Replace VPN and MPLS with a modern Zero Trust architecture
Move away from legacy network models that create cost, complexity and risk, and adopt a simpler, more secure approach built for cloud and distributed work.
The Challenge
VPN and MPLS were not designed for how organisations operate today
Built for a Perimeter That No Longer Exists
Traditional VPN and MPLS networks were designed for a time when users, applications, and data were located inside a defined corporate perimeter. Modern hybrid and cloud-first organisations require a more flexible approach to secure connectivity.
Modern Networks Demand More
Today's organisations support remote employees, third-party access, cloud and SaaS applications, and data distributed across multiple environments. Traditional network architectures struggle to deliver the agility, performance, and security this requires.
Legacy Networks Increase Complexity
Relying on VPN and MPLS can introduce complexity, limit visibility, and create inconsistent user experiences. Modern secure networking provides direct, secure access to applications and data without relying on legacy perimeter-based models.
- Traditional network architectures were built for a different era, where users, applications and data sat within a defined perimeter.
The problem with legacy network models
-
01
Poor user experience
Backhauling traffic through central infrastructure introduces latency and performance issues -
02
Excessive cost
MPLS circuits and network hardware create significant fixed cost with limited flexibility -
03
Broad network access
VPNs extend the network to users, increasing the risk of lateral movement -
04
Operational complexity
Managing multiple network and security controls increases overhead and reduces visibility -
05
Limited scalability
Legacy models do not adapt easily to cloud-first or AI-driven environments
Where SD-WAN fits, and where it doesn’t
Many organisations have adopted SD-WAN to improve connectivity and performance.
While this can optimise traffic routing, it does not address the underlying security challenges:
It still relies on network-level trust
It does not prevent lateral movement
It does not provide consistent, identity-based access control
A simpler, more effective model
Zero Trust replaces the concept of a trusted network with a model based on identity, context and policy.
Instead of connecting users to a network, users connect directly to the applications and services they need, based on who they are and what they are allowed to access.
This fundamentally changes how access is controlled and how risk is managed.
What this looks like in practice:
Users are authenticated and verified before access is granted
Access is restricted to specific applications, not the entire network
Security policies are applied consistently across all environments
Internet and cloud traffic is routed directly, improving performance
Visibility of users, applications and data is significantly improved
Expert Implementation
Where we add value
Most organisations understand the direction of travel, but struggle with how to transition from their current environment.
- check_circle Assess your current network and security architecture
- check_circle Identify where VPN and MPLS are introducing cost and risk
- check_circle Clarify the role of SD-WAN within your environment
- check_circle Design a practical, phased transition to a Zero Trust model
- check_circle Align identity, network, cloud and data into a coherent architecture
Cost
Eliminates or reduces reliance on MPLS and simplifies infrastructure
User experience
Direct-to-internet access removes latency and improves performance
Operations
Reduces the number of tools and controls required to manage the environment
Discovery Workshop
A structured session to assess your current environment and define a clear, practical path forward.
Cyber Risk & Cost Assessment
A short, structured assessment to identify where complexity is driving cyber risk and operational cost across your environment.