Best of Both Technologies: ZTNA and SD-WAN

Short answer: SD-WAN routes traffic over the best available link, while ZTNA checks every user, device and session before granting access to an application. Used together, they give branches and remote users fast connectivity without trusting anyone by default. Nexapp offers both from one vendor, with SD-WAN and SSE/ZTNA on one platform.

When we talk about technology, security is one of the crucial elements that cannot be ignored. The digital landscape today is constantly at a move and organizations today are facing increasing challenges to secure their networks and optimize their connectivity.

But to overcome these challenges, two technologies, Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), have emerged as powerful solutions. Together the strengths of SD-WAN and ZTNA provide a holistic approach that enhances network security, improves performance and enables reliable connectivity across modern enterprises. Today we explore these two technologies and how they work together to bring to you a myriad of benefits.

How does SD-WAN handle security?

Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) has made network management simpler and enhanced performance. By leveraging software-defined policies, organizations gain centralized control, application-aware routing, and the ability to prioritize critical applications over less important traffic. SD-WAN optimizes connectivity by utilizing various links, including MPLS, broadband, 4G/5G, and even satellite, thereby improving network resiliency, reducing costs, and enhancing user experiences.

SD-WAN solutions provide numerous benefits, such as cost savings, improved network performance, and enhanced security. However, with the increase in the complexity and scale of modern networks, traditional security solutions are no longer sufficient to protect against the ever-evolving threat landscape.

What is ZTNA?

To understand ZTNA, we first need to know what zero trust strategy means. It is based on the idea that any user or device may have been compromised, due to which access to specific resources is restricted and only granted via multi-factor authentication. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a powerful alternative to traditional VPNs as it embraces this zero trust model.

ZTNA is a security framework that redefines traditional network perimeters. Unlike the traditional perimeter-based security approach, which assumes trust within the network, ZTNA operates on a “never trust, always verify” principle. It ensures that every user, device, and application is authenticated and authorized before granting access to network resources. By implementing ZTNA, organizations can enforce granular access controls, minimize the attack surface, and reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. It also limits resources on a per-user and per-session basis, in contrast to the general network permissions granted via traditional VPNs.

How do SD-WAN and ZTNA work together?

When ZTNA and SD-WAN are combined, they create a powerful synergy that addresses both security and network performance challenges. ZTNA ensures that only authenticated and authorized users gain access to the network, regardless of their location or device. It verifies user identity, device health, and context before granting access. By incorporating SD-WAN, organizations can dynamically route ZTNA traffic across the most optimal network paths, based on performance metrics and application requirements. This combination provides a comprehensive security framework with an intelligent network fabric.

However, not every SD-WAN offering provides this level of security; some offer only basic security or leave it to the customer. Nexapp Technologies on the other hand is a one-stop solution for all your needs. We not only provide SD-WAN solution, but we make sure that the solution is protected and your security is never compromised with its in-house ZTNA. Making your entire experience smooth and hassle free.  

What are the benefits of combining SD-WAN and ZTNA?

The collaboration between ZTNA and SD-WAN offers several benefits to organizations:

a) Enhanced Security: ZTNA’s zero-trust approach complements SD-WAN’s network security features, ensuring that only authorized traffic reaches the network. It mitigates the risk of unauthorized access, lateral movement, and data breaches.

b) Improved Performance: SD-WAN’s intelligent traffic routing optimizes application performance, reducing latency and packet loss. This ensures that ZTNA traffic flows smoothly across the network, enhancing user experiences.

c) Flexibility and Scalability: ZTNA and SD-WAN provide organizations with the flexibility to scale their network infrastructure and security posture as needed. They support cloud deployments, remote access, and the integration of multiple locations and branch offices.

d) Cost-Effectiveness: SD-WAN’s ability to leverage various network connections, including cost-effective broadband and wireless links, enables organizations to reduce their reliance on expensive MPLS connections without compromising security or performance.

Related: ZTNA vs VPN for Indian enterprises, Nexapp SSE with ZTNA and Nexapp SD-WAN Enterprise.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ZTNA and SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a networking technology that steers traffic across MPLS, broadband and 4G/5G links based on application needs. ZTNA is a security model that authenticates each user and device and grants access per application and per session.

Is ZTNA a replacement for VPN?

ZTNA is a common alternative to traditional VPNs. A VPN usually gives broad network access once connected, while ZTNA grants access only to specific resources after verifying identity and device posture.

Why combine ZTNA with SD-WAN?

SD-WAN improves performance and resilience across links, and ZTNA makes sure only verified users reach applications. Together they cover both network performance and access security for branches and remote staff.

Does Nexapp offer SD-WAN and ZTNA from one vendor?

Yes. Nexapp provides SD-WAN through the Nexapp Controller and ZTNA through Nexapp SSE, which checks identity and device posture and includes SWG, CASB, DLP and FWaaS under one policy engine.

Today, organizations are in need of a suite with advanced security and networking functions that can be extended to every user and device without any threat. Nexapp Technologies understands this need and hence provides all the benefits of SD-WAN as well as the security of ZTNA. See Nexapp SSE and ZTNA to find out more.