RESOURCES

    What is Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)?

    Section I: What is MPLS?
           

    Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a high-performance routing technique used to direct data through a telecommunications network. Instead of relying solely on destination IP addresses, MPLS assigns short path labels to packets, enabling routers to make forwarding decisions based on these labels, streamlining traffic flows and improving efficiency. 

    Traditionally used in large-scale enterprise networks, MPLS provides a predictable, private path for data to travel across service provider backbones. It's commonly used for site-to-site WAN connectivity and is known for offering low-latency, high-reliability connections, especially in mission-critical environments. 

     

    By decoupling data forwarding from complex routing tables, MPLS delivers more deterministic performance, consistent quality of service (QoS), and network segmentation for added security. Although increasingly being complemented or replaced by SD-WAN solution, MPLS still plays a critical role in networks requiring guaranteed performance and uptime. 

    Supporting content

    Modernise your WAN without the complexity.

    Explore Orixcom Managed SD-WAN
        
    Section II

    Why Enterprises Have Relied on MPLS?

    MPLS has long been the default choice for businesses that require secure, stable connectivity between distributed offices, data centres, and key applications. It offers clear benefits compared to traditional internet-based routing—namely performance guarantees, traffic prioritisation, and end-to-end management. 

    Because MPLS uses label-switched paths (LSPs), data packets follow pre-defined, predictable routes. This helps eliminate congestion and latency issues often found in IP-routed networks. For organisations with latency-sensitive applications like voice, video, and ERP systems, MPLS ensures a high level of performance continuity. 

    Another key advantage is Quality of Service (QoS). MPLS enables traffic engineering, which allows businesses to prioritise certain types of data over others. For example, voice traffic can be prioritised over email or file transfers, ensuring real-time communications are not disrupted. 

    MPLS is also more secure than traditional internet connections since it operates on a private backbone—often separate from the public internet. This reduces exposure to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or packet sniffing. 

    However, as application environments shift to the cloud and remote users become the norm, MPLS has started to reveal limitations in agility and cost-efficiency—giving rise to alternatives like SD-WAN and direct cloud connectivity. 

    Supporting content

       
    Section III

    Benefits of MPLS

    Predictable Network Performance

    MPLS ensures low latency, minimal jitter, and guaranteed bandwidth. This makes it ideal for real-time applications like VoIP, video conferencing, and financial transactions. 

    Built-in Quality of Service (QoS)

    With MPLS, traffic can be classified into multiple classes and prioritised accordingly. Critical data is given priority while less time-sensitive traffic waits, ensuring consistent performance for key applications. 

    Enhanced Security

    MPLS connections typically run on private carrier networks, separate from the public internet. This adds an inherent layer of protection against common internet threats like DDoS attacks or route hijacking. 

    Lower Packet Loss and Congestion

    Label-based forwarding ensures that packets avoid congested or unreliable routes, significantly reducing the likelihood of data loss or retransmissions. 

    Supporting content

      
    Section IV

    Limitations of MPLS

    Lack of Cloud Awareness

    MPLS routes traffic between fixed sites, not to dynamic cloud destinations. As more workloads move to SaaS platforms, this model struggles to keep up with modern traffic patterns. 

    High Cost of Bandwidth

    MPLS circuits are expensive and often come with long-term contracts. Scaling bandwidth across multiple locations can become cost-prohibitive compared to SD-WAN or DIA. 

    Inflexibility for Remote Work

    MPLS was designed for branch-to-data-centre models. With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, businesses find MPLS lacks agility to support distributed users and cloud-first applications. 

    Complex Deployment and Maintenance

    Provisioning MPLS links can take weeks or months. Changes to network architecture require coordination with service providers, which slows down innovation. 

    No Native Support for Application Visibility

    Unlike SD-WAN, MPLS lacks built-in visibility into application performance or user experience, making it harder to troubleshoot or optimise real-time. 

    Supporting content

      
    Section V

    Modern WAN Choices: Why SD-WAN Outpaces MPLS?

    MPLS has long been the backbone of enterprise WANs, offering private, high-performance links between branches and data centres. But with growing cloud adoption and remote work, this static model struggles to keep up. 

