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Commonly confused · Routing & Switching

MPLS vs SD-WAN: What's the Difference?

MPLS is a carrier-provided private WAN service that forwards traffic using labels with predictable performance and SLAs. SD-WAN is a software-defined overlay that centrally manages and steers traffic across multiple transports, including broadband, LTE/5G, and MPLS itself.

vs

SD-WAN

MPLSSD-WAN
What it isLabel-switching transport serviceOverlay architecture and management approach
TransportCarrier's private networkAny IP transport: Internet, LTE/5G, MPLS
ManagementCarrier-managed core; edge routers configured box by boxCentralized controller and policies
Traffic steeringStatic, by carrier QoS classesDynamic, application-aware path selection
CostHigher per MbpsLower, uses commodity broadband
EncryptionNot inherent (private but not encrypted)Typically IPsec tunnels by default
Provisioning timeWeeks to monthsDays, zero-touch provisioning
Remember it

MPLS is a private toll road; SD-WAN is a smart navigator that uses every road you have.

Exam tip

Exams frame SD-WAN as a replacement or complement for MPLS, not a direct protocol equivalent. Know that MPLS by itself does not encrypt traffic.

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