For an enterprise network, both SD-WAN and MPLS technologies are reliable and impact the network significantly.. However the business use cases, growth plans, availability of skilled resource etc determine whether any business prefers replacing MPLS with SD-WAN. No doubt, MPLS is a traditional technology that relies on private connections between all business sites. But, the contractual lock-in period, costly subscription charges and complex management makes MPLS the least preferred option if not out of compulsion as the last resort.

As per the reports, the SD-WAN solution is replacing the traditional MPLS solution. Why this change in the application of the WAN solution? Is SD-WAN a suitable replacement for MPLS? Let’s dive into this blog to know all the reasons that describe SD-WAN as a suitable alternative to MPLS:

Understanding MPLS WAN architecture

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is one of the beneficial solutions that most enterprises use to route network traffic. In this technology, a label-switched-path model is used. The main objective of implementing this MPLS network is that it works to assured  speed of flow of data packets without security compromises as it passes through a private network.. However, there are certain drawbacks of this WAN architecture which causes most enterprises to replace MPLS with SD-WAN.

MPLS is useful for ensuring the connections between LANs and creating wide-area networks (WANs). But, SD-WAN solution is another latest technology which is mainly a large network and helps in connecting LANs with the help of software defined WAN. MPLS is a rigid technology that is based on the usage of hardware whereas SD-WAN solution works completely on software. From a performance and benefits perspective, SD-WAN is surely a better option that has increased business use cases and benefits in comparison to MPLS.

Drawbacks with Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

No doubt, there can be seen a rise in the application and demand for SD-WAN. This increment in the demand for software-defined WAN is due to the problems that come with MPLS.

If talking about the fundamental problem of any enterprise network space is the negligible innovation in networking. Over the years, numerous applications and devices have come into use that sometimes makes the network a bit challenging to manage.

MPLS in the early 2000s was surely a great option for connectivity then. However, the main problem that enterprises face with MPLS implementation is that it is not able to tackle demanding workloads that are cloud intensive and the dynamics of today’s business landscape.

Also, MPLS is not capable enough of handling the complexities that arise due to additional usage of applications in the network. One thing to keep in mind is that MPLS can now hardly match up to the latest requirements of network connectivity. The deployment of MPLS is slow and it can take a few months in the setting up of a new connection. Because of all these reasons, SD-WAN technology is replacing the MPLS space in almost every sector.

Spotting differences between MPLS and SDWAN

There are a number some core differences between SD-WAN and MPLS technology that are mentioned here:

• Software-defined WAN operates with real-time changes whereas MPLS works as per the static configurations on hardware routers. If there’s any need of making necessary changes in accordance with the WAN condition, then MPLS won’t be able to do that adaptation.
• With MPLS , enterprises can connect a site to a private WAN infrastructure. But, this is not the case when you implement SD-WAN as it involves multiple connection circuits for every site.
• In many geographical connections, MPLS is an expensive option than internet connectivity. However, when a business uses SD-WAN architecture, they witness a reduction in networking operations as it ensures internet with private networks.

Is IT teams of enterprises replacing MPLS and moving to SD-WAN?

Yes, that’s correct

It is crucial to understand that SD-WAN provides similar performance, connectivity, and reliability to that of MPLS. The SD-WAN connectivity can have a positive and significant impact on the cost of the enterprise’s WAN. This newer WAN makes use of low-cost network links that too without compromising the network’s performance. In addition to this, SD-WAN enables the organization to save its networking investment.

When it comes to security, most enterprises prefer relying on SD-WAN as they don’t want to compromise data security. After seeing all the problems of MPLS and the benefits of SD-WAN, organizations are replacing the MPLS with a convenient and suitable option. Companies rely on the reliable SD-WAN vendors to witness the increased network performance.

FAQs

Is MPLS a better option than SD-WAN technology?
The simple answer to this question is No MPLS is not a better option than SD-WAN. This is because SD-WAN can match up with the latest connectivity requirements which MPLS is not capable of. In addition to this, by implementing SD-WAN, organizations will be able to witness better performance, visibility, and security.
SD-WAN is a great solution for ensuring a layer of flexible connectivity options for different locations and sites which the MPLS solution cannot offer. This is why, the industry has developed interest in SD-WAN over the past few years. If you wish to combine the usefulness of your organization’s networking and security then consider contacting Infinity Labs.

Why there’s a change from MPLS to SD-WAN solutions in IT practices?
When it comes to networking performance and reliability, SD-WAN is a reliable solution. Most companies are deploying SD-WAN because of its multi-layered security features that protect the multiple access points of remote sites. In case of any query related to the SD-WAN, you can contact Infinity Labs.

To sum up

From the above, it’s clear that certain problems in using MPLS can impact the business’s network performance and efficiency. To curb the inefficiencies of MPLS, it is better to replace this older technology with the latest SD-WAN solution. With the implementation of SD-WAN, enterprises get to introduce multiple features and benefits to their IT practices.