What Is the Difference Between VPN, MPLS, VLAN, and MPLS-VPN?

Running a business will mean that a lot of computers are used for operations. Do you want to connect all your computers to make your business operations easier? You can use VPN, MPLS, MPLS-VPN, or VLAN to connect your computers. Dig deeper into this article to understand the difference between all these and figure out which one will be the most appropriate for your business.

What's MPLS?

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is similar to VPN in some ways. If you want to know what MPLS is, you should know that they can change the way data travels across a network. Data can travel from one IP address to another as long as it doesn't reach the ultimate destination. MPLS can help in speeding up the process of data reaching its final destination

The final destination of the data is scanned right at the first IP address and sent directly to the required destination. MPLS is used by companies to increase the speed of their internal data transfer. For instance, video calls can become faster with the MPLS network. It also helps businesses maintain their privacy as it becomes hard to track where the data travels.

What Is the Difference Between VPN and MPLS?

Since VPN and MPLS have quite a few similarities, people wonder what is the difference between VPN and MPLS? VPN refers to a network above a computer network. MPLS helps in carrying data from one network to another. VPN provides high security with the help of cryptographic tunneling protocols. But data sent through the MPLS network is not completely secure. The difference between MPLS and VPN is discussed below with reference to certain parameters:

MPLS Vs. VPN

The debate of MPLS vs. VPN will always end with the fact that both have their own pros and cons. Therefore, cost analysis should come into play when trying to decide between VPN and MPLS. You should also consider the individual requirements of your business before deciding which one is appropriate for you. For instance, MPLS will be more suitable for a company that is running real-time applications. VPN will be suitable for those who do not have a high request for speed. VPN will also be a lot more cost-effective than MPLS.

MPLS-VPN

You often find yourself wondering which one is better: MPLS or VPN. But not many people know that MPLS and VPN can work together. An existing MPLS system can easily be integrated with a VPN. It will ensure that your network becomes stronger and even more secure. MPLS-VPNs are priced higher than normal MPLS. Since MPLS costs a lot more than VPNs, you should know that the cost of MPLS-VPNs will be pretty much on the higher side. If you are planning to set up MPLS-VPNs over a large distance, it's going to be even more costly. MPLS-VPNs are quite popular for big companies that require timely delivery of data.

What Is VLAN?

VLAN or Virtual Local Area Network can be used to divide your network into smaller segments. Due to this logical division, data transfer over VLAN is a lot faster. Companies of medium scale can benefit from using VLANs. If they are physically present in the same building and want to work even without internet connectivity, VLAN is their solution. But as VLANs run without any encryption, the risk of data getting hacked is quite high. If a hacker manages to get inside VLANs, they will get access to the entire network and will be able to steal data from it.

MPLS Vs. VLAN

Companies looking forward to making their data transfer process faster can use MPLS . If your business is dependent on real-time applications like video conferences, you will benefit from MPLS. On the other hand, VLAN is appropriate for businesses that want to operate even when internet connectivity is not available. VLAN can be used only for a network of computers in the same building. MPLS can offer a certain amount of security, but VLAN cannot offer data security due to a lack of encryption. Therefore, the discussion of MPLS vs. VLAN will conclude with the fact that what's better for you will depend on your business requirements.

VLAN over MPLS

It is possible to stretch VLAN over MPLS. The virtual circuit label present between the entry and exit points of your MPLS system does not change. The label can be added and removed respectively at the entry and exit points. The exit point is also the place where the tunnel label gets added. However, the tunnel label needs to be replaced and removed at each hop of the network. This particular setup is known as Virtual Private LAN services or Ethernet over MPLS. Virtual Private LAN services are used in case of meshed environments or point-to-multipoint scenarios.

On the other hand, an Ethernet over MPLS system is used for configurations related to point-to-point. VLAN can be extended using various methods when you can't do anything apart from obtaining native IP addresses between two data centers. You can apply the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol version 3 for tunneling the frames of Ethernet. It revolves around attaching the Ethernet frame to an L2TP header. It helps deliver the Ethernet frame to the remote site without being identifiable by the connecting network.

Wrapping Up

VPN, VLAN, MPLS, MPLS-VPN are various technologies for creating computer networks. What works best for you will depend on individual needs. Talk to a Tata Tele Business Services technology advisor to understand which one will be best for your business. Call our experts or text on WhatsApp to discuss your needs.