MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a widely used technology that has been around for over two decades, yet it remains the preferred choice for businesses when it comes to building reliable networks. This technology has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular networking solution for many businesses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why MPLS remains the preferred choice for reliable business networks.
Reliability
One of the main reasons why businesses prefer MPLS is its reliability. With an MPLS network, the data packets are routed along the shortest path to the destination, resulting in lower latency and fewer connection drops. As a result, businesses can rely on MPLS to ensure that their network is always up and running. MPLS also offers end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees, which means that businesses can prioritize mission-critical applications such as VoIP and video conferencing over less important traffic, ensuring a smoother user experience.
Security
With MPLS, traffic is directed to specific paths using labels, which makes it difficult for outsiders to intercept or eavesdrop on the data packets. This is because MPLS routers don’t inspect the contents of the packets, making it much harder to hack. In addition, MPLS providers typically offer additional security measures, such as VPNs and firewalls, to protect the network from external threats.
Scalability
MPLS is a highly scalable technology that can accommodate the growing demands of businesses. With MPLS, businesses can easily add or remove network nodes and upgrade bandwidth without disrupting the network or compromising its reliability. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that are constantly expanding or have fluctuating bandwidth requirements.
Cost-Effective
Although MPLS can be more expensive than some other networking technologies, it offers several cost-saving benefits. For example, MPLS networks require less equipment and maintenance compared to traditional WANs (Wide Area Networks). This reduces the overall cost of ownership and allows businesses to focus on their core operations. In addition, MPLS offers a range of pricing options that can cater to different business needs.
Cloud Connectivity
As more businesses move to the cloud, having a reliable and secure connection to cloud providers has become critical. MPLS offers direct and secure connections to cloud providers, allowing businesses to access their cloud applications and services quickly and cost-effectively. This eliminates the need for a VPN, which can add an additional layer of complexity, latency, and cost.
In conclusion, MPLS remains the preferred choice for reliable business networks due to its reliability, security, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and cloud connectivity. While other networking technologies have emerged, MPLS continues to be a popular choice for businesses looking for a reliable and secure network infrastructure that can adapt to their changing needs.