MPLS is a private connection linking data centers and branch offices. MPLS is typically outsourced, managed by service providers who guarantee network performance, quality and availability. Because MPLS is essentially a private network, it is considered reliable and secure, but also expensive.

WAN architectures based on traditional multi-protocol label switching use a model where the traffic from the branch is “backhauled” to the cloud through the headquarters or a centralized data center when accessing cloud applications. MPLS becomes even more expensive when traffic is backhauled. Internet is slower due to the latency added by distance and the limited bandwidth available over MPLS.