE / SSE
📘CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
1. What is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)?
Definition
SASE is a cloud-delivered architecture that combines networking services and security services into one unified platform.
It provides secure access to applications, data, and services—no matter where the user is located.
Key Goal of SASE
To deliver fast, secure, and consistent access for users working in offices, remote locations, or the cloud.
Why SASE?
Traditional security models place all security tools inside the main office. But modern users access cloud applications directly from the internet. This means traffic no longer always goes through the corporate HQ.
SASE fixes this by moving security to the cloud, closer to the user.
2. Core Components of SASE
For the exam, remember that SASE is the combination of networking + security delivered from the cloud.
Networking Components
- SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN)
Routes traffic intelligently using cloud-based control, improving performance and reliability. - WAN Optimization
Enhances speed and efficiency of connections. - Traffic Steering
Chooses the best path for each type of traffic.
Security Components
SASE integrates several cloud-based security functions:
- SWG (Secure Web Gateway)
Filters web traffic, blocks malicious websites, and enforces web usage policies. - CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
Controls access to cloud applications and monitors their usage. - ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
Provides access only after authentication and checks every request (never trust, always verify). - FWaaS (Firewall as a Service)
Cloud-based firewall for inspecting traffic across multiple locations.
3. Key Characteristics of SASE (Important for Exam)
a. Cloud-Delivered
Services run in the cloud rather than on physical hardware.
b. Identity-Based Access
Decisions are based on who the user is, their device type, and context—not on network location.
c. Zero Trust Principles
No automatic trust. Every request must be verified.
d. Unified Management
One central dashboard to manage security policies, instead of many separate tools.
e. Consistent Security Everywhere
Whether a user works from home, a branch office, or the cloud, the same security policies apply.
4. What is SSE (Security Service Edge)?
Definition
SSE is the security-only portion of SASE.
It delivers the cloud-based security features of SASE without the networking components like SD-WAN.
Why SSE Exists
Some organizations already have strong networking systems but want modern cloud-based security. SSE allows them to adopt security services independently.
5. Core Components of SSE
SSE includes three major cloud-based security tools:
- SWG (Secure Web Gateway)
- Protects users from harmful websites
- Enforces web filtering policies
- Inspects HTTP/HTTPS traffic
- CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
- Monitors cloud-app usage
- Enforces access control
- Detects risky cloud activities
- Helps prevent data loss
- ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
- Replaces traditional VPNs
- Grants application access based on identity and verification
- Limits lateral movement inside the network
Additional capabilities sometimes included:
- Remote browser isolation
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Firewall as a service (depending on vendor)
6. SASE vs. SSE (Exam-Critical Comparison)
| Feature / Component | SASE | SSE |
|---|---|---|
| Includes Networking (SD-WAN) | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Cloud-Based Security | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Zero Trust Support | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Unified Framework | Full networking + security | Security-only |
| Purpose | All-in-one network + security solution | Upgrade security without changing network infrastructure |
Exam tip:
- SASE = Networking + Security
- SSE = Security only
7. Benefits of SASE and SSE
Benefits of SASE
- Secure access from anywhere
- Reduced hardware in branch offices
- Simplified management
- Better visibility and control
- Improved performance using SD-WAN
- Consistent security policies across all locations
Benefits of SSE
- Strong cloud security without replacing existing network setup
- Supports Zero Trust
- Protects cloud applications
- Improves security for remote and mobile users
8. Why SASE and SSE Are Important in Modern Networks
For the Network+ exam, understand why organizations adopt these architectures:
- Users and devices connect from many different locations
- Applications are hosted in cloud environments
- Traditional perimeter-based security is no longer enough
- Companies need scalable, cloud-delivered protection
- Zero Trust is becoming a standard security requirement
9. How SASE/SSE Fits in an IT Environment
Here are some IT-focused, exam-safe explanations:
- Remote employees connect through cloud security instead of a physical firewall
- Branch offices no longer need separate firewalls or VPN hardware
- Cloud applications like file storage or communications are secured through CASB
- Web traffic is inspected by SWG before reaching the internet
- Internal applications are accessed using ZTNA instead of a traditional VPN
- SD-WAN chooses the best path to cloud services for performance improvement
10. What You Must Remember for the Network+ Exam
✔ SASE = Cloud-delivered networking + security
✔ SSE = Cloud-delivered security only
✔ Core security components: SWG, CASB, ZTNA
✔ SASE includes SD-WAN, but SSE does not
✔ SASE/SSE support Zero Trust
✔ Designed for cloud-first, remote-first environments
✔ Reduces dependence on on-premise firewalls and VPNs
✔ Provides consistent security across all user locations
