Home Blog 5 Rules for Successful MPLS to SD-WAN Migration

5 Rules for Successful MPLS to SD-WAN Migration

 2022/08/26   Meraki Networking Solutions   781 visit(s)  5 min to read

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 By:Ctelecoms

 ctelecoms

MPLs-to-SDWAN-Migration

In the world of Information Technology, a step forward is always the aim of any enterprise that relies on networking and cloud computing. 

Even though MPLS as a solution has been around for so many years, it's time to move to the next step. 

MPLS in general, offer what you need and more, however it can be a bit confusing to deploy, and more expensive, especially for small or medium businesses. 

Here are the 5 main steps to migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN solution, the most suitable, secure, and affordable for businesses around the world. 

Read More: What is Meraki SD-WAN?

Read your MPLS contract

First and foremost, you need to understand your MPLS contract. Those contracts are normally structured on a multilayer basis, typically for three years. The contract should have two main parts: MPLS port charge and local loop charge. The first one is for the actual MPLS service while the second is for leasing the infrastructure from local carriers. Service-level agreements (SLAs) and break terms will be spelt out in the contract.

The contract should clearly describe how easily and quickly you can break away from MPLS, and carriers know this also so they may be unwilling to provide a copy of the contract if you don't have one.

On the other hand, some foreign carriers might provide only a native-language version of the contract. If that's the case, hire a professional translator who can understand the terms and won't leave a loophole in their translation. Bottom line: Do whatever you need to do to get hold of that MPLS contract early.

Termination costs and contract commitments

In any contract of this kind, there's a termination charge where they will penalize you for early termination. 

The provider might state that you can break the contract, however, you'll have to continue paying a charge for the contract term as if you were still using the network! 

You're looking here to save cost, not to add more to the pile! 

In order to protect themselves against local loop costs, MPLS providers require termination charges, and ease the local loops from the carrier and are locked into them for the time of the contract. Understanding this fact might give you negotiation leverage. 

Moreover, analyze the clause laying out minimum commitment. This will help you majorly meet the minimum break requirements well before the term completion.

So just be smart about the math and calculate each step thoroughly, and make sure you understand each word in the contract before signing.

Move to month-to-month MPLS services

Even though monthly MPLS contracts are expensive, and carriers usually offer discounts up to 60% on multilayer contracts, when moving to month-to-month you may lose those discounts. 

However, this will be the best option since you'll be able to schedule your MPLS-to-SD-WAN migration when the MPLS contract is up for term.

Measure the latency

When talking about networking, latency and the performance level are all that matter at the end of the day, that's why and despite all the talk about eliminating MPLS, there are cases where you may require an SLA-backed backbone or some additional circuits to deliver reliable performance.

There's no such rule for when you should consider a private backbone, however, a good guideline is when the latency exceeds 189 or 190 milliseconds.

The good thing is that with Meraki SD-WAN, you can access the private backbone using VPN to connect to any provider you desire.

Order internet lines right away

When moving from MPLS to SD-WAN, order internet lines the moment you know you'll need them. Of course, Cisco Meraki SD-WAN can deploy faster than MPLS, but that's when compared to low-cost broadband circuits.

However, for high-quality, dedicated internet access, you'll need the right fiber plant, so just don't waste time and make sure everything is working according to your time frame.

Why Ctelecoms is the one to save the day?

We are a proud Cisco partner, and thanks to their trust and the efforts of our employees we are capable of consulting for your networking problems and helping you deploy any solution you desire. 

Our Meraki SD-WAN solution is available to be deployed and set in no time, cutting the cost on your enterprise by 60% in comparison with other solutions! 

So what are you waiting for? Let us support you with more info at: https://www.ctelecoms.com.sa/en/Solution12/Meraki-Networking-Solutions-meraki






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