WAN Assessment & Planning
Traffic analysis, contract mapping, and site-by-site migration sequencing.
WAN Modernization
Retire MPLS Without Breaking Your WAN
A structured approach to retiring legacy MPLS and building a WAN that performs in a cloud-first world.
We design SD-WAN migrations around application performance outcomes, not circuit replacement as an end goal — with circuit lifecycle planning, security architecture design, and co-managed operations through Aegis.
Proven methodology for enterprise MPLS-to-SD-WAN migrations with zero application performance compromise.
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WAN Transformation
From hub-and-spoke MPLS to direct-to-cloud SD-WAN without performance compromise
MPLS was purpose-built when applications lived in data centers. Today's cloud-first application model demands a different WAN architecture — one that routes traffic directly to cloud destinations without unnecessary hub backhauling.
The MPLS Challenge
MPLS forces cloud-bound traffic through expensive hub sites, creating latency and scaling bottlenecks that work against modern application architecture.
Hub backhauling adds latency to SaaS applications
60-90 day circuit provisioning delays new site deployment
Circuit costs scale linearly with bandwidth needs
Legacy CPE lacks application-aware routing capabilities
Migration Methodology
We design MPLS migrations around application performance outcomes with phased deployment aligned to your contract lifecycle.
SD-WAN Architecture Design
VMware VeloCloud or Cato Networks SASE with branch security integration.
Aegis Co-managed Operations
24/7 monitoring, performance tuning, and lifecycle management post-deployment.
Migration Process
Five-phase methodology that eliminates migration risk and aligns to your MPLS contract schedule.
1
WAN Assessment
Inventory circuits, analyze traffic flows, map contract terms, and create migration plan.
2
Architecture Design
Design SD-WAN target state with routing policies and security integration.
3
Pilot Deployment
Deploy at 2-3 sites, validate performance, tune configuration before rollout.
4
Phased Rollout
Execute site migrations in batches aligned to MPLS renewal calendar.
5
Aegis Onboarding
Configure monitoring, establish runbooks, transition to steady-state operations.
What You Get
Complete migration package from assessment through operational handoff.
WAN Assessment Report
Circuit inventory, traffic analysis, contract schedule, and migration sequencing plan.
SD-WAN Architecture Design
Target architecture documentation with routing policies and security integration.
Aegis Operational Configuration
Monitoring setup, alert catalog, and SD-WAN runbooks for ongoing operations.
Outcomes
- Potential reduction in WAN circuit costs for fully migrated sites
- Improved SaaS performance through direct internet access
- Sub-second failover replacing 30-60 second MPLS failover
- New site provisioning reduced from 60-90 days to days
- Centralized operational visibility across all WAN sites
Ideal Fit
- MPLS circuits at 5+ locations with significant operating cost
- Degraded SaaS performance due to hub backhauling
- MPLS contracts approaching renewal windows
- Legacy CPE approaching end-of-life
- Need for co-managed WAN operations model
Platform Options
Choose the right WAN architecture for your environment
We design on both VMware VeloCloud and Cato Networks based on your security architecture and operational model preferences.
SD-WAN (VMware VeloCloud)
Best for networking-focused deployments
Application-aware routing over any transport with integrated or adjacent security.
Best Fit
Organizations wanting to optimize WAN costs while maintaining separate networking and security management.
SASE (Cato Networks)
Best for converged WAN and security
Cloud-native platform combining SD-WAN with full security stack (FWaaS, SWG, CASB, ZTNA).
Best Fit
Organizations wanting to eliminate branch security appliances and consolidate WAN and security operations.
Hybrid WAN
Best for gradual transitions
SD-WAN with retained MPLS as secondary transport for latency-sensitive applications.
Best Fit
Organizations with specific applications requiring MPLS-grade reliability alongside general cloud traffic.
Why IVI
Migration expertise backed by operational experience
End-to-end migration methodology
We don't just deploy SD-WAN — we design the migration approach, manage circuit lifecycle, and operate the platform post-deployment.
Proven Process
Structured methodology eliminates migration risk through phased deployment and performance validation.
Contract Management
Migration sequencing aligned to MPLS renewal dates maximizes cost reduction and avoids termination fees.
Operational depth in SD-WAN platforms
Our engineers operate SD-WAN and SASE environments daily through Aegis — understanding performance optimization beyond vendor training.
Platform Expertise
Deep operational experience with both VMware VeloCloud and Cato Networks platforms.
Application Performance
Proven ability to optimize SaaS and cloud application performance through proper routing policy design.
Related Resources
Related Resources
Review related solution pages, supporting materials, and additional resources that help explain where this solution fits and how it can be applied.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MPLS to SD-WAN migration.
We have applications that need MPLS-grade reliability. Do we have to fully retire MPLS?
No. SD-WAN can operate MPLS as one of multiple transports in the overlay — using it for latency-sensitive or compliance-critical traffic while routing everything else over broadband. This hybrid WAN model reduces your MPLS footprint and cost without eliminating it where genuinely needed.
Our MPLS contracts have early termination fees. How does IVI factor that into the migration plan?
Contract terms are a core input to our migration sequencing. We map each site's MPLS contract renewal date and design the migration plan around those dates wherever possible. For sites where MPLS is needed as secondary transport, we can convert to lower-bandwidth circuits rather than full retirement.
How does SD-WAN handle security for branch internet traffic without firewalls at every branch?
This is a critical design question we address in every SD-WAN engagement. Options include integrated security in the VeloCloud edge appliance, cloud-delivered security through Cato SASE, or hub-and-spoke security for specific traffic requiring NGFW inspection. We design the branch security architecture as part of the migration — not as an afterthought.
Can IVI manage large-scale rollouts with hundreds of locations?
Yes. Our deployment methodology supports high-volume rollouts using pre-staged hardware, documented per-site runbooks, and centralized project management. The SD-WAN orchestration model — where sites are configured centrally and edge appliances auto-register — is purpose-built to scale to large site counts.
What SD-WAN platform is right for us — VeloCloud or Cato?
VeloCloud is purpose-built SD-WAN with deep enterprise routing capabilities for organizations managing networking and security separately. Cato is the right choice if you want to collapse WAN and security into a single cloud-delivered service. We present both options with honest tradeoffs relevant to your environment.
How long does a typical MPLS-to-SD-WAN migration take?
Timeline depends on site count and MPLS contract schedule. Assessment and design typically take 4-6 weeks. Pilot deployment adds 2-4 weeks. Full rollout depends on site count and contract alignment — we prioritize sites approaching MPLS renewal to maximize cost savings and minimize termination fees.