Why Modern Enterprises are Shifting from MPLS to Managed SD-WAN: A Cost-Effective Alternative

The surge in digitalisation has put enterprises under pressure for fast and uninterrupted connectivity. Traditional technologies like MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) are unable to adapt to modern technologies like cloud-driven environments, artificial intelligence-powered SD-WANs, etc. Legacy technology like MPLS was designed to support centralised data traffic, but the rise in traffic volume and increased critical application usage has put it in a tight corner. SD-WAN (Software-defined Wide Area Network) is taking place to overcome this challenge. Here, software is used to manage application traffic and IP packets. SD-WAN easily adapts to the diverse needs of the business without breaking the bank. Before going into the benefits of shifting from MPLS to Managed SD-WAN, it is important to understand the difference between the two:

MPLS is a protocol specially designed to speed up data transmission across wide area networks (WAN) by routing traffic depending on path labels instead of long network addresses. MPLS offers reliability and prioritises traffic types. However, it also has its own limitations when dealing with the demands of a cloud-first business environment.

Managed SD-WAN decouples network control from hardware, using software to route IP addresses depending on traffic across multiple WAN connections. It offers dynamic path selection, which is vital for a business that depends on cloud applications, IoT devices, and a mobile workforce.

Reasons for MPLS users shifting to Managed SD-WAN

MPLS is a traditional and trusted solution for reliable and secure networking, but it cannot fulfil the demands of modern, cloud-first and mobile workforce operations. The modern business environment calls for a network that is flexible, scalable, and, at the same time, affordable. Managed SD-WAN is the ideal choice for flexible, high-performance networks capable of managing different application traffic across multiple locations. Integrating with cloud-based applications and diverse locations. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with cloud-based applications by optimising user experience. SD-WAN improves operational efficiency and reduces cost, making it the best option for modern enterprises.

Benefits of shifting to managed SD-WAN

Managed SD-WAN is seen as a suitable replacement for MPLS, and here is why:

Managed SD-WAN is versatile and designed to adapt to businesses’ evolving needs. It also integrates with new applications to support remote sites, manage mobile workforces, and adjust easily to changes.
Utilising cost-effective broadband instead of MPLS circuits is definitely a good option, as managed SD-WAN promises high performance at a lower cost.
Centralised network management provides a unified view of the network, and this feature is available with SD-WAN. Centralisation can help simplify troubleshooting, improve visibility, and call for efficient network management.
Customisation is a noteworthy feature of managed SD-WAN. There is no need to be tied to one service provider, as the technology allows for customisation based on business specifications. It gives the freedom to adapt to the growing demands of the enterprise and scale bandwidth without big changes to the infrastructure.

Things to consider while shifting to managed SD-WAN

Moving from MPLS to managed SD-WAN can be challenging, and navigating with care for a successful migration is crucial. These are the points to consider:

Deployment challenges: Deploying SD-WAN in a large or dispersed environment can be a challenge as the process involves reconfiguring network architecture and laying new routing protocols for seamless connectivity across various sites. This and more with uninterrupted connectivity. Careful planning and deployment are crucial, and most organisations hire external agencies to guide the deployment, management and transition.

Security issues: MPLS operates over private, dedicated circuits, while SD-WAN runs on public internet connections to route traffic. The shift can put your network at risk; therefore, to mitigate the risks, the enterprise must focus on robust security measures like end-to-end encryption, comprehensive monitoring tools, and next-generation firewalls to protect sensitive data while adhering to industry regulations.

Compatibility with present infrastructure: Most enterprises depend on legacy hardware incompatible with SD-WAN. Upgrades and replacements are expensive and require time and money. Assessing the network components before deployment can save effort.

Seamless transition: Shifting from MPLS to managed SD-WAN can be a technological challenge. The challenge arises when moving solely on public transport layers. To ensure a seamless transition, restrict overlapping infrastructure, and ensure continuity of services, it is important to invest in a flexible on-demand connectivity solution that is appropriate for that particular phase.

Viva Digitally is your one-stop solution for all your networking needs. Viva offers end-to-end management and support to deliver connectivity to the last mile. Viva provides real-time insights and control for customer access with effortless optimisation and assured SLAs for dedicated internet/broadband/LTE/5G, etc.

To learn more, call us for a demo.