MPLS vs SD-WAN: A Comparison

Businesses need the ability to share files and data with remote workers and locations around the globe. Instead of creating cumbersome emails that take a long time to send, networks are the ideal solution. However, not all are as secure as you need, so many companies consider changing MPLS to SD-WAN.

What is MPLS?

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a method of networking that allows you to move data to a new destination efficiently. This practice has helped remote workers and businesses with multiple locations stay on the same page for decades. With technology changing and cloud-based storage and apps becoming more prominent, MPLS isn’t as necessary.

However, MPLS is a reliable option. Depending on the company’s bandwidth usage, it might not be too expensive. MPLS requires some rigidity, so there are necessary steps to create the network between offices to install the dedicated connection.

Benefits of MPLS

Many businesses prefer MPLS because it’s easy for all users, regardless of technical knowledge and experience. It utilizes bandwidth efficiently to reduce congestion over the network. MPLS also effectively masks the complicated network below the surface, allowing users to join from a single entry point.

MPLS delivers high-quality performance, which is why it’s endured as the top option for over 20 years. It’s consistently efficient, meaning you don’t have to worry about transferring files during downtime or avoiding the network when other users are online.

What is SD-WAN?

Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) use software to offer various transport methods to keep people connected on the same network. SD-WAN can use MPLS circuits, the internet, 5G, and the cloud. Depending on the priority of the data, users can select what approach best suits their needs.

With SD-WAN networks, any device connected to the internet can send files. This method is ideal for companies with remote workers. There’s no need to give them specialized devices, though you’ll need to protect your network with additional layers of security.

Benefits of SD-WAN

SD-WAN is more affordable than MPLS because it uses less bandwidth and has a quicker setup time. It’s easier to scale up using SD-WAN without draining your network performance. Since you can choose different methods, users get the same efficiency on a networked computer or a mobile device.

SD-WAN is more widely available than MPLS because it uses existing internet and cloud services. Despite this flexibility, SD-WAN offers more security than MPLS options. The network can use IP security, firewalls, and VPN tunnels to protect data.

What Method to Choose

The suitable method for your business depends on many factors. You can lower costs by using SD-WAN, which offers flexibility in terms of connection, using less bandwidth in the process. However, some businesses have low bandwidth usage, requiring only about 3 Mbps per device, which won’t add much expense to the MPLS.

SD-WAN uses virtual connections instead of physical links, giving users more flexibility to connect. You don’t need to give each remote employee dedicated software to use SD-WAN. Any device with internet access can use your company’s SD-WAN to transfer files over the network.

MPLS protects certain types of data transfer, especially larger files and applications. Basic SD-WAN doesn’t provide security, so you must factor firewall and protection costs into the solution before changing options.

As of 2020, 52% of United States-based businesses were using SD-WAN for their networks. Large companies use it at a higher rate to ensure they can send information since they can add layers of safety and protection to the connection. They can also use cloud-based services, simplifying the backup process.

MPLS and SD-WAN are effective ways of sharing data, depending on your needs. Consider what your business uses and how you can transfer from one method to another to improve your efficiency.