{"id":4508,"date":"2022-09-15T09:12:35","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T09:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelleander.me\/?p=4508"},"modified":"2022-09-15T09:12:37","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T09:12:37","slug":"use-cases-for-an-mpls-wan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelleander.me\/use-cases-for-an-mpls-wan\/","title":{"rendered":"Use Cases for an MPLS WAN"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Organizations use wide area networks (WANs) to connect remote branches across the country and around the world. Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) is a routing technology used to connect to WANs\u2014and has been a tried and true method for over two decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While software-driven WANs (SD-WANs) has since become the standard, thanks to their ease of setup, low cost, and flexibility, there are still several use cases for an MPLS WAN. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To better understand the best use cases for an MPLS WAN, it\u2019s necessary to understand more about MPLS WANs, SD-WANs, and the advantages of each technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multiprotocol label switching is a hardware-based networking technology that forms connections between local area networks (LANs) to make up WANs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using specialized routers, MPLS WANs use labels, rather than network addresses, to efficiently direct data. Labels are assigned to each data packet to dictate which predetermined path it follows\u2014optimizing data flow and increasing efficiency compared to traditional IP routing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Software-defined wide area networks connect LANs using software rather than hardware\u2014meaning they can be implemented through the regular internet, broadband, VPN, and even direct lines, like MPLS WANs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An SD-WAN uses a centralized control function to direct traffic securely and efficiently across the WAN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the more modern SD-WANs are less expensive, easier to set up and maintain, and more flexible, MPLS WANs still offer some unique advantages. Let\u2019s compare MPLS WANs to SD-WANs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional WANs, including MPLS, rely on hardware to connect users to applications housed at a data center. Routers have a data plane and a control plane. The former holds information and the latter dictates where that information goes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The data flow is controlled by a network administrator, who manually writes rules and policies for each router on the network\u2014a process that can be expensive, time-consuming, and prone to error. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is SD-WAN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN Compared to MPLS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ease of Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n