What does SD WAN Solution Gartner mean and its advantages over MPLS VPN? How does it compare to other technologies such as WAN optimization? Here are the answers!
SD WAN Solution Gartner
SD-WAN Solution and MPLS VPN are two different technologies that are used to achieve the goal of connecting multiple sites. SD-WAN Solution is a branch-office connectivity technology that creates a WAN out of the existing Internet infrastructure. MPLS VPN is a private line service that is used for enterprise network extension.
SD-WAN Solution may use MPLS but it is not the only option for this technology. SD WAN can also use the internet. MPLS VPNs are private lines that are created using routers and switches that are connected to the core MPLS network. The routers at both ends have to be configured with an identical routing table.
It means that they have to be interconnected on the same network so that they can communicate with each other. This is why MPLS VPNs are usually used in an enterprise network by branch offices with headquarters in common locations. So, they can communicate together easily.
MPLS VPN Backup
SD-WAN, on the other hand, uses broadband Internet connections to provide connectivity between branch offices and headquarters. The broadband connections allow different types of traffic to travel independently. This is over separate paths so more than one type of traffic can travel through the network at the same time.
That is without affecting each other, unlike with MPLS VPNs where only one traffic type can travel through the network at a time. In some cases, SD-WAN can be used as a backup for an MPLS VPN. Also, as an alternative in case, there is an outage in the MPLS network.
SD WAN Solutions Gartner Advantage
SD WANs create a high bandwidth connection between branch offices and headquarters. This allows them to share resources and applications securely without requiring them to be located onsite with each other. But instead distributing them throughout the network.
Also, they allow multiple types of traffic to travel simultaneously through the network. This means that all business functions can run simultaneously without affecting each other. That is during peak usage periods such as after hours or during business meetings.
They are also lower cost than other solutions that are based on dedicated lines. These are such as Frame Relay or ATM because they use less expensive Internet connections instead of dedicated circuit-switched networks. So, it means that there is no need for expensive equipment like routers or switches at every location.
Since there are fewer locations involved in this technology compared to other solutions. MPLS VPNs require that all the locations involved in the private line service are interconnected on a private network. So, the routers at both ends of the connection can communicate with each other.
Moreover, this means that both ends of the VPN have to be located in the same area so that they can be connected to the same network. Also, this is why MPLS is often used by large enterprises with multiple branch offices in different geographical locations. However, SD WANs use broadband Internet connections which allows them to work in various environments!