Impact Of 5G In Sd-WAN And SASE Deployments

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) are the two technologies transforming the enterprise networking architecture by optimizing connectivity and integrating security in a cloud-centric ecosystem.

While SD-WAN intelligently routes traffic based on the business requirements for a particular service, SASE converges networking and security services into a single, cloud-based framework. SD-WAN forms the base for SASE, and it unifies SD-WAN with security functions such as FWaaS, SWG, CASB, and ZTNA into one service. It consolidates multiple functions, including patch management, intrusion detection, encryption, identity management, access control, edge and cloud gateway, and application security.

IMPACT OF 5G IN SD-WAN AND SASE DEPLOYMENTS

The impact of 5G in the deployments of the two technologies has been significant. By integrating the 5G technology, vendors can reap substantial benefits from the SD-WAN and SASE technologies. 5G enables efficient and reliable SD-WAN and SASE deployments and helps organizations manage and secure their networks in a rapidly transforming digital landscape. 5G offers many benefits that make it an ideal component for SD-WAN and SASE technologies. It enables enterprises to handle large data volumes over the network and achieve a high data throughput. This becomes a significant development where SD-WAN has multiple branches and remote sites that must have seamless data transmission. Moreover, when SASE is integrated with 5G, it optimizes the network's potential without compromising security, thereby improving the operational efficiency of businesses.

Furthermore, 5G has been instrumental in improving the capabilities of various real-time applications, such as video conferencing and cloud services, among many others, through its capability of ultra-low latency. In addition, enterprises can address continuously changing network demands through the scalability feature offered by 5G. Also, 5G's reliable connectivity capability helps the SD-WAN and SASE architectures by providing consistent network performance even in remote locations, enabling the two technologies to maintain stability and integrity. Together, these technologies provide a secure, high-performance framework that facilitates swift and safe communication across extended networks, redefining the standards of modern connectivity.

Source: Secondary Research and MarketsandMarkets Analysis

The global Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Market size is projected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2023 to USD 5.9 billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.0% during the forecast period. The growing demand for secure access to data and networks will drive the market. Also, digital transformation, cloud-native, and edge computing will also drive the SASE market.

LEVERAGING 5G TECHNOLOGY FOR NEXT-GEN SD-WAN AND SASE SOLUTIONS

Several companies have already used 5G to enhance their SD-WAN and SASE deployments. Ongoing development associated with 5G technology has sparked serious developments among SD-WAN and SASE appliances. This includes the announcement of several 5G-capable products by various vendors. Some of these include:

• Cisco has developed 5G-enabled SD-WAN appliances that allow businesses to integrate 5G connectivity into their existing network infrastructure seamlessly. These include its Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms Family and Cisco Catalyst Cellular Gateways. These, along with the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, offer sub-6-GHz 5G wireless connectivity, reaching speeds of up to 3.3 Gbps and more with upcoming mmWave models.
• Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity company, has integrated 5G into its SASE offering, providing secure, high-performance access to cloud applications over 5G networks. The company has been investing heavily in developing its 5G security portfolio. The company’s Fortinet Security Fabric Protects 5G Ecosystems, integrates SASE, and provides Zero Trust Access with the FortiGate 7121F and Wireless WAN Connectivity with FortiExtender 511F-5G. The company’s FortiExtender 511F-5G also provides wireless WAN connectivity for SD-WAN and SASE solutions.
• Versa Networks, a provider of SASE, security, networking, SD-WAN, cloud, and analytics, uses 5G and its Secure SD-WAN with SASE for private 5G deployments. With the integration of these technologies, enterprises can securely manage and protect data across branch locations while benefiting from the advanced capabilities of 5G technology.
• Another prime example includes Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma SASE, which provides for SD-WAN with integrated 5G to accelerate branch transformation and Autonomous Digital Experience Management (ADEM) to deliver exceptional user experiences

Integrating 5G with SD-WAN and SASE is a key landmark in enterprise networking. Factors such as increased demand for remote and hybrid work solutions, rapid adoption of cloud services, expansion of many devices, and continuously rising cyber threats will play a critical role in adopting 5G for SD-WAN and SASE deployments.

North America boasts a significant number of organizations utilizing cloud services, which is fuelling the demand for SASE solutions. SASE combines networking and security within a cloud-native framework, making it well-suited for environments that rely heavily on cloud technology. Many prominent SASE providers, including Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, and Fortinet, are either based in or have a strong presence in North America. Their influence and investment in research and development are crucial to the market's growth. It will drive the market growth.

TELECOM PROVIDERS DRIVING SD-WAN AND SASE INNOVATIONS THROUGH STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS

The telecom providers have played a significant role in most of the recent deployments of SD-WAN and SASE. They leverage their extensive network infrastructure, integrate advanced technologies, and offer customized solutions that meet the specific needs of enterprises. Some of the prominent examples include:

• AT&T, a telecom provider, has collaborated with companies such as Aruba, Cisco, and VMware to facilitate a fully managed SD-WAN solution with centralized management and advanced security enabled by AT&T converged fiber and wireless connectivity. Moreover, in May 2024, through a joint venture with WillJam Ventures, AT&T formed a new alliance called LevelBlue. It is a newly managed cybersecurity services business. LevelBlue combines managed SD-WAN services, cybersecurity capabilities, and 5G to deliver SASE solutions.
• In July 2024, Orange Group launched its new SD-WAN offer, SD-WAN Essentials, by partnering with Ekinops Technology, a supplier of optical transport and enterprise connectivity solutions for telecom operators and enterprises. Before this, in 2023, the company partnered with VMware to deliver Flexible SD-WAN with VMware as the first fully embedded SD-WAN offering in Evolution Platform.
• BT Group, one of the UK's leading fixed and mobile communications providers, offers SD-WAN services. The company built an ecosystem of SD-WAN and SSE vendors and developed the tools and methodology to deploy and service multi-vendor environments. The company is working with Palo Alto Networks as one of its key security partners. The two companies aim to design, build, and deliver managed SASE solutions.

Telecom providers are instrumental in this evolution and are very well positioned to deliver value-added capabilities in customized packages for SD-WAN and SASE deployments that will increase the value, performance, and safety of such implementations for the enterprise. Furthermore, by blending advanced 5G capabilities with network management and security features, telecom providers enable the next wave of enterprise networking, ensuring businesses can operate securely and efficiently across increasingly complex and distributed environments.

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been actively tracking the telecom and networking landscape with a particular emphasis on publishing research studies on high-growth and trending technologies.

Some of the recently published studies within the Telecom and Networking ecosystem include:

• Enterprise Networking
• 5G Services
• SD-WAN
• SASE
• Software-defined Anything (SDx)
• SDN