What Is Multi-protocol Label Switching?

MPLS, or Multiprotocol Label Switching, is a form of networking technology designed to direct traffic efficiently by utilizing “labels” instead of network addresses. This approach, employed in forwarding over private wide area networks, determines the shortest path for data packets. MPLS is scalable and protocol-independent, as it assigns labels to each packet, influencing its routing path. By enhancing traffic speed, MPLS ensures that users remain connected to the network without experiencing downtime.

What Is MPLS Used For?

Many organizations use this technology when managing multiple remote branch offices nationwide or globally, seeking access to a data center or applications at the enterprise’s headquarters or another branch. While MPLS offers scalability, improved performance, and bandwidth, enhancing the user experience compared to traditional IP routing, it has drawbacks such as high costs, global delivery challenges, and a lack of carrier independence.

With the shift of applications to the cloud, the conventional MPLS hub-and-spoke model proves inefficient and expensive due to the following reasons:

• Traffic is backhauled through the organization’s headquarters to reach the cloud instead of establishing a direct connection, significantly impacting performance.

• The inclusion of more applications, services, and mobile devices in networks increases the demand for bandwidth and cloud expertise, thereby elevating costs and operational complexity.

How Do MPLS Networks Work for Cloud Adoption?

To integrate MPLS into the cloud, various technologies can be used, including:

1. Virtual routing services:

Using a cloud router in conjunction with an MPLS appliance enables the establishment of MPLS cloud connections through a software-defined network (SDN).

2. Offloading:

Directing web traffic through a direct-to-internet connection allows the offloading of web traffic, enabling MPLS to carry only the traffic directed to the office and freeing up spare capacity.

3. SD-WAN:

SD-WAN complements MPLS by incorporating low-cost broadband internet links or replacing MPLS with internet-based designs tailored to application and bandwidth requirements.

While MPLS can be adapted for cloud usage by employing these strategies, its legacy architecture becomes a limiting factor as the cloud becomes more widespread. 

MPLS vs. SD-WAN 

SD-WAN facilitates seamless enterprise connectivity across vast distances, leveraging various WAN links like MPLS, wireless, broadband, VPNs, and the internet. It ensures remote office users can access corporate applications and cloud services, optimizing work flexibility. Monitoring WAN connection performance, SD-WAN intelligently manages traffic to maintain high speeds. Compared to the costly and rigid MPLS infrastructure, SD-WAN offers organizations cost savings, agility, and simplified centralized management, often cloud-based. The ongoing debate between SD-WAN and MPLS may lead organizations to adopt a hybrid approach tailored to their specific requirements.