An MPLS (MultiProtocol Label Switching) infrastructure is a private end-to-end network that does not transit the Internet. The risks of intrusions or security breaches are less important than with an IPSec VPN network. On the other hand, there is no Internet-related slowdown.

A firewall is a security system consisting of a simple program or a specific machine, which serves as a protective filter between a computer or a private network on the one hand, and the Internet on the other.