In today’s digital era, the demands for network connectivity among enterprises have become increasingly complex and diverse. SD-WAN, VPN, and MPLS, as three leading network connection technologies, each possess unique advantages and applicable scenarios. So, what are the key differences among these three? Let’s delve into a comprehensive analysis from multiple dimensions.

Generally speaking, SD-WAN excels in data transmission quality compared to VPN, while MPLS offers superior privacy in transmission compared to both VPN and SD-WAN. However, SD-WAN stands tall in terms of implementation cycle, flexible deployment, and testability, surpassing MPLS in these aspects. For more detailed comparisons, please refer to the following sections:

I. Quality

VPN, relying on public network virtual channels, often experiences lags or suspensions.

SD-WAN, leveraging a dedicated transmission network, achieves nearly zero packet loss and low latency, comparable to the quality of a dedicated line.

Physical dedicated lines/MPLS offer similar benefits of minimal packet loss and low latency.

II. Stability

VPN is periodically blocked, resulting in intermittent connectivity and low availability.

SD-WAN ensures high network availability with multiple access points and POP backup solutions, offering a 99.9% availability rate to users.

Physical dedicated lines/MPLS may occasionally be affected by roadworks, especially in the last mile.

III. Bandwidth

VPN offers shared bandwidth, often leading to bandwidth contention and lags due to competition from other users on the same network.

SD-WAN provides dedicated bandwidth, unaffected by other network users.

Similarly, physical dedicated lines/MPLS offer dedicated bandwidth, free from interference from other network users.

IV. Business Security

VPN is susceptible to contamination, posing a threat to business security.

SD-WAN utilizes SSL encryption to safeguard business operations.

Physical dedicated lines/MPLS offer high security through layer 2 isolation.

V. Number of Connected Users

VPN restricts the number of users and endpoints through account-based limitations.

SD-WAN places no restrictions on the number of users or the type and quantity of endpoints.

Similarly, physical dedicated lines/MPLS have no such limitations.

VI. Management

VPN has limited application scenarios and low manageability and network plasticity.

SD-WAN supports multiple access methods based on different network environments and manages the network uniformly through a platform.

Physical dedicated lines/MPLS require additional setup and management.

VII. Risk

VPN has uncertain resource origins, with a majority of individual users, posing high risks.

SD-WAN uses legitimate resources, primarily catering to enterprise users, resulting in lower risks.

Physical dedicated lines/MPLS are primarily used by large and medium-sized enterprises, also posing low risks.

VIII. Cost

VPN offers very low costs.

SD-WAN falls between VPN and MPLS in terms of pricing, offering a moderate cost.

MPLS has the highest cost.

So, how should enterprises choose?

If an enterprise has stringent requirements for data security and stability, such as in the financial, military, or government sectors, MPLS is the unequivocal choice.

On the other hand, if an enterprise demands higher transmission quality, international connectivity, or small-bandwidth networking, such as in scenarios like multi-cloud interconnectivity, domestic access to overseas applications, or overseas access to domestic applications, SD-WAN is a recommended option. For any further requirements, feel free to contact us, as Ogcloud provides high-quality network solutions to enterprise users.