IT Buyer's Guide: Cisco SD-WAN & SASE Network Security
This buyer's guide provides IT decision-makers with an evaluation of Cisco's SASE and SD-WAN offerings, focusing on practical deployment considerations, operational requirements and cost implications for buyers looking to shortlist Cisco SD-WAN alongside alternative vendors.
Latest Capabilities and Roadmap (Cisco Secure SD-WAN & SASE)
For their upcoming SD-WAN and SASE roadmap, Cisco are expected to primarily develop their network visibility capabilities, with their SD-WAN and SASE platform strategies moving towards ThousandEyes integrations for digital experience monitoring.
This has lead Cisco's solutions to improve key capabilities, such as Microsoft 365 connectivity and SaaS application insights alongside improved edge-to-cloud network optimisation.
The integration of ThousandEyes, which delivers predictive insights for application performance and proactive incident detection, enables Cisco's platforms to deliver more intelligent policy automation, anticipatory network adjustments, dynamic capacity planning, smart traffic steering and resilient path selection - creating an extensive visibility framework that addresses operational challenges.
Deployment Models and Multi-Cloud Integration
Physical deployments utilise Cisco ISR and Catalyst routers featuring embedded SD-WAN functionality, spanning compact branch units through to enterprise-grade data centre systems. These platforms integrate a range of security functions and networking capabilities within unified hardware, enabling greater protection at the network perimeter when compared to traditional WAN.
Cloud deployments leverage Catalyst 8000R and Cisco Cloud Services Router (CSR) for implementation within major cloud platforms including AWS and Azure. Such cloud-ready deployments facilitate flexible, policy-driven infrastructure that aligns with operational expenditure (OpEx) requirements.
Hybrid cloud architectures utilise Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (formerly vManage) for unified orchestration and policy consistency throughout distributed teams and cloud deployments. This enables greater security implementation whilst avoiding operational complexity, particularly when supporting geographically dispersed remote teams or transitioning applications between platforms.
Typical enterprise deployments combine Cisco edge routers at remote sites with CSR deployments in AWS and Azure environments. vManage orchestrates these components centrally, maintaining uniform security standards throughout the infrastructure, as SD-WAN technology dynamically optimises traffic paths according to current network conditions.
After implementation, operational efficiency and orchestration capabilities become critical success factors for sustained performance.
Ease of Configuration and Orchestration
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN delivers browser-based administration for operational control, featuring live performance metrics, simplified interfaces and complete network transparency. Flexible analytics enable enterprises to produce audit-ready regulatory documentation and operational insights that match corporate governance needs, with connectivity to established monitoring platforms maintaining operational continuity through familiar tools.
Similar to many alternatives on the market (such as the likes of Cato), Cisco prioritises unified control and simplified provisioning to minimise administrative burden and improve overall efficiency.
Cisco Catalyst Manager delivers policy orchestration throughout geographically distributed infrastructures administrators can establish centralised policies and implement them uniformly across diverse sites and deployment types. Security configurations, network policies and performance parameters are managed in one, with standardised templates facilitating consistent implementations across sites, minimising configuration effort. Nevertheless, administrators note that mastering the platform requires considerable investment compared to alternatives offering more accessible interfaces and initial complexity can challenge organisations lacking Cisco-certified personnel.
Zero-touch deployment features enable automated provisioning and configuration delivery without local technical presence and edge devices automatically retrieve their configurations during initial activation, acquiring relevant policies based on site requirements.
How Cisco ThousandEyes and Unified Platform Approach Eases Configuration
ThousandEyes capabilities dynamically optimise traffic flows using real-time performance metrics and corporate policies, simultaneously providing visibility insights that identify potential issues before they impact operations - significantly reducing manual administrative tasks.
Integration of External Tools with Cisco SD-WAN
RESTful API support facilitates connectivity with enterprise tools, managed services and bespoke automation frameworks. Organisations can embed Cisco capabilities within existing automation strategies and leverage established configuration platforms.
Managed Services and MSP/MSSP Enablement
Enterprise deployments aside, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides multi-tenant capabilities tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSP) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) requirements.
This includes complete tenant separation functionality spanning analytics and monitoring systems, maintaining data isolation whilst providing operational transparency. Furthermore, granular permission models allow tenant administrators autonomous control within their designated environments without compromising other client configurations.
