SD-WAN & MPLS – It’s a Union, Not a Separation

In the ever-evolving landscape of networking, the emergence of SD-WAN has led to widespread discussions about its impact on traditional WAN architectures like MPLS. However, rather than viewing SD-WAN and MPLS as competing technologies, it’s more accurate—and productive—to see them as complementary. SD-WAN simplifies the delivery of Wide Area Network (WAN) services to branch offices, improving connectivity and WAN management, while MPLS continues to offer security and reliability for mission-critical applications. Together, they create a hybrid model that offers enterprises the best of both worlds.

The Rise of SD-WAN

SD-WAN’s rapid adoption is fueled by the increasing reliance on cloud applications. With a market value estimated at $6 billion, SD-WAN has become a dominant force in the network services market. Businesses are migrating to cloud applications for cost-effectiveness and ease of access, but this shift introduces new challenges in speed and bandwidth availability.

A survey by IDG Connect, which examined 160 companies, found that traditional WAN architectures, including landlines, are no longer adequate to support businesses transitioning to the cloud. The result? Organizations are looking for ways to enhance their existing infrastructure without completely overhauling their networks.

SD-WAN: Enhancing, Not Replacing

SD-WAN isn’t designed to replace existing networking technologies; rather, it enhances them. Here are some key ways businesses can integrate SD-WAN into their current network services:

1. Optimizing Cloud Services and Real-Time Applications

Even without a sophisticated network architecture, businesses can leverage SD-WAN’s dynamic path selection over existing public internet links. This enhances real-time applications and boosts overall performance. Whether using the internet, MPLS, or LTE, SD-WAN ensures an optimized experience.

2. Maximizing WAN Link Utilization

Failover links often sit idle, waiting for a primary link failure. SD-WAN puts these secondary links to work, allowing businesses to use all available bandwidth without compromising redundancy. This is similar to leveraging an insurance policy’s benefits without filing a claim—getting value without risk.

3. Creating a Secure, Meshed Network Over Public Internet

Businesses no longer need to invest in private connections between branch offices. SD-WAN enables organizations to establish a secure, meshed network over the public internet, encrypting WAN traffic and segmenting the network from a central SD-WAN interface.

4. Combining SD-WAN and MPLS for a Hybrid Network

Contrary to popular belief, SD-WAN does not signal the end of MPLS. Instead, businesses can integrate SD-WAN with MPLS to create a cost-effective, high-performance hybrid network. For example, opening a new branch location without extending MPLS can be achieved by using SD-WAN to connect via public links while still maintaining MPLS connectivity for critical applications.

How MPLS and SD-WAN Work Together

For years, enterprises with multiple locations have relied on MPLS to ensure stable, private network connections. However, MPLS alone is not enough to support modern cloud-based applications, which must traverse public networks before reaching end-users. While MPLS provides security and reliability, SD-WAN enhances its capabilities by introducing flexibility and cost savings.

Why MPLS Still Matters

Despite its simplicity and agility, SD-WAN cannot fully match MPLS’s reliability and security. Many businesses have invested heavily in MPLS infrastructure and, rather than replacing it, they can integrate SD-WAN to improve efficiency. According to IDG Connect, nearly 40% of businesses are moving toward hybrid models that combine SD-WAN with existing MPLS connections.

The Benefits of a Hybrid Model

By adopting a hybrid SD-WAN and MPLS approach, businesses can:

• Improve Network Performance: Use broadband connections to supplement MPLS, optimizing bandwidth and reducing latency.
• Increase Carrier Flexibility: Mix and match carriers or switch providers based on real-time bandwidth availability.
• Streamline Connectivity: Securely deploy new locations faster and simplify network management.
• Reduce Costs: Lower infrastructure expenses by utilizing broadband where possible while maintaining MPLS for critical applications.

Conclusion: A Symbiotic Relationship

While SD-WAN offers a modern, agile approach to networking, MPLS remains indispensable for organizations requiring guaranteed quality of service (QoS). The future of enterprise networking isn’t a choice between SD-WAN and MPLS—it’s a strategic blend of both. Businesses that embrace this hybrid model will benefit from enhanced connectivity, reduced costs, and a network infrastructure built for the demands of today’s cloud-driven world.