Cloud adoption reshaped how companies manage users, apps, and security. Choosing between SSE vs. SASE often starts with rethinking legacy tools, including what qualifies as the best enterprise firewalls today.

We’ll be looking at:

• How SSE and SASE stack up
• Breaking down SSE: What it is and how it works
• The core tools that power SSE
• Why legacy security models fall short
• What SASE brings to the table
• How SASE moves traffic and applies policy
• Inside the SASE toolkit
• Visualizing how SASE connects everything
• Why teams choose SSE for cloud-first security
• What makes SASE a good fit for hybrid networks
• Picking the right model—or mixing both
• Quick answers to common SSE vs. SASE questions
• How Meter helps you build the right foundation

SSE vs. SASE: Key differences

Understanding the difference between SSE and SASE starts with how each one is built.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare across features, deployment, and ideal use cases:

What is SSE (security service edge)?

Security service edge (SSE) is a cloud-delivered security stack that protects access to web, SaaS, and internal apps. Instead of forcing traffic through one central office, SSE pushes protection to the edge—closer to your users, no matter where they work.

Traffic hits the SSE cloud first. It’s inspected, filtered, and checked against security policies before it ever touches your internal systems.

That means better visibility, tighter control, and way less stress on your old perimeter tools.

SSE doesn’t care where your apps or users are. It works off identity and context—who’s logging in, what device they’re using, and where they’re coming from. It's all about smart decisions at the edge.

Most SSE service providers run global Points of Presence (PoPs). That keeps traffic fast and inspection local. It also means encrypted traffic—like HTTPS—can be scanned without choking your firewall.

Plus, because it’s API-friendly, SSE connects directly to services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. You get deep visibility into user behavior, not just surface-level traffic logs.

SSE isn’t an upgrade to your old network. It’s a rethink of how security should work in a world where the office is optional, and apps live everywhere.

How does SSE work?

SSE routes user traffic through cloud-based inspection points before it hits your apps or data. It checks the user’s identity, device, and location. Then it applies security rules—like blocking malware or restricting access to sensitive files.

Traffic is decrypted, scanned, and logged—all in real time—without backhauling it to a data center.

The result is faster access, tighter control, and better protection across your entire network.

Key components of SSE

Each part of the SSE platform plays a different role in securing user access and protecting data.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

An SWG blocks dangerous sites, filters content by category, and inspects traffic for malware—even if it’s encrypted. It also enforces acceptable use policies and prevents risky downloads before they land on devices.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

The CASB watches over your SaaS data usage—both the apps you allow and the ones users sneak in. It flags risky behavior, blocks unsanctioned tools, and applies controls like watermarking, DLP, and session policies inside apps.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

A ZTNA checks who’s asking to connect, what device they’re using, and where they’re coming from. Instead of letting users into the whole network, ZTNA gives access to one app at a time. No more wide-open VPN tunnels.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

The DLP scans traffic, files, and messages for sensitive info like credit card numbers or health records. It blocks leaks in real time—whether someone’s emailing a spreadsheet or copying files to Dropbox.

SSE vs. traditional security

Old-school security models rely on hardware firewalls and VPNs sitting in one place—usually your main office. That setup made sense when everyone worked on-site. But it breaks down fast once teams go remote and apps move to the cloud.

Backhauling traffic through HQ adds lag and eats up bandwidth. Even worse, it hides a lot of SaaS traffic from inspection.

SSE networks skip that mess. Security happens in the cloud, closer to users, and scales as needed.

We’ve seen companies drop MPLS circuits and retire VPNs in favor of SSE and zero trust access. Instead of full network tunnels, users get access to one app at a time—based on who they are and what they’re allowed to do.

It’s a smarter way to protect cloud activity and support remote teams without dragging down performance.

Check out our guide to network security threats to see why the shift matters.

What is SASE (secure access service edge)?

SASE combines SSE security tools with SD-WAN networking to handle both protection and performance in one cloud service. Where SSE locks down access, SASE also finds the best path to cloud apps, branch offices, and users—based on speed, reliability, and context.

It enforces security and routes traffic in the same pass, which cuts down on lag and overhead.

Because it’s cloud-delivered, you manage everything—users, apps, traffic, policies—from a single dashboard.

SASE works well for companies with remote teams, cloud-first apps, and multiple sites that need to stay connected and secure at the same time.

How does SASE work?

SASE sends user traffic through cloud-based gateways using SD-WAN tunnels. There, traffic is scanned for threats, verified against policy, and routed to its destination—all in one pass.

It checks who the user is, what they’re trying to reach, and picks the fastest path. This setup cuts out traffic backhaul and gives IT teams full visibility without stacking tools.

Key components of SASE

SASE brings together cloud-based networking and security tools into one stack. Each part does a specific job.

