For several years, enterprises wishing to implement wide-area networking (WAN) solutions have turned to MPLS networks as their preferred technology. However, the advent of SD-WAN has caused the multi-site network landscape to undergo its most significant upheaval in a generation.

The company's priorities will determine which of these two is best for the business network. This article will examine the two technologies to assist in making the best decision for the company.

SD-WAN and MPLS: Explained

A popular technique for connecting the local area networks (LANs) that make up wide area networks (WANs) is multiprotocol label switching (MPLS). MPLS improves upon the standard operation of the internet by sending packets over specified network paths using specialised routers.

These preset network channels can be utilised as the structural framework of a WAN and enable the coexistence of several virtual WANs over the same network backbone. However, they demand a contracted service from a carrier or telecommunications firm, take a long time to set up, and can be expensive. 

A vast network that connects LANs using software rather than hardware is known as a software-defined WAN (SD-WAN). No specialised equipment is needed for routing in SD-WANs. They are easier to adopt than other networking strategies because they use the standard internet.

Although MPLS can be one of the networking techniques used in an SD-WAN, the SD-WAN architecture does not forbid its use. However, SD-WANs are generally frequently more adaptable and affordable than MPLS.

MPLS connections are a railroad service with specialised routes, fast and reliable but expensive to build, inflexible, and limited in capacity. SD-WANs are such as a passenger bus line that uses existing roads, is less direct, and varies in travel time. However, they are more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective.

MPLS is ideal for businesses with complex network requirements and high bandwidth needs, while SD-WAN is better suited for businesses with distributed locations, remote workers, and cloud-based applications. 

Comparison Of SD-WAN & MPLS

The definition and explanation of each of the technologies are given below:

MPLS

MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) is a network infrastructure that routes internet traffic via predetermined private paths, ensuring data security and privacy. MPLS is widely used by businesses with multiple sites or branch offices, as it enables secure and low-latency data transfer between them, such as planning a direct and quick car journey between two points.

MPLS has been the preferred technology for traditional WAN networks for many years.

SD-WAN

Software-defined wide area networks go by the acronym SD-WAN. The WAN solution employs software to manage and regulate communication between sites such as data centres, primary and branch offices, and cloud instances. 

In an SD-WAN deployment, conventional routers and switches or virtualised customer premises equipment (vCPE) may be used, depending on the vendor and client setup. All of these devices run some software that manages policy, security, networking operations, and other management tools.

Comparison 

The comparison between SD-WAN and MPLS is provided in the table below:

Features

SD-WAN

MPLS

Cost

Lower cost with distributed traffic

Data runs over the internet at a higher cost

Application

Adapts bandwidth for time-sensitive apps

Ideal for virtual applications such as VoIP, video conferencing or virtual desktops

Performance

Improved multipoint connectivity

Fixed bandwidth with limited scalability

QoS (Quality of Service)

Real-time traffic monitoring

Prioritises essential traffic

Management

Centralised dashboard

Managed by ISP, organisations need skillsets and resources to maintain integration.n

Security

End-to-end encryption

Additional security functions required

Protection

Unified security

Offers more protection when used with SD-WAN

Drawbacks

Not suitable for all organisations

More expensive and inflexible compared to SD-WAN, limited visibility

Pros & Cons

There are a variety of features offered by both technologies. However, they also have some drawbacks.

The pros and cons are listed below:

SD WAN

MPLS

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Cost-effective

Relies on the public internet

Guaranteed performance for real-time traffic

Telcos must configure predetermined routes.

Improved SaaS performance

Requires the right skillset

Reliable connection when deploying with redundant paths.

Bandwidth can become expensive

Simplified QoS

Complex to manage

Centralised SaaS service for administration

Visibility is limited

Carrier agnostic

Performance degradation with increased traffic

Unified security

Difficult to source a single global provider

Not dependent wholly on MPLS

Doesn't support edge-to-cloud access directly.

More protection

Importance Of Network Solution Selection

One should choose the best option depending on the working environment, hosting location of the business apps, user location when connecting, and the company's unique requirements. The trick is to strike a balance because each technology has a different role.

With the trade-off of less flexibility and higher costs, MPLS functions predictably, ensuring time-sensitive traffic is delivered on schedule. An enterprise cannot undervalue SD-WAN's advantages, which range from affordability and agility to usability and scalability.

Enterprises need more flexible and dynamic connectivity if they are utilising more sophisticated cloud-based apps and their workflows are becoming more complex. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing SD-WAN vs MPLS

Two technologies frequently used to link branch offices of an organisation to the data centre or the cloud are MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking). When deciding between MPLS and SD-WAN, consider the following factors:

Cost

SD-WAN is a less expensive solution than MPLS since it is a virtual overlay over dedicated WAN infrastructure. A higher network performance visibility is accessible at agility, making it a more secure network model. It is quite adaptable and can meet requirements that are application-intensive.

On the other hand, MPLS, or Multiprotocol Label Switching, is expensive due to the bandwidth that this technology requires.

Using individual MPLS, it previously connected retail sites and distant branches to main data centres. Data access and workflow transactions must be transferred to the data centre for processing before being distributed.

As a result, it is an expensive model.

A virtual, software-defined networking approach called SD-WAN is managed centrally for networking operations that are optimised, adaptable, and quick. 

