MPLS and SDN can both be solutions to these challenges. 

Below is a list of benefits that SDN routing can bring to your organization:

  • Cost Reduction
  • Overhead Reduction
  • Physical vs. Virtual Networking Management
  • Managing Virtual Packet Forwarding
  • Reduced Downtime
  • Isolation and Traffic Control
  • Extensibility
  • Central Networking Management Tool
  • Centralized Control

 

Below is a list of Advantages of MPLS over SDN

  • Carrier MPLS is plug-and-play
  • One Carrier circuit can support MPLS, Internet and SIP
  • Domestic MPLS takes 30 days typically to install.
  • Carriers provide next-gen firewall
  • Carrier Managed Solutions such as Firewall, VOIP, etc..
  • Traditional MPLS is inexpensive nowadays
  • MPLS port pricing is practically the same as Internet port pricing
  • Carriers offer firewall ports within the MPLS environment eliminating the cost of a firewall for every location.
  • MPLS supports many transport types including Ethernet, Broadband, DSL
  • MPLS can be completely outsourced

 

Definition of Software Defined Networking:  

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an umbrella term encompassing several kinds of network technology aimed at making the network as agile and flexible as the virtualized server and storage infrastructure of the modern data center. The goal of SDN is to allow network engineers and administrators to respond quickly to changing business requirements. In a software-defined network, a network administrator can shape traffic from a centralized control console without having to touch individual switches, and can deliver services to wherever they are needed in the network, without regard to what specific devices a server or other device is connected to. The key technologies are functional separation, network virtualization and automation through programmability. – techtarget.com

 

Definition of MPLS Networking:

MPLS allows most packets to be forwarded at Layer 2(the switching level) rather than having to be passed up to Layer 3 (the routing level). Each packet gets labeled on entry into the service providers network by the ingress router. All the subsequent routing switches perform packet forwarding based only on those labels—they never look as far as the IP header. Finally, the egress router removes the label(s) and forwards the original IP packet toward its final destination.  The label determines which pre-determined path the packet will follow. The paths, which are called label switched paths (LSPs), allow service providers to decide ahead of time what will be the best way for certain types of traffic to flow within a private or public network. -techdata.com