In today’s world of advanced technology, businesses are looking for more efficient and cost-effective ways to connect all their locations. Two options that have gained popularity in recent years are SD-WAN and MPLS. Both provide connectivity, but they differ in various aspects leading to confusion for businesses. This article will give insight into both SD-WAN and MPLS to help businesses make informed decisions.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. It uses cloud-based technology to connect multiple locations and enable secure communication throughout a company’s network. SD-WAN enhances the performance of traditional WAN networks through increased bandwidth, lower latency, and faster application response time. SD-WAN uses a centralized cloud-based console to manage network performance, security, and policies. These capabilities can help a business to manage its remote locations effectively and provide a secure and reliable connection.
What is MPLS?
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a private WAN architecture that connects company locations through a secure, dedicated network. MPLS uses path labels instead of IP addresses to direct traffic through the network, resulting in packet transmission without additional routing hops. This results in a secure connection that is reliable and guarantees quality service. However, MPLS is expensive and needs specialized equipment and maintenance.
Comparing SD-WAN vs. MPLS
Here’s a comparison of SD-WAN vs. MPLS based on various factors.
Cost: One of the significant advantages of SD-WAN is that it is less expensive than MPLS. SD-WAN uses cost-effective internet bandwidth, eliminating the need for expensive private circuits. It provides flexibility in purchasing low-cost broadband services. MPLS, on the other hand, is an expensive service that requires a high investment in equipment, maintenance, and specialized staff.
Scalability: SD-WAN is easier to scale up or down as per the business requirements. It can support different types of applications and easily integrate with additional transport solutions. MPLS, on the other hand, is less flexible and challenging to scale as it requires additional hardware, leading to more upfront costs.
Reliability: MPLS is known for its reliability and consistent network performance. MPLS service providers offer SLAs (Service Level Agreements) that guarantee reliable data transmission. SD-WAN, despite using low-cost internet services, can still offer reliable performance since it includes advanced failover options.
Security: SD-WAN offers security features like encryption and end-to-end visibility, making it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize security. MPLS also provides privacy and secure data transmission, but its static configurations make it an unscalable solution.
Management: SD-WAN offers a centralized management system that allows for real-time management of network performance, policies, and security. MPLS requires more specialized equipment, making it challenging to manage, monitor, and maintain.
Conclusion
Choosing between SD-WAN and MPLS requires analyzing a company’s unique requirements and situation. While both solutions deliver reliable connectivity, the differences in scalability, cost, and security can help businesses decide which solution is best for them. Both SD-WAN and MPLS have their advantages and disadvantages, and businesses should consider the options carefully before making a final decision.