EPL vs EVPL networks

What is Ethernet Private Line (EPL)?

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) is a point-to-point (P2P) connection between two locations. It provides high capacity, low latency connectivity with guaranteed bandwidth. And because it’s a dedicated line for your business, it’s inherently secure.

For example, Neos Networks EPL connects your sites using a pair of dedicated User Network Interfaces (UNIs) and our high capacity fibre network.

Neos Networks EPL: point-to-point Ethernet

What are the benefits of EPL?

EPL gives you guaranteed performance for critical site-to-site connectivity, including:

• A dedicated connection: private P2P connectivity between two locations
• Scalability: high capacity scalable from 10Mbps to 10Gbps+
• Security: the connection doesn’t cross the internet, so it’s inherently secure
• Reliability: no traffic congestion from other users ensures consistent performance
• Low latency: no other users contend for bandwidth, so latency remains stable

In short, EPL is a high capacity P2P connection that’s ideal for mission-critical links between two sites.

EPL use cases

EPL’s reliable, P2P connectivity is ideal for critical business operations, such as:

• Linking headquarters to branch offices for video, voice and real-time data exchange
• Connecting data centres for data replication, backup and disaster recovery
• High-bandwidth, latency-sensitive applications in sectors like finance and the media
• Secure data transfer for regulated sectors like healthcare, finance and government
• Connecting directly to major cloud service providers to ensure performance and security

What is Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL)?

Like EPL, Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) offers a dedicated connection that doesn’t cross the public internet. However, EVPL supports multiple Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) on a single UNI, so you can create point-to-multipoint (P2MP) links.

For example, Neos Networks EVPL allows you to securely connect a central hub to several other premises via our high capacity network.

Neos Networks EVPL: point-to-multipoint Ethernet

What are the benefits of EVPL?

EVPL gives you a secure, high capacity connection like EPL, but with added flexibility. P2MP functionality means you can add sites as your business grows. It’s a cost-effective way to link several locations to a central hub – a “hub-and-spoke” model – without installing multiple dedicated lines.

EVPL use cases

EVPL can work well for organisations that need secure, scalable connectivity across multiple sites. Typical scenarios include:

• Linking a head office to several regional branches
• Running real-time services such as voice, video and collaboration tools across locations
• Giving multiple sites direct, high-speed access to cloud platforms
• Expanding your network easily without installing separate dedicated circuits

EPL vs EVPL networks

Both EPL and EVPL give you secure, high capacity connectivity you can scale up to 10Gbps or more. They combine the simplicity of private connections with the flexibility and scalability of MPLS technology.

The key difference is that EPL is point-to-point (P2P), while EVPL is point-to-multipoint (P2MP). Here’s a summary of how they differ:

EPL vs EVPL: which is right for your business?

If you need a simple, secure link between two sites with guaranteed bandwidth and the lowest latency, EPL could be a good choice. Choose EVPL if you want a more cost-effective solution for multiple locations – a hub-and-spoke network you can scale easily.

EPL and EVPL are both E-Line Ethernet services, as defined by the Mplify Alliance. There are various other Business Ethernet options, such as VPLS (E-LAN) for any-to-any connections or NNI (E-Access), a high capacity connection to external networks.

At Neos Networks, we offer a range of high capacity, low latency Ethernet services across our UK-wide network. If you’d like to discuss which Ethernet service is best for your organisation, get in touch. Or download the brochure to find out more.