As more businesses move towards cloud computing, the need for reliable and efficient network connectivity becomes increasingly vital. Two options for connecting branch offices and remote workers are SD-WAN and MPLS, but what are the differences and which is the best option for your business?
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) has been around for a while and has been the traditional solution for businesses to connect their remote offices and workers. MPLS provides a private network that delivers a secure and reliable connection but comes at a price. MPLS is expensive and requires a lot of hardware, including routers and switches. It may also require additional personnel to manage and maintain the network.
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a newer technology that allows businesses to connect their branch offices and remote workers over a public network, such as the internet. SD-WAN is cost-effective, easy to manage, and provides a secure connection that can be easily scaled to meet the business needs. SD-WAN has gained popularity among businesses due to its flexibility and ability to simplify network management.
One key difference between MPLS and SD-WAN is the level of control over the network. MPLS provides a private network with dedicated bandwidth that businesses have complete control over. SD-WAN, on the other hand, operates over a public network and uses software to prioritize network traffic. This means that network traffic can be dynamically routed over the most cost-effective link, such as a broadband internet connection, or over the most reliable link, such as a private MPLS network.
Another advantage of SD-WAN is its ability to provide a better user experience for cloud-based applications. When businesses use MPLS to connect to cloud-based applications, the traffic is often backhauled to the data center and then sent to the cloud provider. This results in a sub-optimal user experience due to the increased latency. SD-WAN allows businesses to connect directly to the cloud-based application, resulting in a better user experience.
Overall, SD-WAN is a more cost-effective and flexible solution than MPLS. While MPLS provides a secure and reliable network, the cost and complexity may not be worth it for many businesses. SD-WAN provides a scalable, easier to manage, and more cost-effective solution while still maintaining a secure and reliable network connection.
As businesses continue to move towards cloud computing, the importance of a reliable and efficient network connection will only become more critical. SD-WAN provides a cost-effective and flexible solution to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses.