In the late 90s, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) transformed enterprise networking, enabling businesses to prioritise and route data for low-latency, high-quality service. However, as companies embraced cloud and remote work, the high costs, limited flexibility, and complex management of MPLS became increasingly restrictive—a situation known as "MPLS Lock." This led many organisations to seek alternatives like SD-WAN and, more recently, comprehensive platforms such as Cato Networks, which combine SD-WAN's flexibility with integrated security and improved performance. Transitioning to these solutions not only reduces dependency on costly private circuits but also allows businesses to manage telco payments seamlessly during the shift. In this blog, we cover why there is a growing need for MPLS replacement and what you can do about it.
Overcoming the Cost And Rigidity of MPLS Networks
MPLS was once essential for secure, reliable connections between sites, but it now comes with high monthly fees and rigid long-term contracts that make it difficult to pivot to cost-effective, flexible solutions. Known as “MPLS Lock,” this situation strains budgets and hinders companies from adopting cloud-based, agile infrastructures that better support remote and distributed workforces. This cost inflexibility restricts IT budgets and slows down transitions to more scalable solutions.
Transitioning to SD-WAN for Flexible, Cost-Efficient WAN Management
SD-WAN offers a lower-cost, more adaptable alternative by enabling businesses to manage WAN traffic using a combination of internet links and MPLS circuits, reducing dependence on costly private circuits. As a first step in transitioning, SD-WAN allows companies to maintain MPLS where contracts require it while routing other traffic over more affordable, flexible options. SD-WAN enables a gradual transition for organisations still under MPLS contracts, reducing reliance on private circuits as these contracts expire. By seamlessly integrating internet links, businesses can gradually shift to a more cost-effective model without upfront contract buyouts or interruptions in service.
Addressing Distributed Security Challenges with Unified SASE
MPLS setups often require separate, costly security appliances at each location to ensure protection. This fragmented approach adds to operational costs and complicates management, creating inefficiencies across global sites.
Cato’s SASE platform includes built-in security at each Point of Presence (PoP), eliminating the need for expensive, site-specific security appliances. By embedding advanced features like zero-trust access, firewalls, and real-time threat prevention, Cato reduces hardware costs while simplifying security management across all sites.
Replacing Legacy VPNs for Scalable, Zero-Trust Access
Traditional VPNs, built for limited remote access, are costly to scale and require extensive hardware to support larger, remote-first teams. These setups often increase telco costs by routing traffic through centralised hubs, leading to latency and connectivity issues that impact productivity.
Cloud-delivered VPNs lower costs by simplifying deployment and reducing hardware needs. Traffic is routed through the nearest PoP, improving performance without the expense of traditional VPN hardware offering a more scalable, affordable approach to remote access.
Enhancing Application Performance Without Expensive MPLS Upgrades
Poorly optimised MPLS networks can lead to slow application performance, frustrating users and reducing productivity. Latency-sensitive applications like video conferencing suffer without bandwidth management, which often requires costly upgrades to support basic functionality.
Cato’s intelligent traffic routing and bandwidth management prioritise critical applications, preventing bottlenecks that can otherwise require costly MPLS upgrades. This prioritisation enhances performance while avoiding the need for expensive capacity increases, supporting a more efficient, cloud-dependent workflow.
Making the Transition with Cythera and Cato Networks
Cato Networks, in partnership with Cythera, delivers a complete networking solution designed to address the most critical networking and security challenges modern businesses face.
Here’s how this powerful setup works:
- Flexible SD-WAN: Replaces costly MPLS with scalable, efficient traffic routing over public and private connections, enhancing performance and lowering costs.
- Built-In Security: Integrated global private network with firewalls, intrusion prevention, secure web gateways, and zero-trust access—eliminating extra hardware at branches.
- Direct Cloud Access: Bypasses traditional data backhauling for fast, secure connections to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, improving cloud performance.
- VPN Replacement with Zero-Trust: Cloud-delivered VPN offers secure, low-latency access via the nearest PoP, ensuring consistent security for remote workers.
- Centralised Management: Single interface for monitoring, policy enforcement, and security, simplifying IT operations.
- Performance Optimisation: TCP and application-aware routing prioritise latency-sensitive apps, ensuring critical traffic gets the bandwidth it needs.
Cato Networks and Cythera: A Winning Managed Services Partnership
For companies weighed down by the high costs and limitations of MPLS, the partnership between Cato Networks and Cythera presents a powerful alternative. Switching to Cato’s cloud-native platform enables significant cost reductions, enhanced network performance, and simplified security management. With advanced features like TCP optimisation and application-aware routing, Cato ensures that all locations—whether on-site or remote—experience seamless, reliable connectivity.
Recognised in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE, Cato Networks is leading the way in converging networking and security to meet the challenges of today’s distributed and digital-first operations.
Ready to Transform? Sign up for a complimentary assessment and download our Checklist for a Smooth MPLS Transition to see how Cato Networks' managed services, powered by Cato Networks, can elevate your business.
