{"id":16892,"date":"2022-06-12T10:17:49","date_gmt":"2022-06-12T08:17:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/migration-from-mpls-to-sd-wan-migration-checklist\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T13:40:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T11:40:42","slug":"migration-from-mpls-to-sd-wan-migration-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/en\/migration-from-mpls-to-sd-wan-migration-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Migration from MPLS to SD-WAN – Migration checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Migration from MPLS to SD-WAN, migration checklist<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Trusted Advisor for IT & Telecommunications Sourcing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Successfully switch from MPLS to SD WAN<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Clear steps for a smooth migration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Switching from a classic MPLS network to SD WAN<\/a> opens up new possibilities in terms of flexibility, scalability and cost control. However, the changeover requires careful planning. This checklist shows the most important steps for a successful migration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In a nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Evaluate locations:<\/strong> Analyze and prioritize requirements for availability, latency and costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Planning the last and middle mile:<\/strong> choose a combination of fiber optics, radio relay or hybrid solutions for performance and stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Check security strategy:<\/strong> Include SASE integration and Zero Trust Architecture at an early stage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Implement cloud integration:<\/strong> Direct connection of cloud applications and data centers for better performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Choose a management model:<\/strong> From DIY to managed service, define the right SD WAN management<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL accompanies companies from the analysis to the implementation of the SD WAN solution, neutral, experienced and with a comprehensive overview of the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The question:<\/strong> What steps are you planning for your migration from MPLS to SD WAN?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Table of contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Migration of the sites<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Procurement of services<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Security strategy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Connect cloud applications<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Management model<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The transition from an MPLS-based network<\/a> to an SD-WAN is often unclear. What steps need to be taken when switching from a conventional MPLS network to an SD-WAN? We’ll tell you here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Migration of the sites from MPLS to SD-WAN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.1 Categorization of locations<\/strong>
Grouping of individual locations according to their requirements for availability, package delivery times, package loss and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.2 Choosing the right “last mile”<\/strong>
The higher the requirements of the categorized locations, the more performant and secure the last mile must be. Internet via fiber optics, copper, radio relay, LTE or a hybrid solution consisting of several connection variants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.3 Choosing the right “middle mile”<\/strong>
While the “last mile” covers availability and packet loss, the focus of the “middle mile” is particularly on latency and carrier lock-in. There are basically two variants of the “middle mile”. One is the unpredictable public Internet and\/or the SLA-supported backbones of various carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.4 The right choice of network architecture<\/strong>
With the right combination of DIA and broadband services on the “last mile” and a private backbone on the “middle mile”, it is possible to achieve MPLS-like quality. But with Internet-like price and flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Procurement of services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n2.1 Procurement of the infrastructure<\/strong>
Should the procurement be carried out by the IT and\/or purchasing department in conjunction with laborious market research, or should it be outsourced to a “last mile” market specialist such as SAVECALL? SAVECALL takes over the entire procurement process<\/a> and obtains vendor-neutral offers in the shortest possible time. In most cases, this is completely cost-neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.2 Procurement of the SD-WAN service<\/strong>
The SD-WAN market has grown enormously. At first glance, it seems impossible to compare products. A wide variety of hardware meets equally diverse software. Each provider has its own license. This in turn contains endless “feature lists” that have to be painstakingly disentangled. The question is: Which product is suitable for my predefined catalog of requirements? Here too, SAVECALL can provide support throughout the entire process thanks to its many years of experience. From conceptualization to obtaining quotations with final negotiated prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Review of the security strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Security processes can be designed more effectively and efficiently in the SD-WAN. To do this, the previous security measures must be reassessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3.1 Define SASE solution<\/strong>
Equip every company location with its own local firewall? Far too expensive and extremely complex to manage, the solution is SASE<\/a>.