Service provider operations centres gain oversight of client infrastructures. Multi-tenant systems deliver detailed access management, permission hierarchies and client separation. Integration capabilities span service management tools, and security service edge functions via Cisco's Umbrella security portfolio, encompassing threat protection, intelligence feeds and compliance enforcement, complemented by configurable alerting and escalation workflows adapted to individual client needs whilst utilising common infrastructure. This model suits MSPs requiring flexibility to accommodate varied service level agreements.
Managed service delivery becomes more efficient using visibility insights and workflow automation, covering security management, intelligence integration and compliance services.
Day-2 Operations: Adds, Moves and Changes
Post-deployment, managing routine modifications including site additions, relocations and configuration updates demands operational flexibility. Cisco focuses on workflow simplification and unified orchestration to reduce administrative effort for standard modifications whilst maintaining inter-site policy uniformity.
Site additions leverage template-driven deployment using established patterns and location parameters - maintaining uniformity across new deployments. Cisco incorporates verification workflows confirming proper infrastructure integration and policy adherence.
Configuration modifications utilise controlled change processes and reversal options maintaining organisational standards whilst enabling recovery from problematic updates. Pre-deployment validation confirms policy operation and prevents configuration conflicts.
Organisations adopting OpEx models benefit from elastic cloud scaling through programmatic interfaces and dynamic provisioning that suggestions adjustments to capacity on demand.
Integrated Security Features and Zero Trust Networking in Cisco Umbrella
Cisco differentiates their SD-WAN and SASE offerings through their Cisco Umbrella security integrations.
Integrated Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) functionality within SD-WAN platforms ensures uniform security enforcement throughout distributed sites, incorporating application management, threat prevention, content filtering and protection per location.
Additionally, Cisco Umbrella extends SD-WAN security through cloud security services encompassing DNS protection, Cloud Access Security Broker and Zero Trust Network Access functions, as integrated cloud and on-premises security maintains uniform protection throughout hybrid deployments.
Identity-centric security leverages external access control, authentication and security services to improve their offering. Security policies adapt to user context, device compliance and application sensitivity beyond conventional perimeter controls. Zero trust extends throughout the stack, including device validation and granular application controls that verify access permissions, implementing microsegmentation and persistent authentication.
Complementing identity controls, Cisco delivers continuous threat intelligence updates containing current attack intelligence and emerging risks - enabling rapid detection of sophisticated threats. Intelligence integration spans security policies and detection mechanisms throughout the infrastructure, incorporating sandbox analysis, behavioural monitoring and pattern recognition to detect advanced threats evading conventional signatures.
Additionally, Cisco supports numerous third-party security platforms, extending intelligence sharing and incident data to established security workflows and systems.
Industry-Specific Capabilities and Use Cases
Security functions adapt to address distinct sector requirements, positioning Cisco as a viable candidate for industries demanding specialised SD-WAN and SASE functionality that Cisco delivers.
Healthcare
Cisco delivers HIPAA-ready deployments and healthcare-focused security configurations protecting patient records whilst supporting clinical operations. Medical device integration employs network isolation and granular policies maintaining security without disrupting clinical systems. Healthcare identity platform integration aligns network permissions with clinical responsibilities. Benefits include improved compliance outcomes, enhanced application responsiveness and superior patient data security throughout healthcare networks.
Retail
Retail operations demand consistent connectivity for transaction systems and stock control alongside payment security. Cisco delivers PCI DSS-ready deployments and retail-focused traffic management. Standardised branch configurations minimise complexity throughout retail networks, as application-aware policies enhance retail platform performance for transactions and inventory systems.
Financial Services
Financial organisations demand rigorous security measures and compliance functionality. Trading environments and financial platforms utilise minimal latency configurations and resilient connectivity maintaining uninterrupted trading operations. Comprehensive audit capabilities deliver thorough documentation for compliance obligations.
Manufacturing
Cisco delivers OT network isolation and industrial security configurations. Industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms employ granular security policies and network separation preventing compromise of critical systems whilst minimising operational disruptions via consistent connectivity.
Cost Analysis: Licensing Models, ROI, and Operational Overhead
Beyond technical considerations, financial implications significantly influence purchasing decisions. Cisco's commercial structure and investment returns warrant detailed evaluation - Cisco employs hardware pricing alongside subscription licensing for security functions and maintenance.
