MPLS vs. Ethernet: Which WAN connectivity option is best?

MPLS vs. Ethernet for the WAN

Cost	MPLS typically costs more than Ethernet but less than T1 lines.	Ethernet is typically more affordable than MPLS.
Scalability	MPLS can scale to over thousands of sites.	Ethernet can scale to up to hundreds of sites.
Common applications	MPLS is best and most widely used to interconnect data centers with branch offices and branches to other branches.	Ethernet is best for interconnecting data centers.
WAN routing	MPLS allows businesses to leave WAN routing to the service provider and keep fewer WAN engineers on staff.	Ethernet gives WAN engineers control and responsibility over routing.
WAN protocol behavior	MPLS can handle any-to-any connectivity, including voice and video.	Ethernet offers low-latency and high-throughput, which is ideal for disaster recovery.
Quality of service	MPLS has quality of service (QoS) options to enable preferential treatment of latency-sensitive traffic like VoIP.	Network engineers can bypass QoS complexity by hooking switches directly to Ethernet pipes.
Service level agreements	MPLS services come with service-level agreements (SLAs) that include delivery guarantees, unlike consumer broadband.	IT professionals should either ask for an SLA for their Ethernet service or take WAN application delivery into their own hands.
WAN management	Using MPLS for WAN connectivity requires that all network devices and management tools be compatible with both MPLS and Ethernet.	Because LANs use Ethernet, using Ethernet for the WAN gives organizations an all-Ethernet infrastructure, which simplifies network management.
Availability	Many service providers offer MPLS services in some metropolitan areas, but not everywhere.	Ethernet exchanges have made Ethernet WAN services available in more locations.

Read the full article over at Tech Target here.