Background of SD-WAN & MPLS
Due to the growth of cloud computing and mobile devices, a more advanced network is needed to support the dynamic IT environment. SD WAN is a new way to manage and improve broadband networks. It is a better wide area network than MPLS which also can be distributed by mobile operators.
MPLS is expensive and requires long connection time to a new location. While SD WAN solutions allow security functions to be distributed across the cloud computing network. In this way, SD WAN does not require to send all traffic to a corporate data center for scanning before enabling the cloud computing service. Simply put, it reduces latency and performance.
Benefits of SD-WAN over MPLS
Improved WAN performance
MPLS is proficient in leading traffic between two static business locations, but with the growth of cloud computing and the development of global business, there is an increasing number of business locations for a company. This makes MPLS less compatible in the business field. On the contrary, the basic SD WAN network policy improves WAN performance, which allows traffic to be sent to cloud computing in the best possible way, according to the requirements of the basic software.
SD WAN security
MPLS is a hardware-defined software, which can provide business organizations’ network functions. However, MPLS usually has a lot of safety restrictions that make it gets behind managed security services. MPLS provides no built-in security functionality. Therefore, many organizations adopting MPLS systems make use of individual security equipment to provide the necessary security protection, instead of using the MPLS internal managed security services.
Most SD-WAN solutions include integrated security. By placing online signals on the cloud computing, SD WAN can achieve global coverage and allowing users to use SD WAN to connect via nearby with minimal delay and high security. SD WAN are having better managed security service performance without the need to deploy personal devices in each location, and promote central network visibility in online services.
As a result, SD WAN perform higher security than MPLS on cloud computing.
Faster Networking Speed
SD WAN also provides a much faster network than MPLS. With SD WAN, the broadband network layer has been removed, allowing multiple distribution systems to be used across the WAN. This increases the Internet speed using SD WAN.
SD WAN supports Work-From-Home (遙距辦公)
Although MPLS provides reliable and advanced Internet service, the deployment speed of MPLS connection is slower and the deployment cost of MPLS is high. The technology is also not suitable for mobile users since there are no built-in security functions for MPLS. Not to mention work from home (遙距辦公) under this pandemic, the burden on Internet increase drastically. A more advanced managed security service and computing solution is needed to replace MPLS.
SD WAN provides solutions to the challenges of branch office networks with advanced managed security services. SD WAN is connected to an SLA-supported layer 1 network, which perform high-level managed security services. This supports mobile users and the increase in burden to the branch office networks. The SD WAN network allows users to connect from anywhere with minimal delay, and the integrated security layer provides a higher security net for the entire network. With the effect of Covid-19 and work from home (遙距辦公), SD WAN solutions can definitely replace MPLS and provide support to the branch office internal network.
