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In the world of networking, few technologies have shaped wide area networks (WANs) like Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). For years, MPLS was the gold standard for building scalable, reliable, and high-performance enterprise WANs. However, with the rise of Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN), many have questioned the relevance of MPLS and whether investing in MPLS training is still worthwhile.
Here’s the truth: while SD-WAN is transforming how organizations connect branches and data centers, MPLS is far from obsolete. In fact, MPLS remains a critical component in hybrid networks and enterprise infrastructures where performance, security, and reliability are paramount.
This blog explores why MPLS training is still relevant, what skills you gain, and how it complements SD-WAN in modern networking.
Before diving into the relevance of training, let’s briefly revisit what MPLS and SD-WAN are:
MPLS is a routing technique that directs data from one node to the next using labels instead of long network addresses. It’s known for:
MPLS is commonly used in financial services, healthcare, telecom, and other industries requiring consistent network performance.
SD-WAN uses software to manage WAN connections and can route traffic over various transport services like MPLS, broadband, LTE, or fiber. It’s known for:
SD-WAN is popular among organizations looking to reduce costs while increasing network agility.
Despite the rise of SD-WAN, MPLS continues to be part of most hybrid enterprise networks. Here’s why investing in MPLS training remains a smart move:
Many mission-critical applications and services still rely on MPLS due to its guaranteed performance and reliability. Even companies adopting SD-WAN often retain MPLS links for:
Learning MPLS equips professionals to support these high-priority services, ensuring uptime and performance compliance.
Today’s enterprise networks are rarely “either/or” when it comes to MPLS and SD-WAN. Instead, they follow a hybrid model—combining the benefits of both.
MPLS training helps professionals:
This dual expertise is highly valued in modern network operations centers (NOCs).
Leading service providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Tata Communications, and Orange Business continue to offer MPLS as part of their managed network solutions.
Network engineers working with or within ISPs benefit immensely from MPLS configuration and troubleshooting skills, especially when designing Layer 2/Layer 3 VPNs, MPLS-TE (Traffic Engineering), and QoS strategies.
MPLS training sharpens your ability to:
Even SD-WAN networks sometimes rely on MPLS underlays, making it important for engineers to recognize and resolve issues within that layer.
Technologies like SD-WAN and Segment Routing are built on top of foundational concepts introduced through MPLS. Learning MPLS gives you:
This foundation enhances your overall networking knowledge and prepares you for advanced roles.
Many respected networking certifications still include MPLS modules:
These certifications boost your credibility and open up career opportunities in large enterprises, ISPs, and cloud service providers.
Unlike public internet routes used in SD-WAN, MPLS operates over private carrier networks, offering inherent security and predictable performance. MPLS training helps you:
This is especially important for government, banking, and healthcare organizations.
Positions that actively require or prefer MPLS skills include:
Whether you’re maintaining legacy systems or designing new hybrid architectures, MPLS knowledge is often a prerequisite.
MPLS training typically covers:
Most programs include lab simulations or real-world scenarios to solidify understanding.
Rather than replacing MPLS, SD-WAN complements it. Businesses still want secure, deterministic traffic paths for key apps, and MPLS provides just that.
MPLS training empowers you to:
The future of networking is not either/or—it’s both.
🎓 Final Thoughts: Future-Proofing Your Networking Career
In the fast-changing world of IT, versatility wins. While SD-WAN is gaining ground, MPLS continues to power essential network services and will remain part of global infrastructure for years to come.
MPLS training not only keeps your skills sharp and certifications relevant, but also positions you as a well-rounded networking professional capable of handling today’s complex hybrid environments.
As a leading IT training company, Koenig Solutions provides certification courses in top technology courses, including MPLS. Our specialized MPLS training prepares you to manage and optimize networks, ensuring you stay relevant in this fast-paced, evolving industry.
In conclusion, MPLS is not going anywhere anytime soon. Its relevance might have changed, but it remains a crucial part of modern networking. For professionals looking to level up their skills, MPLS training is undoubtedly a valuable asset.
If you're serious about networking, don’t abandon MPLS—master it.
Aarav Goel has top education industry knowledge with 4 years of experience. Being a passionate blogger also does blogging on the technology niche.
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