SD-WAN vs. MPLS

Organizations have come to realize that they need data on a continuous basis in order to be operational in the modern business world. It is very crucial for one to choose the right type of Wide Area Network (WAN) technology for the purpose of ensuring a stable and efficient network. This paper seeks to discuss two major contenders: MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wan).

Do the available network choices hit you with too many options? You are not alone. Being mindful of the basic features, benefits and disadvantages of each of these two options will help one to choose the option that best suits their business aims.

What is SD-WAN?

Think of your network as a jammed-up highway. The technology which logically manages data traveling through diverse tabs is known as Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD WAN). It is the same as having multiple travel paths on a single highway as it ensures that the crucial information travels most important routes while the not too crucial information moves the other routes.

The system architecture in SD-WAN seeks to use algorithms to control which flows make it to the clients by minimizing cross traffic. A good application of SD-WAN, for example, can permit a retail business to integrate its various branch locations with cloud services.

Benefits of SD-WAN

• Improved Application Performance: Critical applications are given the bandwidth and low latency they require for optimal performance, thanks to SD-WAN's intelligent traffic routing that is based on application requirements.
• Decreased Costs: By using less expensive internet connections in addition to or instead of MPLS, businesses can drastically cut their overall networking costs.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Without requiring major infrastructure modifications, businesses may readily modify their network topologies to meet changes in demand or growth.
• Enhanced Security: A lot of SD-WAN systems have built-in security capabilities, like secure web gateways and encryption, which offer strong defense against online threats.

What is MPLS?

Think of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) as an expressway for data. One of the core benefits is that the traffic is carried through the network and reaches the endpoints through a predetermined set of routes, which improves performance and security.

The process of assigning tags to data packets to facilitate faster transmission within a network is referred to as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). This is done to make data transfer more efficient. This method works well between the data connection and network layers of the OSI model whereby routing decisions are made timely through the use of by-passed paths. For example, a network service provider may seek to employ MPLS to safely and reliably relay sensitive transaction data to and from its branches and data centers.

Benefits of MPLS

• Guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS): MPLS to reserve a portion of the available bandwidth for particular categories of traffic which is maintained over time. It is therefore suitable for voice over IP applications, video over IP as well as other time sensitive applications.
• Network Optimization: MPLS also helps in reducing delay in addition to loss of data packets by routing data packets through set out paths.
• Security: As these are private as much as the two end points do not cross link into the public internet transit of these MPLS networks are often said to be safer.

SD-WAN vs. MPLS: A Comparison

Scalability

With SD-WAN, expanding a company's network is simple and doesn't require significant alterations to the infrastructure.
MPLS: Scaling can be more expensive and time-consuming and calls for more physical infrastructure.

Flexibility

SD-WAN: Enables enterprises to quickly adjust to changing needs by supporting a variety of apps and network topologies.
MPLS: Relies on dedicated circuits, it is typically inflexible and less flexible in dynamic contexts.

Cost-Effectiveness

SD-WAN: Provides substantial cost reductions by using less costly broadband alternatives in addition to or instead of MPLS.
MPLS: Frequently expensive because to dedicated lines and constrained bandwidth options

Use Cases for SD-WAN and MPLS

SD-WAN Use Cases

• Branch Office Connectivity: Because of its adaptability, SD-WAN is a great choice for tying together geographically separated offices, particularly those with different bandwidth requirements.
• Cloud Adoption: Without the need to backhaul traffic through a central data center, SD-WAN effectively manages traffic flow between your network and cloud applications, enabling direct access to cloud services.
• Application Optimization: With intelligent traffic management, SD-WAN enhances the user experience for cloud-based applications by giving priority to important business applications for maximum performance.

MPLS Use Cases

• Mission-Critical Applications: MPLS is appropriate for enterprises needing guaranteed quality for sensitive operations since it ensures continuous performance for essential applications like financial transactions.
• Real-Time Services: MPLS is the recommended option for applications where QoS is crucial because it guarantees dependable data delivery for real-time services like phone and video conferencing.
• Compliance Requirements: Because MPLS offers a specialized and reliable network environment, it is frequently utilized in sectors like healthcare where secure data transmission is essential.

Choosing Between SD-WAN and MPLS

When choosing between MPLS and SD-WAN, consider the following factors:

• Business Objectives: Determine which of the following is more important to your company: guaranteed performance, cost savings, or flexibility.
• Network Requirements: Determine your present and future networking requirements depending on the kinds of applications you use and the locations of your users.
• Budget: Compare the two solutions' total costs of ownership, taking into account setup and maintenance costs.

Venturing into a hybrid approach may be the most productive strategy in particular situations. The general idea is that there can be several uses of MPLS and SDWAN in parallel. Thus, we can have MPLS for the backbone traffic and non-critical traffic can use SDWAN.

Firms may also explore hybrid deployment alternatives. Such as use SD-WAN for web access and key application MPLS for only important applications.

Now you are ready to make the right choice! Understanding this, you can identify the appropriate technology that will take your company’s growth a notch higher without compromising network connectivity.

Amid the shortcomings, people are trying to adjust and learn the differences between MPLS and SD-WAN. Moreover, while SD-WAN may be the trendy choice, MPLS remains relevant in the structures of organizations that have sharp performance targets. However, as WAN technologies progress, there will most likely be more integrated solutions that meet various business needs.

For knowledgeable assistance in choosing the best WAN technology for your company, get in touch with Anticlockwise. Our team of networking experts can assist you in determining the optimal solution to achieve your business objectives and in evaluating your unique requirements.