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What are the benefits of SD-WAN services vs. MPLS?

By Carrie Higbie Goetz

When comparing the benefits of SD-WAN services vs. MPLS for unified communications,
organizations probably won't find many tradeoffs. Software-defined WAN is poised to make a
difference in the wide-area space because of its simplicity and ease of use. It also provides more
broadband connections, which are less expensive than MPLS connections to carriers in many
geographic markets.

It's simply better to look at UC network enhancements from an SD-WAN perspective. SD-WAN
services manage UC traffic by increasing bandwidth for high-volume data, such as voice and video.
The WAN will be easier to administer and is open to more types of circuits than a traditional MPLS-
to-MPLS circuit, which may not be available or affordable in all locations.

In fact, software-defined services, both local and wide-area, boast ease of use as a key feature.
They do not require the advanced specialists for configuration and administration like traditional
MPLS and other admin-heavy equipment require.

The benefits of SD-WAN services can be especially helpful for remote and home offices where
broadband services are available, but MPLS may not be. In the past, gateways have been required
to connect those locations, or the administration has required multiple protocols and profiles for
those locations to work.

SD-WAN services also offer an overlay of security, as open internet circuits have not always been
the most secure. One final advantage SD-WAN has over MPLS is the ability to manage all circuits in
one place at the same time, allowing for easier expansion.

Do you have a question for Carrie Higbie Goetz or any other experts? Ask your enterprise-specific
questions today! All questions are treated anonymously.

05 Apr 2018

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