December 07, 2022
Comparison between MPLS, SD-WAN and SASE
A large enterprise's digital backbone is its wide area network (WAN), which connects its branches and headquarters to nearby data centres and allows employees to connect, collaborate and communicate. The company network has evolved from a legacy system to a secure, cloud-based resource that improves productivity and efficiency for a remote workforce.
Companies now have a variety of choices when it comes to IT networks, whether they are large enterprises or small family-owned businesses. Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN), and secure access service edges (SASE) are the three most popular solutions.
In Kenya and the surrounding region, these services establish robust and secure IT network connections between offices and nearby data centres. The best solution depends on your company's needs and growth objectives as each network has specific benefits.
First generation networks: MPLS and legacy WAN
The internet and MPLS were two components of the first generation of business networks. These solutions offered an excellent balance between cost, availability and latency. Instead of routing traffic across the internet, MPLS utilises a managed, private connection between offices. This allowed for basic encryption and security protocols.
Since a telco or other service provider manages the connection, a service-level agreement (SLA) could be established to commit to certain availability and latency. These agreements had a high initial cost and were based on the network's available bandwidth. For a considerable cost, MPLS networks delivered high availability and minimal delays.
Second generation networks: SD-WAN
The cost-performance balance of MPLS gave rise to SD-WAN. To intelligently manage traffic via selected connections between branches and data centres, this solution uses both MPLS and the internet. The software that runs the network can direct certain business applications and users through less congested connections.
The management capabilities and oversight of the network are enhanced by SD-WAN, giving IT teams more time to focus on other objectives. Additionally, it offers a network that is significantly more flexible and scalable than MPLS and allows for the prioritisation of specific types of traffic or applications.
Third generation networks: SASE
The most recent generation of IT networks is SASE, often known as SSE. To deliver a highly secure connection between remote workers and the business, it relies on cloud-based infrastructure. SASE was developed to address the rapid migration to remote work and the cloud.
Access to cloud apps and services is restricted to authorised personnel under SASE's zero-trust approach to network security. IT networks must be more secure and scalable as cyber attacks on companies increase in frequency. SASE meets these requirements and enhances the delivery of cloud applications to a mobile workforce. Additionally, it enhances network visibility and management.
Comparisons between MPLS, SD-WAN and SASE
Now that the basics of each network type have been outlined, you can scan the table below for quick reference to some of the different capabilities offered by the three network solutions:
Although SEACOM Business offers SD-WAN, MPLS and SASE, the best solution will depend on your corporate structure, connectivity requirements and the type of data your business works with. In some cases, a hybrid solution is the best choice because it offers the major benefits of both network types.
To determine which network solution is right for your company, speak with one of our network experts. For more information or to get a quote for our network services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.
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