Cato SASE Cloud Platform vs Cisco Secure IPS (NGIPS) comparison

Cato Networks is a leading SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) platform, combining SD-WAN and network security to obtain a cloud-native service. Cato Networks optimizes and secures application access for users and identities. The platform delivers a next-generation secure networking architecture that minimizes legacy IT infrastructures’ complexity, costs, and risks. The goal of Cato Suite is to connect any user to any application securely and optimally.

Cato Suite runs on a private global network of more than 65 PoPs (points of presence) connected via SLA-backed network providers. The service can connect branches, data centers, users, and clouds. Cato can be deployed in stages to augment legacy network services.

Cato Suite delivers end-to-end route optimization for WAN and cloud traffic. The architecture is self-healing, enabling a high service uptime.

Cato Features

Cato Cloud has a global backbone to deliver a reliable, global network. Here are some key SD-WAN features of Cato Cloud.

• Optimizes traffic flows: The Cato Suite can individually optimize traffic flows in the last mile - from the customer’s location to the point of presence, and also between PoPs. This feature eliminates the need for internet providers to hand off traffic to each other, avoiding the resulting latency and congestion.
  
• Controls and manages bandwidth: The software-defined overlay is encrypted across the entire cloud infrastructure. This overlay uses application-aware routing, analyzing latency and loss data to choose the best route according to network conditions. These features, like protocol priority marking, enable the system to ensure the performance of real-time applications.
  
• Delivers redundancy and failover: By connecting the points of presence with multiple Tier-1 IPs, Cato builds the redundancy needed to ensure security and highly available service.
  
• Cloud-native: Cato is built as a scalable, resilient, and elastic cloud service.
• Converged: The platform converges SD-WAN and network security into a single infrastructure framework.
  
• Secures all edges: Cato Network can secure and optimize traffic from all users, locations, applications, and clouds.

What challenges does Cato Network solve?

• Migration to SD-WAN

MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) networks are usually expensive and limited in their capacity. Cato simplifies migrating to a faster, higher-capacity internet and SASE cloud. Cato SD-WAN appliances enable customers to improve usable capacity and resiliency.

• Global connectivity optimization

Customers who suffer from the challenge of high latency and network inconsistency can use Cato to deliver a consistent connection and user experience to access on-premises and cloud applications.

• Securing branch internet access

Cato’s complete network security stack connects all branch locations to the Cato cloud, therefore protecting all traffic, both internet-bound and WAN, with enterprise-grade, cloud-based security services. This capability avoids having to backhaul internet traffic to a data center or hub or having to implement stand-alone cloud security solutions.

• Cloud acceleration and control

Organizations using Cato notice an acceleration of cloud traffic. Cato achieves this by routing all traffic from the edges to the PoP closest to the data center. Because of the close distance between the two, the latency is near zero.

Reviews from Real Users

An IT manager/project coordinator at a healthcare company says that “[Cato is] a cloud-based solution that integrates well with everything. They are the classic SaaS solution.”

Yeong-Gi L., a network engineer at Snetsystems, notes that “The solution is very stable. The scalability is quite good. Technical support was always helpful and responsive. The integration capabilities are not a problem at all.”

"The most valuable feature is that it also works as a next-gen firewall because it has security features," says Lorenzo S., senior solutions consultant Lead at MDI.

Cisco Secure IPS (NGIPS) provides intrusion prevention, malware detection, and DDoS protection with modularity, third-party integration, and cloud capabilities, focusing on flexibility, automation, and real-time threat detection, while offering centralized management and ease of upgrading.

Cisco Secure IPS (NGIPS) is designed to support network security through an open platform, delivering features such as anomaly detection and security intelligence. Users benefit from robust technical support, making it a reliable choice for enterprises seeking to protect their network infrastructures. However, improvements are needed in user-friendliness, interface complexity, and integration with third-party tools. There is a demand for better reporting, sandboxing capabilities, and enhanced AI-driven threat detection and response times, especially for zero-day attacks. Pricing remains a concern due to high costs and licensing complexity.

• Intrusion Prevention: Detect and block malicious activities across networks to maintain security.
• Malware Detection: Identify and mitigate malicious software in real time.
• DDoS Protection: Safeguard against distributed denial-of-service attacks that can disrupt operations.
• Integration: Seamlessly connect with third-party tools for enhanced functionality.
• Cloud Capabilities: Use cloud-based resources for scalable and flexible security solutions.
• Real-Time Threat Detection: Identify potential threats instantly to prevent exploitation.

• Cost Efficiency: Centralized management and hardware-free upgrading help reduce expenses.
• Flexibility: Modular design and open platform ensure adaptability to changing needs.
• Support: Access to expert technical assistance ensures smooth operations.
• Scalability: Cloud deployment options offer enhanced scalability for growing demands.

Businesses deploy Cisco Secure IPS (NGIPS) in both on-premises and cloud environments, addressing needs like compliance audits and integration with platforms such as Cisco Talos and Umbrella. Its implementation strengthens perimeter security, enhances cybersecurity in enterprise and banking sectors, and ensures effective threat management for network defense.