Exploring SD-WAN as a viable MPLS alternative

Understanding MPLS and its limitations

• High costs: MPLS circuits are expensive to install and maintain. The costs associated with dedicated lines can be prohibitive, especially for businesses looking to scale their operations.
• Limited flexibility: MPLS is a rigid solution that requires significant time and resources to deploy and adjust. Adding new sites or increasing bandwidth involves complex coordination and lengthy lead times.
• Complex management: Managing an MPLS network can be challenging due to the need for specialized equipment and expertise. This often results in higher operational overhead and longer resolution times for network issues.
• Inadequate for cloud integration: As businesses increasingly adopt cloud services, MPLS struggles to provide the necessary agility and performance. MPLS routes traffic through a centralized data center, which can lead to latency issues when accessing cloud applications.

How SD-WAN addresses MPLS limitations

• Cost efficiency: SD-WAN utilizes a combination of cost-effective broadband connections alongside or instead of MPLS, significantly reducing operational costs. By leveraging existing Internet connections, businesses can achieve similar or superior performance at a fraction of the cost.
• Enhanced flexibility: SD-WAN offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to changing network requirements. New sites can be added with ease, and bandwidth can be adjusted in real-time, without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
• Simplified management: Centralized management through SD-WAN platforms simplifies network operations. Administrators can monitor and manage the entire network from a single interface, reducing the complexity and time associated with traditional network management.
• Optimized for cloud applications: SD-WAN is designed to optimize traffic routing based on real-time conditions and application needs. This ensures reliable and efficient access to cloud applications, enhancing overall performance and user experience.

4 Key benefits of using SD-WAN over MPLS

• Performance optimization: SD-WAN uses intelligent routing to direct traffic over the most efficient path. This minimizes latency and packet loss, ensuring optimal performance for critical business applications. When paired with Enhanced Internet, SD-WAN can ensure traffic is routed not across the most efficient path, but across the best-performing path. Expereo’s Enhanced Internet effectively provides a self-healing network by using AI-based technology to constantly review the entire Internet network to select the best performing path for application traffic improving latency, packet loss and jitter.
• Scalability: With SD-WAN, scaling the network to accommodate business growth is straightforward. The technology supports rapid deployment of new sites and easy bandwidth adjustments, facilitating seamless expansion.
• Improved security: SD-WAN solutions often include integrated security features such as encryption, firewall capabilities, and secure direct Internet access. This provides robust protection for sensitive data across all network segments.
• Better user experience: By prioritizing traffic based on application requirements, SD-WAN ensures that high-priority applications receive the necessary bandwidth and performance. This results in a superior user experience and increased productivity.

Real-world use cases: When SD-WAN is the ideal choice

• Cloud-first strategies: Businesses that rely heavily on cloud services benefit from SD-WAN’s ability to optimize cloud traffic, ensuring fast and reliable access to cloud applications.
• Remote and distributed workforces: With the rise of remote work, SD-WAN provides secure and consistent connectivity for employees regardless of their location, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
• Multi-branch enterprises: Companies with multiple branch offices can leverage SD-WAN to create a cohesive, high-performance network that is easy to manage and scale.
• Cost-conscious organizations: Enterprises looking to reduce networking costs without sacrificing performance will find SD-WAN to be a cost-effective solution that delivers significant savings over MPLS.

How do you transition from MPLS? Our 5 steps to implement SD-WAN

1. Assessment and planning: Begin by assessing your current network infrastructure and identifying areas for improvement. Understand your business requirements and define clear objectives for the SD-WAN deployment.
2. Deployment partner selection: Choose a reliable SD-WAN partner who can offer the design and implementation skills and support your business needs. When you work with a knowledgeable Managed Service Provider (MSP), like Expereo, you get an experienced and trusted advisor managing the design, transition and dedicated support resource. They have the in-depth technology knowledge required to guide your installation, and have the global knowledge to connect your business anywhere in the world.
3. Pilot deployment: Start with a pilot deployment to test the SD-WAN solution in a controlled environment. This helps identify any potential issues and allows for adjustments before a full-scale rollout.
4. Full-scale rollout: Once the pilot deployment is successful, proceed with the full-scale rollout. Ensure that all sites are integrated into the SD-WAN network and that performance is continuously monitored.
5. Ongoing management and optimization: Regularly review network performance and make adjustments as needed. Utilize the centralized management platform to monitor traffic, manage configurations, and optimize performance.

Ready to explore SD-WAN as a viable MPLS alternative?