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Your business requires a network that keeps your applications always running, keeps all your offices connected, and routes your high-priority traffic just the way you need to. Choosing which network suits your needs can impact your reliability, budget, and how easily you can add new locations. MPLS directs packets along predetermined routes on the network, and SD-WAN leverages software and various connection types. It’s not an easy choice; perhaps performance, security, cloud access, deployment speed, or costs are the most critical factors for your business. We take a look at what it is, how it routes your traffic, and compare it with SD-WAN, including its advantages and disadvantages for your business.
What Is MPLS?
MPLS is an acronym for multiprotocol label switching. It is a network protocol that is utilized to speed up the flow of network traffic. In a multiprotocol label switching connection, the network assigns a label to each packet, which corresponds to an agreed-upon route, and then forwards that traffic to its destination according to that label, rather than relying solely on conventional IP routing methods.
Commonly, it links business locations such as branch offices, headquarters, data centers, and others. You can use it for voice calls, video conferencing, business applications, and any other type of traffic that requires consistent performance. You don’t own the provider’s core network layer; you purchase the managed service from your telecom or network provider.
How does Multiprotocol Label Switching function?
Multiprotocol label switching works by utilizing a short label attached to each network packet that travels through the service provider’s network. These packets are then routed according to their specific label.
- Label Switching: This label remains with the packet throughout its journey in the network system. The routers examine the label and exchange it as the packets pass through them.
- Traffic Prioritization: Multiprotocol label switching establishes the framework for the establishment of different traffic preferences, such as those of voice or video and data services.
- Reliable Data Transmission: The usage of MPLS comes into play in companies where communication delays, packet loss, and jitter can lead to undesirable effects.
MPLS vs SD-WAN: What’s the Difference?
MPLS and SD-WAN both connect business locations, but they handle network traffic differently. MPLS uses private carrier connections, while SD-WAN uses software to manage traffic across multiple connection types.
| Factor | MPLS | SD-WAN |
| Connectivity | Uses private carrier connections | Uses broadband, fiber, 4G, 5G, and other links |
| Traffic Management | Uses controlled paths and quality-of-service policies | Uses software-based policies and network conditions |
| Cloud Access | May route cloud traffic through a central location | Can direct traffic toward cloud services more efficiently |
| Cost | Usually costs more than standard internet connections | Can reduce costs by combining lower-cost connections |
| Network Approach | Focuses on predictable, controlled connectivity | Focuses on flexible, software-based traffic management |
Benefits of using Multiprotocol Label Switching
It is still useful because it allows businesses to interconnect sites and handle critical traffic in a predictable manner. Its benefits are more apparent if an organization places a premium on reliable connectivity.
- Predictable Performance: This provides a consistent traffic path and assured quality-of-service policy. This allows you to support applications that don’t respond well to choppy connections. Call quality, video conferencing, and select enterprise applications can all get preferential treatment. The consistency helps network planning for a company with demanding performance needs, and the service provider handles how the service is delivered.
- Traffic Prioritization: It enables QoS that classifies traffic into multiple categories. You can rank the flow of some types of data higher than that of others. This becomes significant when you have multiple applications waying for available bandwidth. Not every large backup job should be treated like a business voice call. It allows you to build differentiation into your network architecture.
- Private Connectivity: It offers a private link between the location and a provider network. Traffic does not flow over the public internet in the way that standard broadband traffic would. That private design can take some of that Internet exposure out of the equation. That doesn’t mean it somehow obviates the need for firewalls, encryption, access controls, and other security protocols. For secure communication over untrusted networks, businesses can also use an IPsec VPN.
- Provider Management: A managed MPLS service means most of the network infrastructure is taken care of by your carrier. Your IT team is free from the task of constructing the provider’s core network and supporting a complex transport network. If you don’t have dedicated networking staff, this managed model can help ease the day-to-day: You manage your routers, policies, apps, and security. The carrier manages the connection.
What Are the Drawbacks of MPLS?
It provides control and predictable service, but it also comes at a cost. Customers with high bandwidth, many locations, and a heavy focus on the cloud will begin to feel these limitations early on.
- Higher Costs: MPLS circuits can also be prohibitive relative to broadband internet connections. The price increases as an organization requires dedicated links across multiple locations and remote sites. You are paying for carrier-managed connectivity, not just an internet connection. The recurring cost may make up a large part of the network costs for enterprise.
- Slower Deployment: It is not as quick to set up as a standard internet connection. It can take longer to get your multiprotocol label switching circuit up and running due to factors such as carrier provisioning and Site installation. This can be frustrating for companies that are opening offices. In some cases, broadband or cellular service can be available more quickly.
- Limited Flexibility: With multiprotocol label switching, your ISP has defined carrier links, so you need provider approval to modify capacity or add new sites. This approach can be limiting as your business evolves rapidly. And then there’s the cloud traffic. As more users utilize applications that live outside the office, sending that traffic across the country to a data center may be inefficient.
- Reliance on the Carrier: With MPLS service, there is a direct reliance on your carrier’s network and support process, as well as their service agreement. In the event of a network outage, your support staff will need the carrier to identify and fix the issue. This alone doesn’t necessarily mean it is a bad choice, but you should review the SLA, support coverage, redundancy, and escalation procedures before picking the supplier.
Conclusion
MPLS technology gives organizations the advantage of controlled connectivity, reliable traffic management, and necessary characteristics. This technology is still a good option for businesses requiring stable communications between offices and defined traffic priorities. However, at the same time, MPLS may prove to be more expensive, less flexible, and tougher to implement as cloud-based technologies and remote work become the norm. SD-WAN technology is an alternative, offering connection management through software and routing traffic according to business processes. In our opinion, there is no best option for every company. Decision-making should be based on such parameters as applications needed, the number of offices, the financial situation of the company, and reliability requirements.
FAQs :
Is MPLS better than SD-WAN?
Neither option is always better. MPLS suits businesses that want controlled connectivity and predictable service, while SD-WAN suits organizations that need flexible connections.
Is Multiprotocol Label Switching still used?
Yes. Businesses still use it for site-to-site connectivity, traffic prioritization, and applications that need consistent performance. Its role changes as organizations adopt cloud services and SD-WAN.
Why is Multiprotocol Label Switching expensive?
It uses managed carrier connectivity, which often costs more than standard broadband. Pricing also depends on location, bandwidth, provider, contract terms, and site count.
Can SD-WAN replace Multiprotocol Label Switching?
SD-WAN can replace MPLS in some designs, but it doesn’t have to. A business can use SD-WAN with broadband, cellular, and multiprotocol label switching connections.
