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Options to connect multiple offices

EMP

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.

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