Hardware platforms demand upfront capital investment plus recurring support agreements covering maintenance and updates.
OpEx-focused organisations benefit from Cisco's subscription model encompassing security functions like threat protection, content filtering, application management and cloud SASE functionality, offering one to five-year terms with multi-year incentives - careful subscription planning helps control ongoing expenses.
Additional subscription elements include virtual deployments and cloud instances requiring software subscriptions incorporating usage rights and security functions.
Competitive Positioning and Comparison Against Other Networking and Security Specialists' SD-WAN solutions
Critical evaluation involves comparing Cisco's solution against prominent SD-WAN and SASE competitors, particularly Fortinet, VMware and Cato Networks.
Fortinet vs Cisco
Fortinet prioritises unified security and accessible management tools. Cisco excels through comprehensive visibility via ThousandEyes, broader partner networks and enterprise-grade networking supporting sophisticated requirements with superior scale.
VMware VeloCloud vs Cisco
VMware emphasises cloud-first SD-WAN management and simplified implementation using cloud security integration. Conversely, Cisco delivers enhanced visibility spanning managed and unmanaged infrastructure, stronger on-premises security options and superior complex enterprise support.
Cato Networks vs Cisco
Cato Networks delivers pure cloud SASE featuring integrated global infrastructure and unified security. Yet Cisco enables superior hybrid deployment options, comprehensive visibility via ThousandEyes, and broader hardware selection for enterprises demanding on-premises capabilities alongside cloud functions.
Cisco's Key Advantages
Core strengths encompass industry-leading visibility via ThousandEyes deployment, consolidated platform integrating SD-WAN with traditional networking, comprehensive worldwide partner networks. ThousandEyes integration delivers transparency across enterprise and internet infrastructure, encompassing cloud monitoring. Platform unification facilitates uniform policy deployment and streamlined administration throughout varied scenarios.
Cisco's Weaknesses
Comprehensive functionality creates complexity demanding substantial expertise for effective deployment. Entry costs exceed competitors, especially for smaller implementations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cisco's Gartner Status?
Cisco maintains consistent Leader positioning within Gartner's SD-WAN Magic Quadrant, achieving this recognition for five successive years. Their SD-WAN platform supports over 173,000 enterprise customers internationally throughout diverse sectors. Future development priorities emphasise expanded visibility capabilities, deeper SASE integration, and enhanced cloud application support to improve customer outcomes.
What are the Pros & Cons of Cisco SD-WAN?
Cisco Systems SD-WAN Pros and Cons
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ Cloud Integration: Strong integration with cloud platforms. | ❌ Complexity: The solution can be complex to configure and manage. |
| 2 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ Comprehensive Cybersecurity: Provides extensive cybersecurity features. | ❌ Hardware Dependency: Dependency on specific hardware may limit flexibility. |
| 3 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ WAN Optimisation: Offers WAN optimisation for improved performance. | ❌ Premium Solution: Positioned as a premium solution with higher costs. |
| 4 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ App Path Analytics: Provides detailed insights into application paths for better network management. | |
| Pros | Cons |
What industries do Cisco deliver solutions for?
Cisco offer solutions for the following industry verticals:
- Communications
- Federal Government
- Financial Services
- Healthcare
- Higher Education
- Hospitality
- K-12 School Districts
- Manufacturing
- Media and Entertainment
- Oil and Gas
- Pharmaceutical
- Power and Utilities
- Retail
- SCADA Control Systems
- State and Local Government
- Technology
- Transportation
What regulations do Cisco comply with?
