Whether you are new to these terms, or want to know more about upgrading your company's computer network installations, in this article we provide you with all the necessary information allowing everyone to understand the points of convergence and divergence between these solutions specific to the operation of a computer network in the routing of data.
SD Wan vs MPLS: we tell you everything you need to know to take stock and find the solution suited to your company.
What is the “MPLS” network?
To give a very simple definition: MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a technology which ensures the optimization, speed and security of the routing of internal IT flows specific to a company. It is a technology integrated into the Wide Area Network (WAN), the computer network which links the different websites of the same company together.
These installations are not intended for the general public, but are dedicated to the professional market.
The data is grouped in the form of packets, themselves labeled with “labels” so that they are routed through the right channels, in particular by switching rather than by routing… Routers, today using MPLS, waste less time and performance when searching routing tables compared to the early 1990s, when MPLS did not yet exist.
What is “SD Wan”?
This is a new technology which today succeeds its predecessor, the MPLS network, in order to build and manage a virtual network based on an already existing network (initially under MPLS, in fact) from a central base. But then: sd wan vs mpls , what are the differences?
This software solution notably includes the connection and management of applications hosted remotely from a company's computer network (in the Cloud, for example). These applications are stored in data centers, which contain hundreds of millions of computer data. It mainly allows you to combine flexibility and agility. Access to these applications is then possible from any internet connection.
It is a multi-operator solution, which purely and simply allows you to very easily define and change your internet offer depending on the location of your company (and therefore be guaranteed always optimal speed). You therefore constantly benefit from a connectivity solution adapted to your company's activity, with constant throughput, the least possible latency and a secure flow.
SD Wan vs MPLS: which solution to choose?
If SD Wan brings a number of advantages, it also brings its share of disadvantages: in particular the removal of the partitioning of data passing through the computer network. We are also experiencing a considerable increase in internet speed consumption: therefore be careful of the risks of slowdowns and latencies that may occur, particularly during so-called “peak” hours.
The SD Wan, a new generation of this technology, proposes to remedy the problems of slowdowns, by using public or private roads, regardless of each other. The only difference ? It is he who chooses for you the best channel to use, in real time, to save you time. Like a GPS which tells you the route to follow in the event of slowdowns or roadworks!
Conversely, MPLS is a protocol which exclusively dedicates private paths to the routing of computer data: you therefore have less room for maneuver, and you find yourself faced with regular slowdown problems if you consume a lot of DATA.
We therefore cannot strongly advise you to turn to the SD Wan solution if you wish to obtain a turnkey solution, which operates in complete autonomy and guarantees performance adapted to the activities of professionals.
