By Ven Taylor, Wireless Solutions Architect

Wireless technology is a crucial aspect of modern network infrastructure for all organizations and is even more important for federal agencies who are securing mission critical data. Implementing SASE (secure access service edge) and expanding the use of wireless technologies beyond just connectivity can provide numerous benefits for agencies including improving network efficiency, security, and management capabilities. Federal agencies are often incorporating SASE into their overall security architectures, especially as they move to zero trust.

According to new research revealed by Gartner analysts, SASE and wireless lead a list of six core trends that will impact enterprise infrastructure and operations activity in 2023. SASE has been ongoing, but its adoption within the federal sector is expected to grow substantially in the next year.

Gartner forecasts that worldwide SASE spending will hit $9.2 billion in 2023, a 39% increase from 2022. SASE allows users to connect to applications securely, improving management efficiency. Single-vendor SASE is the recommended approach, which means the provider owns and delivers all the essential SASE components, and this approach addresses the shortcomings of legacy methods of securing access to enterprise resources.

Within federal agencies, both infrastructure and operation teams should plan to use multiple wireless technologies and expand their use beyond just connectivity. Wi-Fi, 5G, Bluetooth, and high-frequency options create innovation opportunities. “Wireless value innovation creates a scalable return on wireless investment and makes networks a strategic innovation platform,” said Jeffrey Hewitt, research vice president at Gartner in this article. However, there is significant complexity at play, and several new skills are required to achieve this innovation, such as wireless integration capabilities and wireless tracking implementation experience.

In conclusion, upgrades to wireless technology can provide numerous benefits to organizations. Federal customers with existing wireless networks should consider implementing SASE and expanding the use of wireless technologies beyond just connectivity to remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. As an example, recently the Defense Information Systems Agency released an RFI stating they are planning to procure tools to assist in deploying a zero trust SASE capability on DoD networks.