Requiem for MPLS
Multiprotocol label switching has been around for 20 years and has served the enterprise well as the go-to method for global connectivity. It’s popular as a response to business needs for reliable and predictable network performance across the wide area network. MPLS provides access to latency-sensitive enterprise applications like ERP, CRM and virtual desktops for remote office employees. Applications benefit from fast and reliable performance with low latency.
The alternative to MPLS is to jump into the abyss with Internet-based connections such as IP virtual private networks. Unmanaged Internet-based global routing, also known as the middle mile, is a convoluted mess of communication service providers, links and routers. It provides no guarantee that your packet will arrive on time, if at all.
