How does SD-WAN differ from MPLS in security?

SD-WAN vs. MPLS: Security Differences

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) are two popular networking technologies used to connect branch offices, data centers, and remote sites. While both provide reliable connectivity, they handle security in different ways, reflecting their underlying architectures and goals. Here’s a detailed comparison of SD-WAN and MPLS in terms of security:

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1. Data Encryption

• SD-WAN:
  • Built-In Encryption: SD-WAN natively supports end-to-end encryption of all data traffic between branch offices, remote users, and data centers using protocols such as IPsec or TLS. This encryption ensures that all data traveling over public or private networks is protected from eavesdropping or tampering, regardless of the underlying transport method (e.g., broadband, LTE, MPLS).
  • Default Encryption: SD-WAN solutions typically encrypt data by default across any connection type, including public internet links, ensuring that sensitive information is secure even when using lower-cost broadband or LTE.
• MPLS:
  • Private Network, No Native Encryption: MPLS is a private, carrier-managed network that does not provide native encryption for data in transit. The assumption is that since MPLS operates within a controlled, private environment, the traffic is secure. However, this means that data on MPLS circuits is not inherently encrypted unless additional encryption protocols, such as IPsec, are manually added by the organization.
  • Optional Encryption: Organizations that require encryption over MPLS need to layer on external encryption technologies (e.g., VPNs or IPsec tunnels), which can add complexity, cost, and latency.

2. Security Perimeter

• SD-WAN:
  • Decentralized Security: SD-WAN enables direct internet access at branch offices (known as local internet breakout) and routes traffic dynamically based on performance and security requirements. To handle this, SD-WAN integrates with cloud-based security solutions such as SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), which provides firewall, encryption, secure web gateways (SWG), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and data loss prevention (DLP).
  • Security Everywhere: SD-WAN applies security policies at the network edge, securing traffic whether it goes to the data center, the cloud, or the internet. This ensures that all traffic is protected, no matter where it originates or its destination, even over broadband or LTE.
• MPLS:
  • Centralized Security: In MPLS networks, traffic is often backhauled to a central data center before being routed to the internet or cloud services. This centralized approach requires security to be applied at the corporate data center or a security hub, where firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and other security tools are located.
  • Security Inside the MPLS Network: MPLS relies on the fact that it is a private, carrier-managed network with strict controls, but it doesn’t have the flexibility to apply security policies at multiple network endpoints. Any traffic that goes outside the MPLS network (to the internet or cloud) must pass through additional security layers, such as firewalls and proxies, before it exits.

3. Threat Detection and Prevention

• SD-WAN:
  • Advanced Threat Detection: Many SD-WAN platforms include advanced security features such as intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS), malware scanning, and real-time traffic inspection. This allows SD-WAN to detect and prevent threats at the branch level or as traffic flows between locations. SD-WAN can integrate with cloud-based security solutions like CASB and SWG, providing end-to-end visibility and protection.
  • Unified Security Management: SD-WAN solutions often have centralized management consoles that allow administrators to monitor, detect, and respond to threats in real-time across the entire WAN, ensuring that threats are contained and mitigated quickly.
• MPLS:
  • Limited Threat Detection: MPLS does not have native threat detection or prevention capabilities. Any such capabilities need to be layered on top through third-party firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, or security appliances. This adds additional complexity and management overhead.
  • Carrier-Managed Security: In some cases, MPLS providers offer managed security services as part of their MPLS offerings, but these are typically basic services (e.g., DDoS protection) and require an extra cost. Full-fledged threat detection and response often require additional on-premises hardware and integration.

4. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

• SD-WAN:
  • Integrated with Zero Trust: SD-WAN supports Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) as part of its overall security framework. ZTNA ensures that no user, device, or connection is trusted by default, and access to applications and data is based on continuous authentication, identity verification, and context (e.g., device posture, location). SD-WAN dynamically applies these zero-trust principles across all branches and remote locations, limiting access based on user roles and device health.
  • Granular Access Control: SD-WAN enables granular access control by applying security policies at the branch or user level, ensuring that users are granted least-privilege access only to the resources they need.
• MPLS:
  • Traditional Perimeter Security: MPLS relies on traditional perimeter-based security, where once users are connected to the network, they are often trusted and granted broad access. MPLS does not natively support Zero Trust principles, and implementing such a model requires overlaying additional tools like identity management and strict access control policies.

5. Cloud and SaaS Security

• SD-WAN:
  • Cloud-First, Secure Access to SaaS: SD-WAN is designed for cloud-centric environments and can enable secure direct access to SaaS applications (such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, AWS) without backhauling traffic to a central data center. By integrating with SASE, SD-WAN ensures that traffic destined for cloud services is securely inspected and filtered in the cloud via Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) solutions.
  • Distributed Security Controls: With SD-WAN, security is applied at each branch or remote office, meaning traffic bound for cloud services or the internet is inspected and filtered close to the user, minimizing latency and improving performance.
• MPLS:
  • Cloud Access via Backhaul: MPLS networks typically backhaul cloud-bound traffic to the data center for inspection before routing it to the cloud, increasing latency and affecting performance. MPLS relies on traditional firewalls and proxies located at the corporate data center to inspect and secure traffic before it exits the network.
  • No Built-In Cloud Security: MPLS doesn’t offer built-in support for securing SaaS applications. To secure cloud traffic, organizations must layer on additional solutions like CASB or DLP, which can increase complexity and cost.

