When it comes to connecting your business network to the internet, there are two main options: SD-WAN and MPLS. Both technologies offer advantages and disadvantages, making it challenging to determine which is the better choice for your business.
MPLS, or Multi-Protocol Label Switching, is an older technology that was developed to improve the performance of networks that transmit large amounts of data. It is a reliable option that uses a central hub to connect your network to the internet. MPLS operates through a private network, which means all traffic is sent through a private line that is reserved exclusively for your business. This ensures that your data is secure, fast, and reliable.
On the other hand, SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Networking, is a newer technology that uses software to manage your network. SD-WAN is designed to optimize the performance of your network by selecting the most effective path for your data to travel. This, in turn, ensures that your traffic moves seamlessly across your network, and that your data is always available when you need it.
The main advantage of SD-WAN over MPLS is that it is more flexible, scalable and cost-effective. SD-WAN is a cloud-based networking solution that can be easily updated to meet the changing needs of your business. It can be deployed quickly and without any physical hardware changes to your existing network infrastructure.
MPLS, on the other hand, doesn’t offer the same level of scalability because it requires a dedicated line for every location you want to connect to your network. This makes it expensive to scale your network as your company grows and expands to new locations.
Despite the flexibility and scalability of SD-WAN, MPLS still has some advantages that make it worth considering. MPLS is a secure and reliable option that guarantees fast delivery of data. This is ideal for businesses that require high-quality data transfer and cannot afford any downtime or latency in their network performance.
Additionally, because MPLS is a private and dedicated network, businesses can expect to have consistent network speeds and bandwidth. This can be especially important for businesses that depend on their network for communication or have data-intensive applications that require a stable network connection.
In conclusion, choosing between SD-WAN and MPLS comes down to your specific business needs and priorities. If you want a flexible, cost-effective, and simple option that can be easily updated, SD-WAN is the best choice. However, if you require a reliable and secure network connection and can afford to invest in dedicated circuits, MPLS is a better option. Whatever you choose, it’s essential to prioritize network performance and security when selecting a technology solution that will support your business needs well into the future.