    MPLS circuits are expensive, slow to deploy, and lack the flexibility to support modern, cloud-based traffic patterns often causing latency due to backhauling through a central hub. SD-WAN addresses these challenges with dynamic traffic routing across broadband, DIA, or LTE, based on real-time performance needs. It enables faster site rollouts, lowers costs, and enhances user experience. 

    Modernise your WAN without the complexity.

    Move to a secure, agile network with zero hassle.

    Talk to an Expert
         
    Section VI

    Orixcom Fully Managed SD-WAN

    Orixcom delivers a fully managed SD-WAN solution purpose built for enterprises. Designed for high-performance, secure, and scalable connectivity, this service simplifies network operations while enabling direct, intelligent access to cloud and data centre applications.

    Key Features of Orixcom Managed Cisco SD-WAN: 

    • Centralised Control & Visibility: 
      Manage and monitor all network sites through a single dashboard using Cisco vManage.

    • Application-Aware Routing:
      Automatically prioritises traffic based on business-critical application needs.

    • Secure Internet Breakout:
      Enables direct access to SaaS and cloud services with built-in security controls.

    • Hybrid Connectivity Support: 
      Seamlessly integrates DIA, broadband, LTE, and MPLS as needed.

    • Zero-Touch Provisioning: 
      Rapid branch deployment without on-site configuration.

    • ZTNA & SASE Integration Ready:
      Supports secure access models for remote and distributed users.
    With dynamic traffic steering, cloud-optimised performance, and built-in security, Orixcom’s SD-WAN enables enterprises to modernise their WAN without the complexity of managing it in-house. It ensures improved user experience across all locations while maintaining control and compliance.

    By partnering with Orixcom, businesses gain a trusted Managed SD-WAN service with deep regional expertise, fast deployment capabilities, and end-to-end service management ensuring performance, scalability, and security across their entire network.

    Contributors:

    Describe your image

    Anthony Grower

    Topic Specialist

    Describe your image

    Kelly Brighton

    Topic Specialist

    Describe your image

    Richard Peace

    Topic Specialist

    Sources:

    1) Even the all-powerful Pointing: Almost Unorthographic.
    2) Far far away, behind the word mountains: www.vokalia-and-consonantia.com
    3) The copy warned: The Little Blind Text

    Related Topics

    Stay up to date with what is new in our industry, learn more about the upcoming products and events.

    Network Performance Monitoring 

    Network performance monitoring involves tracking key metrics such as bandwidth usage, latency, jitter, and packet loss to ensure smooth data transmission. It helps IT teams detect performance bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and optimise network resources for enhanced efficiency. Businesses rely on performance monitoring to maintain service-level agreements (SLAs) and deliver seamless user experiences. 

    Network Traffic Analysis 

    Network traffic analysis focuses on examining data flows across a network to identify congestion, unusual traffic patterns, and security risks. It provides insights into which applications consume the most bandwidth, helping organisations optimise traffic routing. This type of monitoring is crucial for detecting DDoS attacks, data exfiltration, and insider threats. 

    Network Security Monitoring 

    Network security monitoring safeguards an organisation’s digital infrastructure by detecting unauthorised access, malware infections, and suspicious activities. By continuously scanning network traffic, it helps prevent cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). Security monitoring tools integrate with firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions to provide a robust defence against cyberattacks. 

    Network Monitoring Tool 

    Network monitoring tools are software solutions that provide real-time insights, diagnostics, and alerts for IT teams. These tools enable proactive troubleshooting, automated issue detection, and performance analytics. Popular network monitoring solutions, such as Cisco ThousandEyes, offer deep visibility into network performance across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, ensuring business continuity. 

    Network Latency Monitoring 

    Network latency monitoring measures the time it takes for data packets to travel between network nodes. High latency can cause slow application performance, video buffering, and VoIP call disruptions. By analysing delay sources—such as routing inefficiencies, congestion, or hardware limitations—latency monitoring helps businesses maintain optimal connectivity and deliver a seamless user experience. 

    Subscribe to Our Blog