6. Cost and Complexity of Security

• SD-WAN:
  • Lower Security Costs: SD-WAN reduces the need for expensive, dedicated MPLS circuits and instead leverages low-cost broadband, LTE, or fiber connections, while still providing advanced security features such as encryption, threat detection, and Zero Trust. By integrating security directly into the SD-WAN solution or through cloud-based SASE services, SD-WAN can deliver comprehensive security at a lower cost.
  • Simplified Management: SD-WAN centralizes security management, allowing security policies to be applied consistently across all locations, making it easier to manage and enforce compared to MPLS.
• MPLS:
  • Higher Security Costs: MPLS often requires additional security hardware (e.g., firewalls, VPN concentrators, and IDS/IPS systems) to secure traffic. These on-premises devices need to be purchased, deployed, and managed separately, leading to higher costs and greater complexity.
  • Complex Management: Managing security in an MPLS environment requires configuring security at the data center level or across multiple devices, leading to increased complexity and time-consuming management tasks.

7. Security in Hybrid Environments

• SD-WAN:
  • Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Support: SD-WAN is well-suited for hybrid or multi-cloud environments, as it enables secure and optimized traffic routing between on-premises infrastructure, multiple cloud providers, and SaaS platforms. Security policies can be enforced consistently across all environments through centralized management and SASE integration.
• MPLS:
  • Challenges in Hybrid Cloud: MPLS struggles in hybrid cloud environments due to its lack of flexibility and high reliance on backhauling traffic to the data center. This can introduce security gaps and performance bottlenecks when connecting to cloud services.

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SD-WAN vs. MPLS: Security Comparison Summary

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) are both networking technologies used to connect branch offices and data centers, but they differ significantly in how they handle security. Here’s a consolidated comparison of how these two technologies manage security:

Feature	SD-WAN	MPLS
Encryption	Built-in end-to-end encryption for all traffic, including over public internet (IPsec, TLS).	No native encryption. Assumes privacy within the MPLS network; requires external encryption (VPN/IPsec) if needed.
Security Management	Centralized management with integrated security, often through cloud-based services like SASE. Policies are applied consistently across locations.	Centralized in the data center, requiring separate firewalls and security appliances for protection. Higher complexity for policy management.
Threat Detection and Prevention	Offers built-in threat detection and prevention (e.g., IDS/IPS, malware scanning, real-time traffic inspection).	No native threat detection. Must integrate external security appliances (firewalls, IDS/IPS).
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)	Natively supports Zero Trust principles, ensuring continuous authentication and least privilege access.	Traditional perimeter-based security. Users are trusted after connecting to the network; no native support for Zero Trust.
Cloud and SaaS Optimization	Optimized for cloud services with secure direct access to SaaS and cloud applications. Integrates with CASB and Secure Web Gateway (SWG).	Traffic is backhauled to the data center for security before accessing the cloud, increasing latency and reducing performance.
Traffic Routing	Uses dynamic path selection, allowing secure traffic to be routed over multiple links (broadband, LTE, MPLS) for optimal performance.	Dedicated private circuits with guaranteed bandwidth but lacks flexibility for cloud or internet traffic.
Cost and Complexity	Lower costs by using broadband or LTE while maintaining security. Simplified management with cloud-based services.	Higher costs due to the need for dedicated circuits and additional security hardware (firewalls, VPNs). More complex management.
Hybrid Cloud Support	Designed for hybrid and multi-cloud environments with seamless, secure traffic routing across different platforms.	Less suitable for hybrid cloud due to reliance on centralized security and backhauling.

In Summary:

• SD-WAN offers a more modern, flexible, and secure approach to networking, especially for organizations embracing cloud services and remote workforces. It provides end-to-end encryption, integrates with Zero Trust and cloud-based security solutions like SASE, and supports direct access to cloud applications without backhauling traffic to a central data center. SD-WAN also reduces costs by utilizing broadband or LTE connections, while maintaining high security standards.
• MPLS provides reliable, private connectivity but lacks the built-in security features and flexibility of SD-WAN. It does not offer native encryption or advanced threat detection, requiring additional security appliances for full protection. MPLS also struggles with cloud optimization, often leading to increased latency and reduced performance for cloud and SaaS applications.

For businesses that prioritize security, scalability, and cloud performance, SD-WAN is the more comprehensive solution, especially when integrated with SASE for a unified networking and security framework. MPLS, while secure within its private network, may be less suited to meet the needs of today’s cloud-driven and decentralized IT environments.