Cisco offers compliance solutions for the following regulatory requirements:
- Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS)
- Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Bill 2016
Cisco Partners
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs):
- 1Password
- A10 Networks
- Accenture
- Akamai Technologies
- Algosec
- Amazon Web Services
- AppDynamics
- Arista Networks
- AT&T
- Atlassian
- Auth0
- Automation Anywhere
- Avi Networks
- Aviatrix
- Barracuda Networks
- Blue Prism
- Box
- Broadcom
- Carbon Black
- Carbonite
- CDW
- Check Point
- Citrix
- Cloudflare
- Cohesity
- Commvault
- Confluent
- Coralogix
- CoreSite
- CrowdStrike
- CyberArk
- Datadog
- Databricks
- Dell Technologies
- Digital Realty
- Docker
- Dome9
- Dropbox
- Druva
- Dynatrace
- Elastic
- Entrust
- Equinix
- Ericsson
- ExtraHop
- F5 Networks
- FireEye
- Forescout
- Fortinet
- GitHub
- Google Cloud
- Grafana
- HashiCorp
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Hitachi Vantara
- IBM
- Illumio
- Infoblox
- Intel
- Intuit
- Invicti
- Ixia
- Jamf
- JFrog
- Juniper Networks
- Kaspersky
- Kentik
- Lacework
- LogRhythm
- McAfee
- Microsoft
- MongoDB
- Moogsoft
- NetApp
- New Relic
- Nexusguard
- Nokia
- Nutanix
- Okta
- Oracle
- Palo Alto Networks
- PagerDuty
- Ping Identity
- Pluribus Networks
- Proofpoint
- Pure Storage
- Qualys
- Radware
- Rapid7
- Red Hat
- Riverbed
- RSA
- Rubrik
- Salesforce
- SaltStack
- SAS
- Secureworks
- SentinelOne
- ServiceNow
- Signal Sciences
- Silver Peak
- SolarWinds
- Sophos
- Splunk
- Sumo Logic
- Symantec
- Tanium
- Tenable
- Thales
- ThousandEyes
- Trend Micro
- Tripwire
- Twilio
- UiPath
- Veeam
- Veracode
- Veritas
- VMware
- Webex
- Workday
- Zerto
- Zscaler
DevOps:
- Ansible
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Azure DevOps
- Chef
- CircleCI
- Docker
- GitLab
- Google Cloud
- HashiCorp
- Jenkins
- Kubernetes
- Microsoft
- Puppet
- Red Hat
- ServiceNow
- Terraform
- VMware
Fabric Connectors:
- Alibaba Cloud
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Check Point
- Citrix
- F5 Networks
- Google Cloud
- IBM Security
- Microsoft
- Oracle
- Palo Alto Networks
- ServiceNow
- VMware
- Zscaler
Fabric-Ready Partners:
- A10 Networks
- Accenture
- Akamai Technologies
- Algosec
- Amazon Web Services
- AppDynamics
- Arista Networks
- AT&T
- Atlassian
- Auth0
- Automation Anywhere
- Avi Networks
- Aviatrix
- AWS
- Barracuda Networks
- Blue Prism
- Box
- Broadcom
- Carbon Black
- Carbonite
- CDW
- Check Point
- Citrix
- Cloudflare
- Cohesity
- Commvault
- Confluent
- Coralogix
- CoreSite
- CrowdStrike
- CyberArk
- Datadog
- Databricks
- Dell Technologies
- Digital Realty
- Docker
- Dome9
- Dropbox
- Druva
- Dynatrace
- Elastic
- Entrust
- Equinix
- Ericsson
- ExtraHop
- F5 Networks
- FireEye
- Forescout
- Fortinet
- GitHub
- Google Cloud
- Grafana
- HashiCorp
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Hitachi Vantara
- IBM
- Illumio
- Infoblox
- Intel
- Intuit
- Invicti
- Ixia
- Jamf
- JFrog
- Juniper Networks
- Kaspersky
- Kentik
- Lacework
- LogRhythm
- McAfee
- Microsoft
- MongoDB
- Moogsoft
- NetApp
- New Relic
- Nexusguard
- Nokia
- Nutanix
- Okta
- Oracle
- Palo Alto Networks
- PagerDuty
- Ping Identity
- Pluribus Networks
- Proofpoint
- Pure Storage
- Qualys
- Radware
- Rapid7
- Red Hat
- Riverbed
- RSA
- Rubrik
- Salesforce
- SaltStack
- SAS
- Secureworks
- SentinelOne
- ServiceNow
- Signal Sciences
- Silver Peak
- SolarWinds
- Sophos
- Splunk
- Sumo Logic
- Symantec
- Tanium
- Tenable
- Thales
- ThousandEyes
- Trend Micro
- Tripwire
- Twilio
- UiPath
- Veeam
- Veracode
- Veritas
- VMware
- Webex
- Workday
- Zerto