January 02, 2025 4m read

Breaking Through Barriers: Cato’s Solution for Seamless China Connectivity 

Philip Walley
Philip Walley
China_Connectivity_Barriers_Blog

Table of Contents

Wondering where to begin your SASE journey?

We've got you covered!
Listen to post:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Enterprises expanding their operations often face the challenge of also ensuring seamless and secure connectivity in China, a critical market with unique regulatory and network challenges. Businesses entering this vast market often face three primary obstacles: 

  • Slow and inconsistent access to essential cloud tools like Microsoft 365 and Salesforce. 
  • The high costs and inflexibility of MPLS connections. 
  • The intricate demands of China’s Cybersecurity Law. 

These challenges can hinder productivity, stall digital transformation, and overwhelm IT teams. The question is clear: how can enterprises achieve secure, seamless, and compliant connectivity in this complex digital environment? 

Overcoming the China Connectivity Challenge 

China’s digital ecosystem is shaped by a mix of infrastructural and regulatory hurdles. The Great Firewall, designed to monitor and control cross-border data, slows down applications and disrupts performance. Public Internet options, though available, are unreliable, creating inconsistent user experiences. Meanwhile, MPLS—historically the go-to for enterprise connectivity—brings hefty costs and minimal flexibility to evolving business needs. Adding to these issues is the Cybersecurity Law, which requires meticulous oversight of sensitive data, making compliance a significant burden. 

Transforming Connectivity with Cato SASE Cloud 

Cato Networks offers a game-changing solution with its Cato SASE Cloud platform. By integrating networking and security into one cohesive, cloud-native system, Cato enables businesses to operate with ease and efficiency in China. 

A Backbone You Can Rely On 

At the heart of Cato’s solution is its global private backbone—a resilient network of 85+ strategically placed Points of Presence (PoPs), including key locations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This SLA-backed backbone eliminates the unpredictability of public Internet connections, delivering consistent, low-latency access to cloud applications, data centers, and on-premises systems. 

Cato’s advanced intelligent routing technology optimizes traffic flows across borders, bypassing the inefficiencies of legacy methods. For users in China, this means uninterrupted access to critical SaaS tools, boosting productivity and reducing frustrations caused by lagging systems. 

Simplified, Strengthened Security 

Cato integrates robust security features directly into its platform, eliminating the need for fragmented tools. Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) work together to protect critical resources and simplify management. 

ZTNA ensures only authenticated users and devices gain access to sensitive systems, adhering to the principle of least privilege. Combined with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities, businesses can safeguard sensitive data while meeting the rigorous standards of China’s Cybersecurity Law. 

A Smarter Alternative to MPLS 

While MPLS has long been a standard for enterprise connectivity, its high costs and rigidity make it less ideal for today’s dynamic needs. Cato’s SD-WAN provides a modern alternative with features like active-active failover, application-aware routing, and dynamic path optimization. Businesses benefit from MPLS-level reliability with the added flexibility to scale and support hybrid workforces. 

The Real-World Impact of Cato SASE Cloud 

Cato’s platform isn’t just about solving connectivity challenges—it’s about transforming how enterprises operate. 

Speeding Up Cloud Access 

For enterprises relying on platforms like AWS, Azure, or Microsoft 365, slow connections are not an option. Cato’s Smart Egress ensures traffic flows efficiently through the nearest PoP, reducing latency and delivering consistent performance. Employees can work seamlessly, even on demanding applications. 

Supporting Hybrid Workforces 

As hybrid work becomes the new standard, reliable and secure remote access is essential. Cato’s mobile client provides high-performance, secure connectivity for remote employees throughout China. For those unable to deploy the client, clientless ZTNA offers simple, browser-based access without compromising security. 

Simplifying Compliance 

Navigating China’s regulatory landscape is no easy task, but Cato simplifies it. Integrated DLP capabilities and automated compliance processes reduce the burden on IT teams, enabling them to focus on strategic projects rather than reactive tasks. 

A Future-Ready Solution 

Cato SASE Cloud redefines enterprise connectivity in China. By addressing challenges like latency, security, and compliance in a single, scalable platform, Cato empowers businesses to seize opportunities in one of the world’s most complex markets. Employees enjoy uninterrupted access to essential tools, IT teams gain centralized visibility and control, and enterprises thrive without compromising agility or performance. 

Why Choose Cato? 

Cato’s unified approach eliminates the inefficiencies of fragmented solutions. Its global private backbone, optimized for performance in China, ensures reliability wherever businesses operate. With a future-ready architecture designed to adapt to evolving needs, Cato is the ideal partner for enterprises driving digital transformation. 

Take the First Step Toward Seamless Connectivity 

In today’s interconnected world, connectivity is the foundation of success. For enterprises navigating the unique challenges of operating in China, Cato Networks provides a proven path forward. By addressing latency, enhancing security, and simplifying compliance, Cato delivers a connectivity experience that’s seamless, secure, and built for the future. 

Contact Cato Networks today for a demo and discover how your enterprise can unlock its full potential. 

Related Topics

Wondering where to begin your SASE journey?

We've got you covered!
Philip Walley

Philip Walley

Senior Product Marketing Manager

Philip Walley is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Cato Networks, where he focuses on showcasing the transformative potential of Cato’s single-vendor SASE platform. With over 20 years of experience in IT and technology marketing, he has developed a strong understanding of how converged networking and security solutions can empower organizations to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. At Cato, Philip’s work is centered around helping enterprises simplify their IT infrastructures and achieve secure, high-performance connectivity. Drawing on his deep expertise in SASE, SSE, and SD-WAN, he strives to craft clear, impactful narratives that resonate with IT leaders looking for innovative solutions to modern challenges. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Philip holds a Master’s in Information Security and Assurance from Western Governors University. His passion lies in connecting technology to meaningful business outcomes, enabling teams to work smarter and more securely.

Read More