Which Industries Would Choose MPLS Over SD-WAN for Their Companies
In networking, various options are available for connecting different sites and services over a wide area network (WAN). Two of the most popular options are MPLS and SD-WAN. You might be wondering, “What does SD-WAN stand for?”
SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), while MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching.
While both solutions have benefits, certain industries would choose MPLS over SD-WAN for their companies. But first, it is worth knowing how SD-WAN works compared to MPLS and the differences between the two solutions.
What’s the Difference Between MPLS and SD-WAN?
SD-WAN and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) are both networking solutions that connect different sites and services over a wide area network (WAN). However, there are some key differences between MPLS and SD-WAN solutions.
MPLS is a traditional WAN solution that uses dedicated circuits and static routing to connect different sites and services. It is typically more expensive and less flexible than SD-WAN, but it can provide higher levels of security and performance for mission-critical applications.
On the other hand, the real power of SD-WAN is attributed to its standing as a more modern solution that uses software to dynamically route network traffic over various WAN connections, such as broadband, cellular, and MPLS.
It is generally more cost-effective and flexible than MPLS, but it may not provide the same level of performance and security for mission-critical applications.
The Industries Likely to Choose MPLS over SD-WAN
Financial Institutions
Financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and other financial services companies handle sensitive and confidential financial transactions requiring high security and reliability. MPLS provides a dedicated and private network for financial institutions, which ensures that the data transmitted is secure and tamper-proof.
Additionally, MPLS can provide Quality of Service (QoS) for time-sensitive financial transactions, such as credit card processing, which is critical for these organizations.
Government and Military
Government and military organizations must ensure that their communications and data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. MPLS provides a dedicated and private network, which ensures that data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. Additionally, MPLS can provide QoS for time-sensitive communications, such as video conferencing, which is critical for these organizations.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications companies must ensure that their communications and data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. MPLS provides a dedicated and private network, which ensures that data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. Additionally, MPLS can provide QoS for time-sensitive communications, such as video conferencing, which is critical for these organizations.
Healthcare
Healthcare organizations handle sensitive patient information and need to ensure that their communications and data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. MPLS provides a dedicated and private network, which ensures that data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. Additionally, MPLS can provide QoS for time-sensitive communications, such as video conferencing, which is critical for these organizations.
Energy and Utilities
Energy and utility companies must ensure that their communications and data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. MPLS provides a dedicated and private network, which ensures that data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. Additionally, MPLS can provide QoS for time-sensitive communications, such as video conferencing, which is critical for these organizations.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Supply chain and logistics companies must ensure that their communications and data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof. MPLS provides a dedicated and private network, which ensures that data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof.
Additionally, MPLS can provide QoS for time-sensitive communications, such as video conferencing, which is critical for these organizations. These companies often handle sensitive and time-sensitive information, such as inventory levels, shipping schedules, and other logistics data, which requires high security and reliability.
Final Thought: Your Needs Dictate Your Networking Solution
While MPLS and SD-WAN have their benefits, certain industries would choose MPLS over SD-WAN for their companies. Industries such as financial institutions, government and military, telecommunications, healthcare, energy and utilities, and supply chain and logistics require a high level of security and reliability for their sensitive and time-sensitive data transmissions.
MPLS provides a dedicated and private network, ensuring that data transmissions are secure and tamper-proof, and it can also provide quality service for time-sensitive communications.
These industries would prioritize security and reliability over the cost-effectiveness and flexibility offered by SD-WAN. Companies must consider their specific needs and requirements before choosing a networking solution.
