The Importance of Strategically Located SASE Points of Presence (PoPs)

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is becoming increasingly important in today’s distributed workforce and multi-cloud environment. Central to the effectiveness of a SASE solution are its Points of Presence (PoPs), which serve as data centers equipped with specific components to inspect traffic and enforce security policies. While it may seem straightforward to set up a PoP, the devil is in the details. The architecture, location, and management of PoPs can significantly impact the performance, security, and cost-efficiency of your network.

The Complexity of Customer-Managed PoPs

Initially, it might seem reasonable to rely on a customer install base to manage PoPs at each location. However, this can introduce various complexities, including:

• Management Overhead: Maintaining numerous PoPs requires ongoing management of multiple products, each potentially from different vendors.
• Software and Patch Updates: Keeping all PoPs up to date is essential for security but adds another layer of administrative overhead.
• Configuration Complexity: Ensuring that all PoPs are configured correctly to enable robust security requires specialized knowledge and continuous oversight.

The Public Cloud Conundrum

Using public cloud infrastructure like Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting PoPs may seem like a good idea, but this option has its pitfalls:

• Cost: While public cloud services are generally reliable, they can be costly, particularly as your network scales.
• Complexity: Hosting in the public cloud can complicate network architecture, making it harder to manage and optimize.
• Limited Utility: PoPs in public cloud infrastructures often function merely as on-ramps to the service provider's fiber backbone, offering limited value in balancing connectivity, security, and cost.

The Private-Cloud Advantage

A more strategic approach to setting up SASE PoPs involves using private-cloud infrastructures connected via Tier 1 ISPs. This approach offers several advantages:

• Optimal Performance: By using Tier 1 ISPs, you're ensuring low-latency and high-reliability connectivity.
• Enhanced Security: A private backbone network offers a more controlled environment, making it easier to enforce security policies.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial setup might be more expensive, the operational efficiencies gained often make this the more cost-effective option in the long run.



In a SASE architecture, the PoPs are more than just data centers; they are a crucial element in your organization’s network strategy. While customer-managed and public cloud-based PoPs may seem convenient, they often introduce complexity and costs that can be avoided with a private-cloud approach connected via Tier 1 ISPs. This will not only make your SASE solution more manageable but also more secure and cost-effective, aligning well with your organization's operational goals.

By taking a thoughtful approach to the design and location of your SASE PoPs, you can build a robust, efficient, and secure network infrastructure that supports the evolving needs of your organization.