VPLS Layer 2 Networks
Any-to-any Layer 2 connectivity across the UK, on our own network. Your sites on one LAN, with you in control of the routing.
ANY-TO-ANY MULTIPOINT · YOU CONTROL THE ROUTING · DEDICATED BANDWIDTH · OWN UK NETWORK · UK SUPPORT
VPLS connects your geographically dispersed sites into one flat Layer 2 network, so every location behaves as if it is plugged into the same switch. Unlike MPLS, where we handle the routing between sites, VPLS leaves the IP routing entirely in your hands, ideal for teams who want full control of their own network on top of our dedicated, monitored UK infrastructure.
What is VPLS?
VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) is a virtual private network technology that provides any-to-any, or multipoint, connectivity. Your sites share a transparent Layer 2 network across our UK infrastructure: same broadcast domain, same feel as a local LAN, whatever the distance between them.
The trade-off is straightforward. You keep complete control of your own routing, which network teams love, but that also means you are managing it, which can become challenging with very large numbers of sites. For those cases, MPLS (where we route for you) is often the better fit, and we will tell you which honestly.
Why choose Sequential for VPLS
Layer 2 done properly needs a network you can trust underneath it. Here is ours:
- Our own UK network: dedicated bandwidth, rigorously monitored, not a reseller’s best effort.
- True any-to-any multipoint: every site sees every other site, like one big LAN.
- You keep routing control: your network, your policies, your way.
- Resilient and monitored: high-speed, reliable connectivity with diverse options.
- Honest advice: we run VPLS, MPLS and SD-WAN, so the recommendation fits you, not our product list.
VPLS vs MPLS
| VPLS (Layer 2) | MPLS (Layer 3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Network view | Sites on one flat LAN | Routed IP-VPN between sites |
| IP routing control | Yours entirely | We manage it for you |
| Number of sites | Best for focused site counts | Scales to large multi-site WANs |
| Best for | Teams wanting full control | Managed, QoS-driven networks |
One joined-up network
VPLS is one tool in the connectivity kit. Because we run the whole stack, we can build the right mix:
- MPLS when you would rather we handled the routing
- SD-WAN for application-aware flexibility
- Leased lines for dedicated site access
- Data centre interconnect and colocation
One supplier, one network, one team.
Frequently asked questions
What is VPLS?
Virtual Private LAN Service: any-to-any, multipoint Layer 2 connectivity that makes your dispersed sites behave like one flat LAN across our UK network.
How is VPLS different from MPLS?
VPLS is Layer 2, so your sites share one LAN and you keep complete control of IP routing. MPLS is a routed Layer 3 service where we handle routing between sites. The main differences are the access method, the number of sites it suits and who controls the routing.
Who should choose VPLS?
Teams with the skills and desire to run their own routing and policies, who want transparent LAN-like connectivity between sites on dedicated bandwidth.
Are there downsides?
You manage your own network rather than the carrier, which can become challenging with very large numbers of sites. In those cases MPLS is often the better fit, and we offer both.
Is the bandwidth shared?
No. Connectivity uses dedicated bandwidth on our own UK network, rigorously monitored.
Can you combine it with other services?
Yes. VPLS sits alongside MPLS, SD-WAN, leased lines and our data centres, so we can build the right mix for your network.
Ready to connect your sites?
Talk to our UK network team about Layer 2 connectivity across your sites, with dedicated bandwidth and your routing left firmly in your hands. 3 months free when you sign up for a trial or consultation.
London: 020 3817 4835 · Manchester: 0161 413 4486 · hello@sequentialnetworks.co.uk