A solid SASE IT design is the difference between a collection of point products and a unified, future proof security architecture. With users working from anywhere, applications moving to the cloud and
OT environments increasingly connected to IT, a well thought out SASE design is critical. Elite Networks helps organizations translate SASE into a concrete, working IT design that fits your environment, risks and business goals.
What is SASE IT design?
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is an architecture where networking and security are delivered together as a cloud-based service. A SASE IT design describes how you deploy all those building blocks in a consistent way for your organization. For example:
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How users, sites and OT environments are connected securely |
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How traffic is inspected, filtered and logged |
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How you organize zero trust, segmentation and identity centrally |
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How you integrate your existing infrastructure such as VPN, firewalls, MPLS, WiFi and switches into the new architecture |
A good SASE IT design is not a product list. It is a blueprint for a secure and scalable networking and security environment.
Why SASE IT design matters
Many organizations start with SASE from a specific problem. A legacy VPN, an expensive MPLS network or security that can no longer keep up with hybrid work. Without a proper design, such environments tend to grow organically and become hard to manage, fragile and opaque.
A well-structured SASE IT design helps you to:
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Avoid vendor lock in and product sprawl |
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Apply security policy consistently across all users and locations |
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Segment and secure OT and IT in a structured way |
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Bring Cloud, data center and branches into one model |
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Better support NIS2 and other security and compliance requirements |
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Move from traditional networks to SASE in a controlled way |
You define the architecture first, then you implement. Not the other way around.
Key building blocks in a SASE IT design
A SASE architecture combines several technologies into a single, coherent model. A SASE IT design typically includes the following elements.
SD-WAN and connectivity
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How you connect sites, data centers, cloud and external parties |
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Which circuits you use such as fiber, internet, 4G or 5G and how you ensure redundancy |
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How you route traffic intelligently for performance and availability |
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Next generation firewall capabilities from the cloud |
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Secure web gateway for safe internet access |
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Intrusion prevention, anti-malware, DNS security and more |
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Central policies instead of ad hoc rules per site |
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Access based on identity, device and context |
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Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) instead of traditional VPN |
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Granular access per application, user and role |
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Separation of corporate IT, OT, guest network and third parties |
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Microsegmentation to limit the impact of incidents |
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Clear zones for critical systems and production environments |
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Central visibility into traffic, threats and performance |
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Integration with SIEM or SOC where needed |
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Clear operational processes and responsibilities |
Elite Networks translates these building blocks into a concrete design that fits your existing infrastructure and chosen SASE platform such as
Fortinet or
Cato Networks.
Which organizations benefit from SASE IT design?
SASE IT design is particularly relevant for organizations that:
| Operate multiple locations, national or international |
| Rely heavily on cloud applications and SaaS |
| Need to connect OT and IT, for example in manufacturing or logistics |
| Face NIS2 or other regulatory and security requirements |
| Support hybrid and remote work as a standard |
| Want to modernize traditional MPLS or VPN environments |
We work with manufacturing companies, logistics providers, educational institutions, healthcare organizations and other businesses where network availability and security are truly business critical.
How Elite Networks approaches SASE IT design
We never design SASE in a vacuum. We always start from your environment, risks and objectives. A typical SASE IT design engagement with us includes the following steps.
1. Environment and requirements assessment
| Analysis of the current network and security architecture |
| Inventory of locations, users and IT and OT segments |
| Mapping of applications, cloud usage and data flows |
| Identification of risks, compliance requirements and business continuity needs |
| Determining which SASE model fits your organization |
| Selecting the right platform such as Fortinet or Cato Networks |
| Aligning with existing infrastructure, investments and roadmap |
| Logical architecture of networking and security |
| Segmentation model for IT, OT and third parties |
| Overall structure of policies, identity and access |
| Integration with existing systems and operational processes |
| Concrete design of components, connections and configurations |
| Migration scenarios for locations, users and applications |
| Phased plan to reduce risk and avoid downtime |
| Testing the SASE design in a controlled environment |
| Validating performance, security and manageability |
| Adjusting where needed based on real world experience |
| Phased rollout of the SASE architecture |
| Handover to your IT team or a co managed model |
| Managed services for monitoring, incidents and optimization |
The result is not just a slide deck. It is a working SASE environment that demonstrably improves security, availability and operational simplicity.
