Global MPLS Alternatives
After decades of use, enterprises are looking for MPLS alternatives. To be considered a viable alternative, a network must match MPLS service levels for predictability and consistency, while avoiding its pitfalls of cost, rigidity and capacity constraints. Although often used for WAN connectivity, the public Internet lacks the consistently low packet loss, jitter, and latency levels of MPLS. It can’t provide a predictable user experience for latency- and loss sensitive applications, such as VoIP and virtual desktops, particularly across global connections.
Affordable MPLS alternatives must enable an agile WAN, a consistent application experience on a global scale, and be delivered at a reasonable price. Deploying new sites, expanding capacity and gaining full control over network traffic, must be easier than with MPLS.
The Cato Solution:
Cloud-Native MPLS Alternative with Global Private Backbone Delivered as part of SASE
Cato’s cloud-native SD-WAN , integrated into Cato’s SASE platform, enables customers to augment and ultimately replace MPLS. Unlike Edge SD-WAN solutions that have a limited scope and persist the need for MPLS, Cato removes the dependency on MPLS. Cato further extends WAN transformation to eliminate branch security appliances, and natively support cloud applications and mobile users. With Cato, customers can maximize the benefits of transforming their WAN to reduce the cost, complexity, and risks of their IT infrastructure.
“With Cato, monthly costs dropped 25% and yet we still received 10x more bandwidth.”
Challenge
Eliminating the Need for MPLS
Edge SD-WAN architectures enable organizations to use multiple transports (MPLS and Internet) in branch locations, for WAN connectivity. However, they persist the dependency on MPLS for predictable delivery of latency and loss-sensitive applications.
Edge SD-WAN architectures enable organizations to use multiple transports (MPLS and Internet) in branch locations, for WAN connectivity. However, they persist the dependency on MPLS for predictable delivery of latency and loss-sensitive applications.
Cato Solution
Cloud-Native SD-WAN
Cato provides cloud-native SD-WAN with a built-in global private backbone and integrated network security, delivered as a cloud service. With over 50 PoPs worldwide, interconnected with tier-1 global IP transit providers, Cato provides consistent and predictable global connectivity at an affordable price.
Cato provides cloud-native SD-WAN with a built-in global private backbone and integrated network security, delivered as a cloud service. With over 50 PoPs worldwide, interconnected with tier-1 global IP transit providers, Cato provides consistent and predictable global connectivity at an affordable price.
Traditional Solutions vs. Cato Solution
Legacy
Legacy
Cato
Cato
Guaranteed Network Performance
Legacy
Persists Reliance on MPLS
Edge SD-WAN integrates Internet transport into an MPLS WAN. However, since the Internet can’t provide consistent and predictable latency on a global scale, MPLS is required for latency and loss sensitive applications.
Cato
Full MPLS Replacement
Cato built a global private backbone that runs an integrated networking and security software stack. Cato’s PoPs are fully meshed over multiple tier-1 IP transit providers with SLA-backed latency and packet loss. With Cato, customers can use high-quality, Internet last-mile and the Cato Cloud to replace MPLS.
Integrated Network Security
Legacy
Complex and Costly Security Integration
Edge SD-WAN enables the use of Internet links for WAN transport and can provide direct Internet access at the branch. However, it doesn’t include a full network security stack and requires customers to deploy additional security solutions at every location, backhaul traffic to a datacenter, or use cloud-based security services.
Cato
Built-In Network Security
Cato provides a full network security stack, including FWaaS, secure web gateway, anti-malware and IPS built into its global private backbone. There’s no need to deploy branch security appliances, backhaul traffic, or introduce new security services. All policies are managed within Cato’s management application.
Supported Edges
Legacy
Cloud and Mobile are Ignored
Edge SD-WAN was designed with physical locations in mind. Typical WAN architectures treat cloud datacenters and mobile users as an afterthought
Cato
Full Support for All Edges
Cato connects all enterprise edges including physical locations, cloud infrastructure, and mobile users. SD-WAN and network security are available globally and for traffic from all sources.
Legacy
Cato
Guaranteed Network Performance
Persists Reliance on MPLS
Edge SD-WAN integrates Internet transport into an MPLS WAN. However, since the Internet can’t provide consistent and predictable latency on a global scale, MPLS is required for latency and loss sensitive applications.
Full MPLS Replacement
Cato built a global private backbone that runs an integrated networking and security software stack. Cato’s PoPs are fully meshed over multiple tier-1 IP transit providers with SLA-backed latency and packet loss. With Cato, customers can use high-quality, Internet last-mile and the Cato Cloud to replace MPLS.
Integrated Network Security
Complex and Costly Security Integration
Edge SD-WAN enables the use of Internet links for WAN transport and can provide direct Internet access at the branch. However, it doesn’t include a full network security stack and requires customers to deploy additional security solutions at every location, backhaul traffic to a datacenter, or use cloud-based security services.
Built-In Network Security
Cato provides a full network security stack, including FWaaS, secure web gateway, anti-malware and IPS built into its global private backbone. There’s no need to deploy branch security appliances, backhaul traffic, or introduce new security services. All policies are managed within Cato’s management application.
Supported Edges
Cloud and Mobile are Ignored
Edge SD-WAN was designed with physical locations in mind. Typical WAN architectures treat cloud datacenters and mobile users as an afterthought
Full Support for All Edges
Cato connects all enterprise edges including physical locations, cloud infrastructure, and mobile users. SD-WAN and network security are available globally and for traffic from all sources.