MPLS vs SD-WAN: Key Differences Every IT Professional Should Know

In today's dynamic IT infrastructure, MPLS vs SD-WAN is one of the most popularly discussed topics among network engineers and IT professionals. Both technologies are popularly utilized to manage enterprise networks, yet the decision between the two is based on cost, scalability, performance, and long-term business aspirations. In this UniNets blog, we will demystify the differences among SD-WAN vs MPLS, their benefits, and how these are connected to some of the other networking ideas like routers, switches, cables, ports, and even where computers fit into today's networking.

What is MPLS?


MPLS or Multiprotocol Label Switching is an enterprise networking method employed for efficient, secure, and high-performance communication over the private WAN or Wide Area Network of an organization. Rather than IP routing, MPLS employs labels to forward data packets, thus enhancing speed and alleviating congestion.

MPLS is famed for:

High dependability

Consistent Quality of Service (QoS)

Robust support for voice and video traffic

For mission-critical, latency-sensitive applications required by organizations, MPLS has always been the preferred solution.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a new-generation networking solution that implements virtualization to dynamically steer traffic across multiple links, including broadband, LTE, and MPLS. While MPLS does not permit businesses to utilize cost-effective internet links, SD-WAN enables them to use internet links without compromising security and performance.

Key advantages of SD-WAN are:

Centralized management via software

Lower costs than MPLS

Flexibility in bridging branch offices and remote sites

Enhanced cloud performance

This makes SD-WAN vs MPLS an essential contrast to businesses going cloud-first.

MPLS vs SD WAN: The Main Differences

In comparing MPLS vs SD-WAN, IT experts have to consider performance, security, cost, and scalability.

Cost: MPLS is costly with dedicated lines, but SD-WAN uses lower-cost broadband and LTE.

Scalability: MPLS is more difficult to scale, whereas SD-WAN can expand seamlessly with cloud integration.

Cloud Support: SD-WAN is cloud-based application–oriented, while MPLS is more legacy.

Management: MPLS is manually configured, while SD-WAN utilizes centralized software.

Therefore, in SD-WAN vs MPLS warfare, most contemporary businesses are opting for SD-WAN due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Related Networking Concepts Every IT Professional Should Be Familiar With

Switch vs Router

While talking about WAN technologies such as MPLS or SD-WAN, it is essential to know the switch vs router difference.

A router joins various networks together, transferring data from one network to another.

A switch joins devices within the same network and maintains good communication internally.

Thus, when we discuss router and switch or even compare router vs switch, we realize that both play the most important part in enterprise infrastructure but have different functions.

Various Types of Cables in Computer Network

Another important element of computer network configuration is knowing the various cable types used in computer network configurations. Without cables, MPLS or SD-WAN won't work efficiently.

Some common network cable types are:

Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7) – Most prevalent in LAN setups.

Fiber optic cables – They're the first choice for high-speed long-distance transmission.

Coaxial cables – Utilized in antiquated or specific networks.

These cables in networking comprise the backbone of enterprise connections, and it is vital for any IT professional to be aware of the types of cable in computer network.

Port Numbers in Networking

Regardless of using MPLS or SD-WAN, data communication is based on port numbers. A port number is a numerical value used to guide network traffic to the right application.

Ports in networking play an important role in security and performance.

A list of port numbers contains standard ones including:

Port 80 (HTTP)

Port 443 (HTTPS)

Port 25 (SMTP for email)

Port 22 (SSH for secure logins)

Knowledge of port numbers in networking is key to network configuration and troubleshooting.

Benefits of Network and Computer Systems

When businesses opt between SD-WAN vs MPLS, they are basically analyzing the benefits of network infrastructure.

Some of the benefits of networking are:

Quicker communication and data exchange

Sharing of resources (printers, storage, applications)

Centralized data management

Increased security with proper configuration

If you’ve ever wondered what are the 10 advantages of computer in networking, here are some highlights:

Speed of communication

Data storage and retrieval

Remote collaboration

Cloud access

Internet browsing

Business productivity tools

Entertainment and multimedia

Data processing

Scalability of resources

Integration with networking systems

However, professionals must also recognize the advantages and disadvantages of computer use in networking. While they enable connectivity, productivity, and automation, they can also introduce security vulnerabilities and dependence on technology.

Final Thoughts

The decision between MPLS vs SD-WAN is not merely one of technology; it's one of aligning IT infrastructure with business objectives. While MPLS offers reliability and guaranteed performance, SD-WAN offers flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency.

At UniNets, we assist IT professionals and students in honing their network skills with hands-on experience in router and switch, types of network cables, port numbers in networking, and WAN technologies such as MPLS and SD-WAN. With this knowledge, you can better understand the benefits of networking and establish a successful career in IT infrastructure.

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