SD-WAN

It picks the best path for traffic based on real-time conditions. That keeps cloud apps fast, even if one link slows down. SD-WAN also routes traffic locally when it makes sense—so not everything has to go through HQ.

SSE components

SASE uses all the same tools found in SSE architecture:

• SWG
• CASB
• ZTNA
• DLP

These tools inspect traffic, enforce policy, and control access based on user identity and behavior.

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)

FWaaS handles threat detection and filtering in the cloud. Unlike legacy firewalls, it doesn’t rely on fixed IPs or ports. It works off user context—what app they’re using, where they are, and what they should access.

Cloud-native networking tools

These tools connect offices, users, and cloud services without old-school routers or MPLS. They support bandwidth control, WAN optimization, and direct paths to SaaS apps—all from the cloud.

A look at the SASE diagram

In a standard SASE diagram, users connect through SD-WAN tunnels. That traffic hits a cloud-based gateway where security checks and routing decisions happen at the same time.

The platform looks at who the user is, what device they’re using, and which app they’re trying to reach. Then it enforces access rules and picks the fastest path.

From there, traffic moves to its final destination—whether it’s a SaaS app, a private resource, or another branch.

This “single-pass inspection” cuts lag and keeps remote teams productive. It also means less hardware, fewer traffic hops, and more visibility for IT teams through one dashboard.

Global Points of Presence (PoPs) keep inspection close to the user, even if they’re working across the country—or the world.

Benefits of SSE

SSE gives security teams more control without slowing users down. It’s built for a world where apps live in the cloud and people work from anywhere.

Stronger protection for cloud access

SSE security guards data in SaaS apps and web traffic—even when users are off the corporate network. Threats get blocked before they reach your devices.

Zero trust without complexity

ZTNA grants access to one app at a time, based on user identity and device trust. No need for wide-open VPNs or over-provisioned access.

Easier compliance

SSE helps meet data rules like HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR. It scans content, logs actions, and blocks sensitive data from leaking.

Better visibility across shadow IT

CASB tools surface unsanctioned apps so admins can block them or apply policy—without breaking productivity.

Consistent policies, wherever users work

From office to coffee shop, users get the same protections. No local hardware required.

Benefits of SASE

SASE brings network and security tools into one platform, which makes life easier for IT and better for users.

Unified model

SASE handles traffic routing and threat protection in one place. That cuts down on tools to manage and vendors to chase.

Performance gains

SD-WAN keeps traffic fast and stable by choosing the best path for every connection. Remote teams stay productive—even on shaky networks.

Lower costs

You don’t need to buy separate boxes for firewalls, VPNs, and WAN gear. One cloud service replaces it all.

Better experience for users

Apps load faster, latency drops, and remote workers don’t need to route traffic through HQ anymore.

Scales with you

Whether you’re opening a new site or hiring 100 remote employees, SASE can grow without rewiring your network.

SSE vs. SASE—Which one is right for your enterprise?

SSE makes sense if you already have SD-WAN in place and need stronger SSE cyber security tools. It’s a practical way to protect SaaS access, web traffic, and remote users without rebuilding your entire network stack.

SASE is a better fit if you're starting fresh or looking to unify both networking and security under one cloud-based model. It’s especially useful for remote-first teams, growing branch offices, or businesses moving deeper into the cloud.

Some companies take a hybrid path. If you’re still using managed colocation or a legacy WAN setup, you might not be ready to switch everything at once. We’ve seen teams start with SSE to boost security, then add SD-WAN later. Others run with separate vendors for each and link them as needed.

Many companies move toward SASE platforms in stages—starting where it solves the biggest pain first.

Frequently asked questions

Does SSE replace SASE?

SSE does not replace SASE. It is one part of the larger SASE framework, which also includes SD-WAN.

Can SSE work without SD-WAN?

Yes, it can. SSE adds cloud-based security no matter what networking setup you’re already using.

Is SSE better for remote work security?

SSE works well for remote access. It secures users and apps without relying on legacy VPNs.

What role does SSE play in cybersecurity?

SSE blocks threats, enforces policies, and inspects traffic. It protects cloud apps and web access.

What industries benefit most from SASE?

SASE is used in tech, finance, and retail. These sectors often rely on SaaS tools and remote teams.

Secure and simplify your network with Meter’s modern solutions

If you're weighing SSE vs. SASE, your network foundation matters. Meter’s vertically integrated network is built for scale, SaaS-heavy workflows, and modern security requirements.

Our access points, switches, and appliances are designed to work together and managed through one platform. We handle installation, hardware, and support—without locking you into separate contracts for cabling, firewalls, or Wi-Fi vendors.

Explore our FAQ on internet service providers to learn more.

When it’s time to grow, we’ll migrate or expand your network without extra cost.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, and security appliances work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed Experience: Meter provides user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide a floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.