Software-Defined WAN Vs. MPLS

There are many reasons to use software-defined WAN over MPLS. These include cheaper, easier management, faster speeds, and increased control. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand how each one differs. This article will explore the differences between the two and how they can benefit your organization. Read on to find out which is ideal for you! 

Faster

In many ways, SD-WAN is faster than MPLS, especially with public internet links. While MPLS bandwidth is costly, SD-WAN users can leverage affordable internet bandwidth and configure failover between multiple connections. Additionally, it can eliminate the need for dedicated provider circuits and services. SD-WAN is a virtual WAN architecture that utilizes encrypted tunnels to connect devices. The main advantage of SD-WAN is flexibility.

Unlike MPLS, SD-WAN utilizes multiple connections to meet the demands of your current network traffic. Moreover, it prioritizes high-priority traffic based on its priority, reducing the need for redundant circuits. On the other hand, MPLS only offers a single connection and has limited flexibility and capacity for adjusting to changing traffic levels. It is not possible to adjust the speed of a single network connection in MPLS, making it less flexible than SD-WAN.

Cheaper

In comparing the two services, MPLS is the better choice if you have high-end connectivity needs or mission-critical applications. However, SD-WAN can offer the same redundancy, flexibility, and resiliency that you get from MPLS. This is particularly important for companies that must backhaul data between branch offices, remote sites, and data centers. In the following sections, we’ll look at the benefits of each solution and weigh up the pros and cons of each.

Another benefit of SD-WAN over MPLS is cost savings. SD-WAN costs significantly less than MPLS, making it an excellent choice for organizations on a tight budget. However, the savings will vary based on the number of sites connected to the data center and the suppliers. That’s why it’s essential to conduct a network evaluation to see whether an SD-WAN solution is a more cost-effective option.

Easier to manage

There are many advantages to SD-WAN over MPLS. In the first place, it requires less management and maintenance. It also comes with a managed network, making it easier to maintain. If you are looking to save money, SD-WAN is an excellent option. MPLS can cost $600 per Mbps per month or more. While SD-WAN is an easier management option, MPLS still has its advantages.

MPLS is difficult to manage, particularly if you have many locations. You also must be very knowledgeable in BGP and OSPF to configure the MPLS network properly. On the other hand, SD-WAN can be configured to your company’s specific needs. For example, certain employees may need to access specific file shares over the internet, but they don’t necessarily need real-time access. As a result, SD-WAN is much easier to maintain and can be customized to meet your needs.

More control

There are several advantages to using software-defined WAN over traditional MPLS. The former allows for greater control over application delivery, reduces costs, and improves security by eliminating edge hardware at every site. It also minimizes the amount of manual troubleshooting. On the other hand, MPLS requires users to manually adjust their connections, which can be time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, SD-WAN makes the process of managing these connections much easier.

While MPLS is an expensive bandwidth option, it also presents some security issues and must be configured by an expert. As a result, many businesses switch from MPLS to software-defined WAN (SDN) technologies. However, some organizations are still implementing MPLS. Ultimately, choosing the right solution for your company depends on your specific needs and goals. MPLS is an ideal choice for some business applications requiring high security and reliability, but it is unnecessary for every organization.

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