SASE IT design with Fortinet and Cato Networks
Elite Networks specializes in two leading SASE and
SD WAN platforms.
Fortinet
With Fortinet we design SASE architectures that combine FortiGate, FortiSASE, FortiAP and FortiSwitch within the Fortinet Security Fabric. This allows you to:
| Bring LAN, WLAN, SD WAN and security into one integrated model |
| Manage policies centrally and roll them out consistently |
| Segment IT and OT using a single security architecture |
With Cato Networks we design cloud native SASE architectures on top of the global Cato backbone. This is especially attractive for organizations that:
| Need to connect international sites and remote workers |
| Want a fully cloud delivered networking and security platform |
| Prefer a single, centrally managed model for SD WAN and security |
In both cases, the SASE IT design is the foundation. Technology follows the architecture, not the other way around.
Frequently asked questions about SASE IT design
What is the difference between SASE IT design and traditional network design?
Traditional network design focuses mainly on connectivity such as MPLS, VPN and LAN. Security is often added later with separate firewalls, proxies and appliances. In a SASE IT design, networking and security are integrated from the start. Access, segmentation, identity and cloud security are part of the core architecture, not an afterthought. This makes the design more scalable, secure and better suited for hybrid work and cloud adoption.
When is the right time to start with SASE IT design?
Typical triggers for starting a SASE IT design include:
| MPLS contracts that are expiring or major firewall refreshes |
| Large scale cloud migrations or data center moves |
| Mergers and acquisitions with complex network landscapes |
| NIS2 initiatives or other security and compliance audits |
In practice, the earlier you have a clear design, the easier it is to migrate in a controlled and phased way. You do not need to move everything at once to benefit from a solid SASE design.
Can SASE IT design be used for OT environments as well?
Yes. In fact, a structured SASE IT design is particularly valuable in OT environments such as manufacturing plants, logistics hubs or utilities. Here we combine SASE principles with OT segmentation, strict access control and specific requirements around availability and safety. The design takes into account legacy protocols, vendor constraints and the need to minimize the impact of incidents.
How long does a SASE IT design project typically take?
That depends on the size and complexity of your environment. For a mid-sized organization with multiple locations and a mix of IT and OT, we often see projects ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on:
| Availability of documentation and stakeholders |
| Number of locations and segments |
| Number of integrations with existing systems |
We usually start with a clearly scoped assessment and high level design. From there we define the desired level of detail and migration pace together.
Do we need to fully move to SASE right after the design?
No. In most cases a big bang is neither realistic nor desirable. A SASE IT design helps you migrate step by step. You can start with a set of locations, a particular user group or a specific OT segment. Based on the first results you refine and then scale up. This limits risk and keeps cost and impact under control.
What does a SASE IT design project cost?
The investment depends on the size of your environment, the level of detail you need and whether we also handle implementation and managed services. In many cases we work with a fixed price for the assessment and high level design, optionally extended with custom work for detailed design and migration support. In an initial conversation we can usually provide a quick indication based on your situation.
Ready to move from point solutions/products to a SASE IT design?
If you are planning to modernize your network and security, a solid SASE IT design is the best place to start. It gives you a clear architecture, avoids product sprawl and makes sure your investments actually support your business.
Elite Networks helps you with:
| A clear, well founded SASE IT design tailored to your organization |
| Concrete advice on Fortinet, Cato Networks and related technologies |
| A migration strategy that reduces risk and supports the business |
Want to discuss your SASE IT design or have an existing plan reviewed. Contact us for a no obligation session with one of our SASE specialists. Together we map your current environment, target architecture and practical next steps.
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