SD-WAN: The Next Evolution Beyond MPLS for Enterprise Networks

Understanding the Shift from MPLS to SD-WAN

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) has long been a cornerstone technology for enterprise networking, providing reliable and secure connections for businesses needing high-performance data transport. However, as enterprises grow, adopt cloud services, and support hybrid workforces, MPLS is increasingly seen as costly, rigid, and less adaptable to modern needs.

Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is a next-generation solution that utilizes cloud-based and software-driven architecture to enhance network performance, boost security, and reduce operational costs. By intelligently routing traffic across diverse connections - including broadband, LTE/5G, and even MPLS - SD-WAN equips businesses with a flexible, high-performing network infrastructure that can adapt to changing demands.

MCA’s preferred SD-WAN partner, Ericsson, offers advanced solutions that seamlessly integrate into enterprise networks. These solutions deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing connectivity, empowering businesses on their digital transformation journey and enabling them to meet the demands of a dynamic, cloud-driven world.

SD-WAN vs. MPLS: Key Differences and Advantages

Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability

MPLS networks rely on dedicated circuits, which means adding new locations often requires costly infrastructure investments and lengthy provisioning times. In contrast, SD-WAN virtualizes network connections, enabling businesses to scale operations more easily. With SD-WAN, companies can seamlessly connect remote offices, branch locations, and data centers without needing expensive hardware deployments, cutting deployment times from months to weeks or even days.

Intelligent Traffic Routing for Optimized Connectivity

SD-WAN dynamically routes traffic based on real-time network conditions, application priorities, and bandwidth availability. Unlike MPLS, which uses static routing configurations, SD-WAN continuously adapts to network congestion and optimizes performance for critical applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

With Ericsson’s NetCloud-powered SD-WAN, businesses can optimize connectivity by:

Prioritizing mission-critical traffic to reduce latency and packet loss.
Utilizing multiple network links simultaneously, including broadband, fiber, LTE/5G, and MPLS.
Automatically selecting the best available path for data transmission.

Lower Deployment and Maintenance Costs

MPLS contracts are typically expensive because they rely on dedicated leased lines, complex configurations, and service provider management. SD-WAN reduces costs by enabling organizations to leverage standard internet connections without compromising performance.

With SD-WAN, businesses can:

Reduce dependence on expensive MPLS circuits.
Deploy sites quickly with zero-touch provisioning.

Lower ongoing operational expenses with centralized cloud-based management.

Increased Reliability with Seamless Failover

Unplanned network downtime can disrupt operations, hurt productivity, and damage customer trust. SD-WAN improves network reliability with failover capabilities that MPLS alone cannot offer.

Ericsson’s SD-WAN provides active-passive and active-active failover, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. If one connection degrades, traffic is automatically redirected to a more stable option - fiber, LTE/5G, or broadband. This ensures consistent access to cloud applications and critical enterprise systems.

Integrated and Scalable Security

While MPLS offers security through private circuits, it lacks comprehensive built-in tools for managing internet-bound traffic or securing cloud applications. SD-WAN integrates advanced security features directly into the network, delivering a more modern solution to today’s cybersecurity challenges.

Key SD-WAN security advantages include:

End-to-end encryption for secure data transmission.
Traffic segmentation, isolating sensitive applications, and reducing risk in case of a breach.
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) to protect against modern cyber threats.
Cloud security integration enables direct and secure access to SaaS platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and AWS.

With Ericsson’s SD-WAN solutions, businesses gain centralized security management, simplify compliance, and ensure enterprise-grade protection across all locations.

Why Enterprises Are Choosing SD-WAN Over MPLS

Cloud-First Strategies

Organizations migrating applications to Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud require a secure, high-performance network that dynamically routes traffic. SD-WAN provides this flexibility while reducing dependency on expensive MPLS circuits, though MPLS remains a strong choice for consistent, low-latency connections in critical applications.

Hybrid Work Environments

SD-WAN enables secure and optimized remote connectivity, ensuring seamless collaboration across distributed teams and remote offices. However, MPLS offers a more stable and predictable connection for centralized office environments that demand high reliability.

Multi-Branch Enterprises

Retailers, financial institutions, and healthcare providers benefit from centralized network control, rapid site deployment, and cost-effective scalability with SD-WAN. That said, MPLS can still be preferred for branches requiring fixed, highly secure links with guaranteed performance.

IoT Deployments

Industrial and manufacturing firms leverage SD-WAN for real-time data transmission across sensors, cameras, and connected devices, especially in large-scale IoT rollouts. MPLS is often chosen for its reliability and predictable performance for highly sensitive or latency-critical IoT applications.

Failover and Business Continuity

SD-WAN eliminates single points of failure by providing intelligent failover capabilities and leveraging multiple connection types, ensuring uninterrupted operations during network outages. However, MPLS networks are known for their inherent reliability and guaranteed uptime, making them a valuable option for organizations prioritizing consistent service over redundancy through varied connections.

MCA and Ericsson: Delivering Advanced SD-WAN Solutions

Why Choose MCA for SD-WAN?

Preferred SD-WAN Partner of Ericsson: Delivering NetCloud-powered SD-WAN for enterprise-grade networking.
Custom-Tailored Deployments: Solutions designed to match your business size, industry, and performance requirements.
Cloud-Optimized and Secure: Seamless Azure, AWS, and SaaS applications integration.
End-to-End Network Management: Centralized control for simplified monitoring, troubleshooting, and policy enforcement.
Proven Experience in Enterprise Connectivity: MCA provides solutions for government, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail industries.

SD-WAN and MPLS: Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs

As businesses adopt cloud applications, hybrid work models, and IoT, SD-WAN has become a powerful solution for scalable, secure, and optimized connectivity in the digital age. However, MPLS remains an excellent option for specific applications requiring low latency, consistent performance, and high reliability. MCA, through our sister company, Infinity Technology Solutions, offers MPLS solutions alongside SD-WAN to ensure we deliver the right networking solution for every need.

Future-Proof Your Network with MCA

Whether you’re looking to modernize with SD-WAN or leverage the strengths of MPLS, MCA has the expertise to design and deploy the solution that fits your business. Contact us today to learn how our Ericsson-powered SD-WAN and Infinity Technology Solutions MPLS services can transform your network.

About MCA and Our CNS Team

MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.

Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.

Our extensive Ericsson catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.

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