MPLS

Multi-protocol Label Switching

In plain language

A private network service sold by phone companies that links offices together over their own paths.

The metaphor

Like a private express lane on a highway that the carrier runs for you.

Going deeper

How it works

Traffic gets a label and follows a set route.
The carrier keeps the lane separate from public internet traffic.
It costs more than regular internet.
Many businesses are replacing it with internet connections and VPNs.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

A retail chain paid for private links to each of its eight stores. When the contract came up, they replaced them with ordinary internet and a VPN and cut the bill sharply.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the managed firewall and switches that sit behind your provider's modem.

In practice

A chain links its stores to head office through the carrier.
A bank uses it to join branches.
A company drops it in favour of SD-WAN.

A question owners ask

Do I need one?

Most small businesses do not. A good internet connection with a VPN does the job at lower cost.

Where WILDCARD handles this

Network

Firewall managed and monitored
Switches kept current
On-prem Active Directory auth

Start with Network

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