Performance & Availability

SD-WAN is a connectivity solution for multi-site networks that prioritises applications and can use any network transport, including MPLS, LTE, or broadband, to ensure reliable performance for sensitive applications.

MPLS provides fixed-level bandwidth rather than requires expensive reserve bandwidth for reliable performance in unpredictable traffic, and it cannot prioritise applications or balance traffic.

In contrast, SD-WAN can identify business requirements, recognise applications, balance the load, and switch to a new link if necessary without rate limits, making it an ideal solution for latency-sensitive applications.

Bandwidth

MPLS provides dedicated and predictable bandwidth, whereas SD-WAN can boost capacity by combining numerous internet connections, though the quality and reliability may not always be consistent.

Security

SD-WAN offers add-on security features if they are not available by default, making it an ideal solution for businesses that require robust security. If a client wants to virtually add a security layer, SD-WAN networks or integrated security services are the best options.

On the other hand, MPLS does not have security-handling features and moves traffic back to enterprise data centres for running security checks. MPLS traffic could carry malware and other threats via a firewall. Therefore, MPLS does not provide sufficient security and requires additional security measures to be deployed.

In summary, while MPLS offers a security advantage using secured and managed predetermined pathways, SD-WAN provides more robust security features and flexibility to add security layers virtually, making it a better choice for businesses with security concerns.

Latency

Due to the utilisation of numerous broadband connections, SD-WAN may have higher latency than MPLS, which has low latency and is suited for real-time applications.

Flexibility

Compared to MPLS, SD-WAN is more adaptable, simplifying network configuration changes and supporting a wider range of connections.

Management

SD-WAN offers centralised management that automates services and security, providing application-level visibility for better decision-making. Not connecting SD-WAN devices to a different vendor's network management system save time and money.

SD-WAN technology is flexible enough to deploy a private overlay over network transport types, giving bandwidth depth at a low cost without any security issues. 

There is no requirement for local configuration on the SD-WAN network, and Zero Touch Provisioning is an ability in this virtual networking solution. However, MPLS is pricey and should only be utilised in special circumstances.

Although it offers a security advantage by using only secured and managed predetermined pathways to transfer data from branch offices and data centres using the internal internet, it does not offer data analysis; the client must deal with the problem.

Location

SD-WAN is the more appropriate choice if a business has a centralised data centre or cloud architecture due to its virtual overlay network design. This allows for a more cost-effective and agile networking operation, especially when dealing with application-intensive requirements.

On the other hand, if a business has geographically spread branch offices, MPLS may be a more suitable option as it uses secured and managed predetermined pathways to transfer data between branch offices and data centres. 

This helps to ensure a high level of security and reliability, as well as fixed-level bandwidth. However, MPLS can be expensive due to the bandwidth requirements, and businesses with distributed locations may find it difficult to scale the network effectively.

In such cases, SD-WAN can be a more cost-effective and flexible solution that allows businesses to optimise their network performance and ensure secure connectivity across multiple locations.

What do SD-WANs offer that MPLS cannot?

The significant commercial advantages of SD-WAN and SDN (Software Defined Networking) address some of MPLS's shortcomings. The following are some benefits of SD-WAN over MPLS: 

Factors

MPLS

SD-WAN

Carrier Independence

Private circuit from MPLS provider

Freedom to use internet services from any provider; ability to combine underlay technologies

Next-Generation Security

Not all systems have it

Automatically includes advanced threat protection, virtual and physical firewalls, and data centre and edge protection technologies.

Application Performance

Uses QoS protocols to save bandwidth

Uses AppQoE, AppID, and APBR to specify paths and optimise performance; automatically routes traffic per SLAs based on metrics

Cost-Savings

Expensive due to private circuits

Takes advantage of low-cost generic internet access

Scalability and Control

The lengthy process to implement changes, MPLS provider-led

Empowers network managers with web-based network automation and SASE technology, real-time traffic monitoring, network maintenance, security event viewing, security logs, and zero-touch provision

Ascent of Cloud Applications

Not cloud-ready

Cloud-ready and perfect for businesses that use a variety of cloud technologies

When should businesses make the switch from MPLS to SD-WAN?

When an organisation is considering SD-WAN deployment,

      They desire an increase in bandwidth.

      As their contract with their ISP expires, they seek a more flexible arrangement.

      They intend to make greater use of cloud-based services.

      They want to boost their network's visibility, agility, and security.

      They are attempting to enhance application performance.

      They are highlighting their efforts to save network costs.

Conclusion

The article compares and contrasts Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) regarding price, performance, security, and management. While MPLS has long been the chosen technology for traditional WAN networks, 

SD-WAN is a more versatile and economical alternative for companies with dispersed sites, remote employees, and cloud-based applications. The company's priorities, including network requirements, bandwidth needs, and financial limits, will determine which of the two technology it chooses to use.

Ultimately, balancing the MPLS's predictability and the SD-WAN's flexibility and scalability is critical to fit the organisation's specific needs. ACT Fibernet provides high-speed internet services for both homes and businesses. With their reliable and fast network, customers can enjoy seamless browsing experiences.

Fibernet also offers exceptional customer service, assisting whenever needed. ACT Fibernet offers SD-WAN solutions for businesses with multiple locations to optimise network performance and ensure secure connectivity. Contact Fibernet today for reliable and fast internet services.