SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network) is gaining popularity as a potential replacement for MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) in the field of enterprise networking. MPLS has long been the preferred option for interconnecting wide-area networks and ensuring reliable transmission of data between different locations of a business. But with the rise of cloud-based applications and the need for greater flexibility, SD-WAN is becoming an increasingly viable alternative. Let’s explore the pros and cons of replacing MPLS with SD-WAN.
Pros of SD-WAN
1. Cost-effective: SD-WAN is typically cheaper than MPLS for most enterprises. MPLS connections require dedicated hardware, while SD-WAN only needs software to manage network connections. This makes it more affordable to set up and maintain SD-WAN infrastructure.
2. Agility: SD-WAN allows for more flexible and agile network management, which is critical in today’s fast-paced business environment. With SD-WAN, businesses can quickly adapt to changes in network requirements, such as adding new locations or bandwidth requirements without expensive upgrades.
3. Simplified Management: SD-WAN’s centralized management dashboard significantly simplifies network management. SD-WAN’s automation capabilities reduce the reliance on manual configurations, ensuring consistency and standardization across locations.
4. Improved User experience: SD-WAN provides a better user experience for remote users by optimizing the network path, reducing latency, and packet loss.
Cons of SD-WAN
1. Security: MPLS networks have been known for their security, which is critical, especially for enterprises dealing with sensitive data. SD-WAN solutions rely primarily on public internet connections, which can leave networks vulnerable to external attacks. However, this concern can be addressed by incorporating SD-WAN security features like firewalls, web filtering, and IPS/IDS.
2. Bandwidth requirements: SD-WAN does not provide dedicated bandwidth, which makes it less reliable for applications that demand high bandwidth. However, this issue can be addressed by leveraging SD-WAN’s ability to create links between multiple broadband connections to ensure efficient use of network resources.
3. Complexity: SD-WAN may require more technical expertise to deploy and manage as compared to MPLS. However, with the increasing maturi>ty of the technology, ease of deployment and management has significantly improved.
Conclusion
SD-WAN is an alternative technology to traditional MPLS that offers more agility, affordability, and simplified network management. However, businesses must take into account its limitations, such as security and bandwidth requirements, before implementing it as an MPLS replacement. Ultimately, a hybrid network architecture that incorporates both SD-WAN and MPLS could provide the best of both worlds, ensuring security, reliability, and agility.