As enterprises advance in their information technology, reliance on the internet and cloud services has grown significantly. An efficient corporate network is crucial for improving productivity and driving business growth. Common enterprise networking technologies include MPLS, VPN, and SD-WAN. Choosing the right solution depends on the specific needs of the business. This article outlines the pros and cons of these networking technologies to help enterprises make informed decisions.
Networking Method 1: MPLS Lines
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) lines are WAN services provided by telecom operators, ideal for interconnecting various branches of businesses and industry groups. Its main advantages include:
High Reliability
MPLS is based on carrier networks, offering ample bandwidth and high transmission reliability.
Strong Security
It employs techniques such as route isolation, address isolation, and hiding internal MPLS network information, providing end-to-end security guarantees.
However, MPLS lines are costly, have long deployment cycles, and are complex to maintain. They also struggle to accommodate the diverse needs of modern enterprises, such as cloud computing and SaaS. For large enterprises and government institutions that require high security and have substantial budgets, MPLS lines remain a solid choice.
Networking Method 2: VPN Networking
VPN (Virtual Private Network) networking establishes private data transmission channels over public networks, connecting the headquarters, branches, partners, and mobile workers. Its primary advantages are:
Low Cost
VPNs use public networks to create virtual private networks, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and leased line costs.
Quick Deployment
Implemented through firewall or VPN gateway hardware, VPNs can be set up quickly once network configurations are complete.
Remote Access
Users can connect to the corporate network via the internet, supporting remote and mobile work.
While VPNs are cost-effective and quickly deployable, their security risks and performance issues have become more apparent with the rise of remote work. For small businesses with limited budgets and lower security requirements, VPNs remain a practical solution.
Networking Method 3: SD-WAN
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) enables centralized management of enterprise networks, data centers, internet applications, and cloud services through an SD-WAN controller. Its main advantages include:
Cost Savings
Compared to leased lines, SD-WAN reduces networking costs by over 50%, making it especially suitable for cloud and mobile work scenarios.
Improved Access Experience
SD-WAN allows for seamless link switching and load balancing based on network conditions, ensuring the quality of access for critical applications and users.
Simple Deployment
Supporting various deployment methods including hardware, software, and client, SD-WAN can be set up in as little as 15 minutes without requiring specialized IT staff.
Convenient Maintenance
A visualized operation and maintenance platform allows administrators to manage the network uniformly, quickly pinpoint and resolve issues, and improve maintenance efficiency.
With the ongoing digital transformation of businesses, SD-WAN has become the preferred networking solution due to its flexibility, rapid deployment, and cost-effectiveness.
Professional Enterprise Networking Services
Ogcloud is a professional provider of enterprise networking services, specializing in SD-WAN, MPLS, and cloud interconnection. They also offer services related to business cloudification, data centers, network security, and industry-specific IT solutions.