Companies have several options to connect their offices, depending on factors like cost, performance, security, and scalability. Here are the main options:
1. SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)
Description: Uses software to manage and optimize wide-area network connections, often combining MPLS, broadband, and LTE for flexibility.
Benefits: Cost-effective, flexible, easy to scale, enhanced security, centralized management.
Best for: Companies with multiple locations that need flexibility, cost savings, and easy management.
2. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
Description: A private network that ensures high performance, low latency, and secure communication between office locations.
Benefits: Reliable, secure, predictable performance, and quality of service (QoS).
Best for: Large enterprises with critical applications requiring high performance and security.
3. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Description: Secure, encrypted connections over the internet between office locations or remote workers.
Benefits: Cost-effective, secure.
Best for: Smaller businesses or remote office connections, or for companies that require a more affordable solution.
4. Ethernet WAN
Description: Ethernet-based point-to-point connections offering high-speed connectivity between office locations.
Benefits: High bandwidth, low latency, easy scalability.
Best for: Businesses needing high-speed, reliable connections with simple management.
5. Leased Lines
Description: Dedicated, private lines between two or more office locations, providing a consistent, high-speed connection.
Benefits: Dedicated bandwidth, reliability, guaranteed performance.
Best for: Enterprises needing high availability and performance for mission-critical applications.
6. Direct Cloud Connect (e.g., AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute)
Description: Direct, private connections to cloud providers' infrastructure.
Benefits: Low latency, high security, better performance for cloud-heavy businesses.
Best for: Businesses heavily using cloud applications or infrastructure.
7. Wi-Fi Mesh Networks
Description: A system of interconnected Wi-Fi access points providing seamless coverage across multiple office locations.
Benefits: Easy setup, scalability, cost-effective for local area connections.
Best for: Offices or campuses needing extensive wireless coverage.
8. Private IP Networks
Description: Private, dedicated IP networks for connecting multiple office locations securely.
Benefits: Security, reliability.
Best for: Businesses requiring secure, high-performance connections for sensitive data.
9. Public Internet (with Quality of Service)
Description: Offices connected over the public internet, potentially using QoS (Quality of Service) protocols to prioritize traffic.
Benefits: Low-cost option, easy to implement.
Best for: Small businesses or locations with less demanding performance needs.
Conclusion:
SD-WAN and MPLS are among the most popular choices for businesses with multiple office locations, offering flexibility, performance, and security.
For high-performance or cloud-dependent needs, Direct Cloud Connect and Ethernet WAN may be the best options.
VPNs and Leased Lines are good for smaller businesses or those needing dedicated, secure connections.