SASE integrates security functionalities into the WAN. On a session and user basis, in a zero-trust environment. Security and network are managed via the cloud so that administrators can make changes once and apply the policies to all locations and users. Secure Access Service Edge thus enables the company to securely connect remote workers and “IoT services” to the WAN. There are basically 4 SASE subscription models. “Cloud-native SASE”, “Cloud-managed on-premises SASE”, “Managed SASE” and “Hybrid SASE options”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3.2 Recognizing the “problem with centralizing security in the SD-WAN”<\/strong>
Depending on the solution and provider, centralizing the security solution may make the security processes more manageable and scalable, but this approach can also generate considerable additional latency, which can be particularly noticeable in cloud and Internet applications. This problem can quickly become a hidden cost factor if only upgrading the infrastructure (last mile \/ middle mile) subsequently helps. SD-WAN solutions that already provide for deep SASE integration throughout their architecture are an advantage here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Connection of cloud applications with the SD-WAN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The complete connection of cloud data centers (IaaS) or cloud applications (SaaS) to the SD-WAN is only a matter of time. By connecting cloud resources to the SDWAN, companies can counteract latency and packet loss and generally help to significantly improve “user-friendliness” through more stable performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Optimization for mobile users<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The SD-WAN solution should enable “mobile users” to connect to any SD-WAN node and ensure high-performance access to the corporate network. It should be possible to monitor data traffic in the SD-WAN. Particular attention should be paid to the security solution (SASE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. The right SD-WAN management model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are basically four ways to manage SD-WAN solutions: “do-it-yourself (DIY)”, “fully managed carrier service”, “self-service” and “co-managed services”. The approaches differ in the degree of administration, responsibility for continuous monitoring, infrastructure maintenance and change management required by the customer. The company structure, existing “know-how”, personnel resources and the preferences of the IT department are decisive for the right decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How SAVECALL supports the migration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Switching from MPLS to SD-WAN touches many areas at once: site evaluation, last and middle mile, security and the management model. SAVECALL accompanies this process vendor-neutral and with more than 80 carrier partnerships. We categorize your sites, compare connections and SD-WAN products<\/a>, obtain vendor-neutral offers with final negotiated prices and include SASE<\/a> from the very beginning. This way you make every decision in this checklist based on solid market data rather than gut feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion:<\/strong> migrate with a plan, not with risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Switching from MPLS to SD-WAN is not a pure technology project but a chain of decisions that build on each other, from site evaluation to the management model. Those who work through the steps of this checklist cleanly secure MPLS-like quality at internet-like costs and keep the flexibility for cloud and growth. The decisive question remains which steps you tackle first for your migration and where you need independent support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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$\"Frank$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Written by<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frank Frommknecht<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Account Consultant, SAVECALL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Has supported companies for over 20 years in selecting and optimizing their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and finding the right solution strategically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Telecom & IT sourcing. Worldwide. Carrier-independent.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Selection & operation of worldwide connectivity & cloud infrastructure. Without vendor risk & unnecessary costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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80+ carriers worldwide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One point of contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One SLA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One portal: mySAVECALL<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Min. 20% savings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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25+
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40+
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1400+ Clients<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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MEF Forum: SD-WAN service standards (MEF 70)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Gartner: definition and market overview SASE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL: SD-WAN and WAN solutions for companies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why switch from MPLS to SD-WAN?<\/strong>
MPLS offers stable, prioritized connections, but it is expensive and inflexible, especially for cloud connectivity and fast site scaling. SD-WAN uses several connection types such as fiber, cable, LTE or radio relay in parallel, steers traffic based on applications and often reduces costs. The switch is particularly worthwhile when cloud usage, many sites or flexible bandwidths are a priority.<\/p> <\/div>
What steps does the migration from MPLS to SD-WAN involve?<\/strong>
The migration follows a clear order: categorize sites by requirements, choose the right last and middle mile, define the network architecture, procure services and the SD-WAN service, review the security strategy with SASE, connect cloud applications, optimize for mobile users and finally choose the right management model. Each step should be documented and tested.<\/p> <\/div>
What do last mile and middle mile mean in SD-WAN?<\/strong>
The last mile is the connection of the individual site, for example via fiber, copper, radio relay or LTE. It mainly determines availability and packet loss. The middle mile connects the sites with each other and with data centers or cloud; here latency and avoiding carrier lock-in matter most. The combination of both determines quality, cost and flexibility.<\/p> <\/div>
What role does SASE play in the SD-WAN migration?<\/strong>
SASE integrates security functions directly into the WAN, on a session and user basis in a zero-trust environment. Instead of equipping every site with its own firewall, security and network are managed centrally via the cloud. Policies can be defined once and applied to all sites and users. Deep SASE integration is important to avoid additional latency from centralized security.<\/p> <\/div>
Which SD-WAN management models exist?<\/strong>
There are basically four models: do-it-yourself (DIY), fully managed carrier service, self-service and co-managed service. They differ in the degree of self-responsibility for operation, monitoring, maintenance and change management. Which model fits depends on company structure, existing know-how, personnel resources and the preferences of the IT department.<\/p> <\/div>
How does SAVECALL support the migration from MPLS to SD-WAN?<\/strong>
SAVECALL accompanies the entire process vendor-neutral, from site analysis and the selection of the last and middle mile to the procurement of infrastructure and the SD-WAN service. We compare providers, obtain vendor-neutral offers with final negotiated prices and include SASE and the right management model. In many cases the procurement support is cost-neutral for you.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n
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