As the demand for efficient, reliable, and secure connectivity continues to increase, businesses are exploring alternatives to traditional WAN technologies such as MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching). One of the most promising solutions is SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking).
But what are SD-WAN and MPLS, and how do they differ? And how can you choose which one to use for your business?
MPLS: A Quick Overview
MPLS is a protocol used to route data traffic from one network node to another. This technology uses labels to tag packets and then switches them between different paths on the network. This ensures that the traffic takes the shortest, most efficient path to the intended destination.
MPLS has been the go-to solution for businesses for many years as it offers reliable connectivity with guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS). However, MPLS can be expensive, inflexible, and difficult to adapt as businesses grow.
SD-WAN: A Quick Overview
SD-WAN is a newer technology that leverages software-based virtualization to manage WAN connections. This involves creating a virtual overlay on top of the existing WAN infrastructure, which allows for more efficient use of bandwidth, better network visibility and control, and improved security.
One of the most significant benefits of SD-WAN is its ability to use different types of connections, including broadband, 4G LTE, and even satellite. This provides businesses with more flexibility and lower costs when it comes to WAN connectivity.
The Differences Between SD-WAN and MPLS
There are several key differences between SD-WAN and MPLS that businesses need to consider when deciding which technology to use.
Cost: MPLS is expensive compared to SD-WAN because it requires dedicated lines and hardware, while SD-WAN can use commodity internet connections and software-defined infrastructure. This makes SD-WAN a more attractive option for businesses looking to reduce costs.
Flexibility: MPLS is inflexible and challenging to adapt as business needs change, while SD-WAN provides more flexibility and can scale more quickly as required.
Security: While MPLS offers a secure network, SD-WAN also provides advanced security measures such as encryption, firewall, IDS/IPS, and more, making it a more secure option for businesses.
Performance: MPLS guarantees QoS and reliability, but SD-WAN can provide similar levels of performance at a lower cost by using multiple connections and traffic prioritization.
How to Choose Between SD-WAN and MPLS
Choosing between SD-WAN and MPLS depends on your business’s specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider when making the decision:
1. Bandwidth Requirements – Companies that need to support higher bandwidths in their WAN will save more money by using SD-WAN instead of MPLS.
2. Security Requirements – For companies that require high levels of security, SD-WAN is a better choice as it provides advanced security features such as encryption, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
3. IT Staff Expertise – If you have an internal IT team that is familiar with MPLS, staying with MPLS might be the best choice. SD-WAN requires more configuration and management, and thus, companies without the in-house expertise should opt for services that can provide greater support.
4. Budget Constraints – If you’re working on a tight budget, SD-WAN is typically a more affordable solution compared to MPLS because it allows businesses to use commodity internet connections.
Conclusion
Choosing between SD-WAN and MPLS comes down to the needs of your business. Businesses that prioritize performance and reliability might prefer MPLS, while organizations requiring lower costs, more flexibility, and advanced security features will likely choose SD-WAN. Companies should evaluate each platform based on their specific requirements before determining which one is the best fit for their business.