MPLS and SD-WAN are two popular technologies for building reliable and efficient networks. But how can you combine them to leverage the best of both worlds? In this article, you will learn how to configure MPLS with SD-WAN and what benefits it can bring to your network performance, security, and cost.
MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching, a technique that uses labels to route packets across a network. Labels are added and removed by routers based on predefined paths, called label-switched paths (LSPs). This allows MPLS to avoid complex routing decisions, reduce latency, and improve quality of service (QoS).
MPLS, que significa Multiprotocol Label Switching, é uma tecnologia de rede de telecomunica??es que direciona dados de uma rede de nós apropriados por meio de rótulos em vez de endere?os de rede complexos. Ela foi projetada para melhorar o encaminhamento de pacotes em redes IP, proporcionando maior eficiência e controle.
SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network, a technology that uses software to manage and optimize the connectivity between different locations. SD-WAN can dynamically choose the best path for each application based on factors such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability. This allows SD-WAN to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and enhance security.
SD-WAN, ou Redes Definidas por Software de área Ampla (do inglês, Software-Defined Wide Area Network), é uma tecnologia que simplifica a gest?o e a opera??o de uma rede corporativa ao usar software para controlar a distribui??o de dados por uma área ampla (como entre filiais e data centers) usando conex?es de Internet comuns. O SD-WAN é particularmente útil para empresas com várias filiais ou que dependem fortemente de comunica??es entre diferentes locais. Ele proporciona flexibilidade, escalabilidade e eficiência operacional, tornando-se uma escolha cada vez mais popular para otimizar redes corporativas em um ambiente de nuvem e aplica??es distribuídas.
MPLS and SD-WAN can complement each other in several ways. For example, you can use MPLS as the backbone network for your critical applications that require high performance and QoS, while using SD-WAN as the overlay network for your less sensitive applications that can benefit from the diversity and redundancy of multiple links. This way, you can achieve a hybrid network that balances cost and quality.
To configure MPLS with SD-WAN, you need to have an MPLS service provider and an SD-WAN solution provider, as well as routers or gateways that support both. The basic steps involve connecting the routers or gateways to the MPLS and SD-WAN networks, configuring them to assign labels to packets that need to use the MPLS network, sending labeled packets to the MPLS network and unlabeled packets to the SD-WAN network, and configuring your SD-WAN solution to monitor and optimize performance. You can use different interfaces or subinterfaces for each network, different criteria such as source, destination, or application to classify packets, routing protocols or static routes to direct traffic, and features such as load balancing, failover, encryption, or firewall to enhance the SD-WAN network.
By configuring MPLS with SD-WAN, you can enjoy several benefits for your network. This hybrid network can provide improved performance, increased reliability, and reduced cost. MPLS is best used for latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications, such as voice, video, or cloud services. SD-WAN can be used for less critical and more flexible applications, such as email, web, or file transfer. It can also be used as a backup or alternative for your MPLS network in case of failure or congestion. Additionally, SD-WAN can reduce the dependency and expense of MPLS by using cheaper and more abundant links, such as broadband, LTE, or satellite. Furthermore, it can optimize the bandwidth utilization and reduce the overhead of MPLS. By combining both technologies into a hybrid network, you can enjoy a fast, reliable, secure, and cost-effective solution that meets your needs and goals.
Lembre-se de que a implementa??o bem-sucedida de MPLS com SD-WAN depende da compreens?o das necessidades específicas da sua organiza??o e do ambiente de rede. é sempre aconselhável envolver profissionais especializados para garantir uma configura??o ideal e maximizar os benefícios.