The digital age has fostered a need for online services that simply perform. Modern consumers are now looking for speed, zero downtime, and optimum functionality from their digital services. As a result, older methods are fast becoming obsolete. When it comes to network connectivity, there has been a real shift in sentiment from traditional WAN to Ethernet VPN in the last few years, but is this really the way forward for businesses, educational facilities, and any large centers that need to share and transfer data?

What are Ethernet VPNs and traditional WAN?

First of all, it’s important to understand that even WAN has its own upgrade, SD-WAN. The former functions entirely on hardware, while the latter is software-based. Both have their own pros and cons, but WAN is better established, more widely used, and trusted.

With a closer look at traditional WAN, networks are connected via physical computing solutions that facilitate traffic flow via IP services. These are typically highly secure, reliable, and offer full control - but Wide Area Networks can be limited, difficult to manage, and can require ongoing professional maintenance and support.

Ethernet VPNs are stepping into the fray as a fresh new alternative, evolving from a security solution for connecting computing devices and computer networks into an attractive solution for wider/larger adoption. A virtual private network is a piece of software that intrinsically connects devices to the internet, with a focus on hiding the IP address and encrypting the alliance. When a VPN is Ethernet-based, it operates separately from the public internet and securely links multiple localized sites. These are typically used for the transference of larger datasets and traffic, often when higher bandwidth speeds are necessary. You can find out more at Codilime.

What are the key differences between the two?

Of course, the biggest difference is the fact that one works in a physical capacity, whereas the other is a digitized software solution. This isn’t the only difference, however. The key comparisons include:

• Performance
• Security
• Traffic management
• Maintenance and scalability
• Cost

These can be significant considerations when selecting the right avenue for specific businesses, so it may be worthwhile to look into the fact that the architecture of these networks will operate differently (typically, this relates to how links function) and that media is transported in different ways.

Pros and cons of Ethernet VPN and traditional WAN

To define the differences further, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both Ethernet VPN and WAN. This will help businesses to better define which option will better meet their needs. Here is more information about EVPN.

Pros of WAN

• Centralize or regionalize equipment
• House branch offices, servers, and infrastructure in one datacenter
• Negates the need for individual file servers, print servers, and application servers
• Dedicated privacy
• Encrypted traffic for increased security
• Higher throughput than Ethernet VPS services
• Can be cheaper than newer technologies

Cons of WAN

• Leased lines can be more expensive than internet-driven solutions
• Potential expensive backhauling for non-business-critical applications
• WAN connectivity may need to be increased over time to accommodate internet traffic
• Will need expert installation and likely ongoing maintenance

Pros of Ethernet VPN

• A virtual Ethernet switch is used to connect devices on different networks as if they were on the same LAN (local area network)
• Faster integration
• Devices can use native protocols and addresses with little disruption
• Low latency, seamless integration, and high performance
• Can be cost-effective in some scenarios
• Vast remote access capabilities when compared to WAN
• Low to zero maintenance
• Better collaboration across networks
• Potential for global reach

Cons of Ethernet VPN

• Potential issues with scalability
• Some individuals have concerns about security
• Lower latency can cause disruptions to performance
• Networks can sometimes be less private than expected
• Technology is rapidly evolving, so some software could become obsolete quite quickly

The best ways to navigate the evolution of network connectivity

In 2024, there is a strong focus on innovation and offering nothing short of the top services, whether these apply to workforces, in-house processes, or external products or services. Those not moving with the times and implementing the right tech will see a decrease in productivity, and lower sentiment, and could potentially be paying out more than necessary. This doesn’t mean that all new solutions will be intrinsically better, especially in terms of Ethernet VPN and WAN approaches to network connectivity. This is mainly due to the fact that WAN is well-established and trusted while VPNs are still relatively new and are consistently being upgraded. Selecting the right software product will significantly change the advantages, however.