Network Solutions You can Trust
Download Resume



Migrating Manufacturing Client
from MPLS to Peplink SD-WAN Solution

Hooman Houtaham's avatar

Author

Hooman Houtaham

Network and Security Engineer

Overview:

In 2017, NETSSA undertook a project to migrate a manufacturing client’s WAN infrastructure from a traditional MPLS network to a more modern and flexible Peplink SD-WAN solution. The client operated from a headquarters, 10 branches, and mobile units, all of which required reliable and high-performance connectivity. The existing MPLS setup was costly and limited in flexibility, constraining the client’s ability to scale and adapt to changing business needs. By transitioning to Peplink’s SD-WAN solution using Balance 580 routers at the headquarters, Balance 310 routers at the branches, and MAX HD4 routers for mobile units, NETSSA was able to enhance network efficiency by 60% and reduce operational costs by 40%.

Objective:

  • Increase Network Efficiency: Boost overall network efficiency by 60% through optimized routing, load balancing, and enhanced bandwidth utilization.
  • Reduce Costs: Achieve a 40% reduction in operational costs by eliminating expensive MPLS circuits and transitioning to cost-effective broadband connections.
  • Enhance Flexibility and Scalability: Implement a scalable solution that supports the dynamic needs of both fixed and mobile units, ensuring seamless connectivity and easy management.
  • Improve Reliability: Provide a more resilient network with automatic failover and load balancing, minimizing downtime and enhancing service continuity.

Technologies Used:

  • Peplink Balance 580: Deployed at the headquarters as the core SD-WAN router, managing multiple WAN links with advanced load balancing and SpeedFusion technology.
  • Peplink Balance 310: Installed at each of the 10 branches, providing reliable WAN connectivity with load balancing and automatic failover capabilities.
  • Peplink MAX HD4: Utilized for mobile units, offering versatile connectivity options with 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and wired WAN connections.
  • SpeedFusion Technology: Enabled bonding of multiple WAN connections across all sites, ensuring optimized bandwidth utilization and seamless failover.
  • Peplink InControl2: Used for centralized management and monitoring of the entire SD-WAN network.

Detailed Networking and Configuration

  1. SD-WAN Architecture and Device Deployment
    • Headquarters Configuration (Balance 580):
      • Deployed Peplink Balance 580 at the headquarters, replacing the MPLS connection with multiple broadband internet links.
      • Configured SpeedFusion to bond these WAN links, creating a high-capacity, reliable connection with improved bandwidth and redundancy.
      • Set up advanced load balancing to distribute traffic effectively across all available connections, optimizing performance.
    • Branch Office Configuration (Balance 310):
      • Installed Peplink Balance 310 routers at each of the 10 branch offices, connecting them to multiple broadband providers for redundancy.
      • Enabled SpeedFusion bonding at the branch level, ensuring consistent connectivity and efficient use of available bandwidth.
      • Configured automatic failover to reroute traffic in case of a WAN link failure, minimizing downtime and maintaining service continuity.
    • Mobile Unit Configuration (MAX HD4):
      • Deployed Peplink MAX HD4 routers in mobile units, providing flexible WAN connectivity through 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and wired options.
      • Configured the routers to prioritize connections based on availability and performance, ensuring reliable communication for mobile operations.
      • Integrated SpeedFusion to bond available WAN connections, delivering stable and high-speed connectivity for mobile teams.
  2. Migration from MPLS to SD-WAN
    • Assessment and Planning:
      • Conducted a thorough analysis of the existing MPLS network to understand traffic patterns, bandwidth requirements, and critical applications.
      • Developed a migration plan to transition the client from MPLS to SD-WAN with minimal disruption to operations.
    • Network Redesign:
      • Replaced the MPLS links with broadband connections at all sites, integrating them into the SD-WAN architecture.
      • Reconfigured network settings to route traffic through the new SD-WAN infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition from MPLS.
    • Testing and Validation:
      • Performed extensive testing to validate the performance of the SD-WAN solution, including load balancing, failover mechanisms, and SpeedFusion bonding.
      • Ensured that all critical applications and services were fully operational on the new network before decommissioning the MPLS circuits.
  3. Performance Optimization and Cost Savings
    • Efficiency Improvement:
      • Achieved a 60% increase in network efficiency by optimizing traffic routing and utilizing the combined bandwidth of multiple WAN links.
      • Reduced latency and improved application performance, particularly for mission-critical operations.
    • Cost Reduction:
      • Realized a 40% reduction in WAN-related costs by eliminating expensive MPLS circuits and replacing them with more affordable broadband connections.
      • Streamlined network management with Peplink InControl2, reducing the need for extensive manual intervention and ongoing MPLS management fees.
  4. Centralized Management and Monitoring
    • InControl2 Deployment:
      • Configured Peplink InControl2 for centralized monitoring and management of all SD-WAN devices, including real-time visibility into network performance.
      • Set up alerts and reports to proactively manage potential issues and optimize network operations.
    • Network Security and Compliance:
      • Integrated existing firewall solutions with the SD-WAN infrastructure to maintain a secure network environment.
      • Ensured that all configurations met industry security standards and compliance requirements.

Skills Gained:

  • Expertise in migrating complex networks from MPLS to SD-WAN architectures.
  • Proficiency in configuring and managing Peplink Balance and MAX series routers, including SpeedFusion technology.
  • Advanced skills in network optimization, load balancing, and centralized management using InControl2.

Results and Impact:

  • 60% Improvement in Network Efficiency: Optimized traffic routing and bandwidth utilization led to a significant increase in overall network performance.
  • 40% Reduction in WAN Costs: Transitioning from MPLS to broadband connections resulted in substantial cost savings for the client.
  • Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability: The SD-WAN solution provided a scalable platform that could easily adapt to the client’s evolving needs, including future expansions.
  • Improved Reliability and Uptime: The implementation of SpeedFusion bonding and automatic failover mechanisms ensured 99.99% uptime, minimizing downtime and enhancing business continuity.

Share this project with your friends!

Don’t miss Out!