IPLC vs MPLS: Which Private Connectivity Is Right for You?
Both IPLC and MPLS give you private, predictable connectivity instead of the public internet, but they solve different problems. Here is how they compare and when to use each.
What is an IPLC?
An International Private Leased Circuit is a dedicated, point-to-point private line between two international locations. The full capacity is reserved for you end to end, and the circuit is protocol-agnostic, so it can carry data, voice and video transparently with consistent, secure performance.
What is MPLS?
MPLS is a carrier-managed private network that connects many sites in an any-to-any topology, using labels to forward traffic quickly and prioritise it with Quality of Service. It is ideal for distributed networks that need predictable performance across multiple locations.
IPLC vs MPLS at a glance
| Factor | IPLC | MPLS |
|---|---|---|
| Topology | Point-to-point (two fixed sites) | Any-to-any (many sites) |
| Capacity | Dedicated and reserved end to end | Managed MPLS core with class of service |
| Protocols | Protocol-agnostic and transparent | IP-based with QoS classes |
| Scaling | Add a circuit per link | Add sites to the existing network |
| Performance | Predictable over a dedicated path | Predictable with prioritised QoS |
| Best for | High-security, high-capacity fixed international links | Multi-site networks needing prioritised any-to-any routing |
When to choose which
- Choose IPLC for a dedicated, private link between two locations, such as connecting data centres or head offices in different countries, where security and reserved capacity matter most.
- Choose MPLS when you need to connect many sites with prioritised, any-to-any traffic and centrally managed performance.
How Delta Communications helps
As a vendor-neutral provider, Delta delivers both over reliable, top-tier carrier backbones, with a 99.9% uptime SLA, 24/7 NOC support and a single point of contact, so you get the right private connectivity for each part of your network.