Introduction

As more and more businesses move their operations to the cloud and rely on remote employees, the need for fast, reliable, and secure network connectivity has become increasingly important. Two technologies that have emerged as possible solutions are SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching). In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two technologies and help you decide which is right for your business.

SD-WAN v/s MPLS

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a software-defined networking technology that allows businesses to connect their branch offices, data centers, and remote workers through a secure and reliable wide area network. SD-WAN uses software to intelligently route traffic over multiple internet connections, including broadband, LTE, and MPLS, based on factors such as application type, network performance, and security requirements.

Benefits of SD-WAN

Lower costs: SD-WAN can use cheaper internet connections instead of expensive MPLS circuits, which can save businesses money on their networking costs.

Improved application performance: SD-WAN can prioritize business-critical applications over less important traffic, ensuring that applications perform well even over less reliable connections.

Increased security: SD-WAN can encrypt traffic between sites and implement security policies to protect against cyber threats.

What is MPLS?

MPLS is a protocol for forwarding network packets based on labels instead of IP addresses. MPLS creates a virtual private network (VPN) that allows businesses to securely connect their geographically dispersed locations. MPLS circuits are typically leased from telecommunications carriers and offer a high level of reliability and performance.

Benefits of MPLS

High reliability: MPLS circuits are highly reliable, with guaranteed service level agreements (SLAs) and minimal packet loss.

Quality of Service (QoS): MPLS can prioritize traffic based on different service levels, ensuring that important applications receive the necessary bandwidth and latency.

Security: MPLS networks are inherently secure and can be further secured with encryption and other security measures.

Which is right for your business: SD-WAN or MPLS?

The choice between SD-WAN and MPLS ultimately depends on your business's specific needs and requirements. If your business requires high reliability and performance for mission-critical applications and has the budget for it, MPLS may be the right choice. However, if your business values flexibility, cost savings, and improved application performance, SD-WAN may be the better option.

It's also worth noting that many businesses are choosing to use both technologies together. For example, a business may use MPLS for their most critical applications and SD-WAN for less important traffic or for remote workers who need to access cloud-based applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both SD-WAN and MPLS have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your business will depend on your specific needs and requirements. By carefully evaluating your options and working with a trusted networking provider, you can ensure that your business has the connectivity it needs to thrive in today's digital world.

Table Of Content

• Introduction
• What is SD-WAN?
• Benefits of SD-WAN
• What is MPLS?
• Benefits of MPLS
• Which is right for your business - SD-WAN or MPLS?
• Conclusion