Virtual private networks (VPNs) are now a necessary tool for ensuring online security and privacy.
They create a private, encrypted tunnel for your online activity by encrypting your internet connection and routing it via a secure server.
VPNs aren’t the only way to secure your internet connection, either.
The similarities and contrasts between VPNs and other comparable or related technologies, such as remote desktops, proxy servers, wifi, VDI, Zscaler, Direct Connect, and Tor, will each be discussed below.
Remote desktop versus a VPN With the use of technology, people may remotely access their computers. Businesses and organisations frequently utilise it to let workers use their work computers from home or other remote places.
Although remote desktops and VPNs have certain similarities, their functionality and use cases differ. VPNs route and encrypt all internet traffic, whereas remote desktop just gives users access to a computer’s specific programmes and files.
A VPN allows you to access to the internet from anywhere, in contrast to remote desktop, which needs the distant computer to be turned on and connected to the internet.
In terms of use cases, VPNs are excellent for securely connecting to the internet from any place, whereas remote desktop is better for gaining access to certain programmes and data on a remote computer.
VPN versus proxy A server that serves as a middleman between a client and a server is known as a proxy server. Proxies are frequently used to get around regional content limitations and to speed up the internet. Proxy servers and VPNs can be used for comparable things, but their functionality and security are different.
Proxy servers just forward particular requests from the client to the server, but VPNs encrypt all internet traffic and route it through a secure server. Additionally, because VPNs encrypt all internet traffic as opposed to proxy servers, which only encrypt the specific requests routed via them, they offer a better level of security.
In terms of use cases, VPNs are better for safeguarding your internet connection and defending your online privacy and security, while proxy servers are excellent for getting around geographic content limitations and enhancing internet performance.
VPN vs. Wifi: Wireless networking technology known as WiFi enables connections between devices and the internet. WiFi and VPNs both provide users access to the internet, but their levels of security and privacy differ.
WiFi networks, particularly open networks, are susceptible to hacking and eavesdropping. VPNs give an extra degree of protection and privacy by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a secure server.
In terms of use cases, wifi works best for connecting to the internet in one area, whereas VPNs work best for safely accessing the internet from anywhere.
VDI vs. VPN Users may access a virtualized desktop from a distance using a technique called VDI, or virtual desktop infrastructure.
Businesses and organizations frequently utilize VDI to enable employees to use their work computers from home or other remote places, similar to how remote desktops function.
VDI and VPNs are different in terms of functionality and use cases, despite certain similarities. A specific virtualized desktop may be accessed with VDI, but VPNs encrypt and direct all internet traffic.
Additionally, whereas VPNs may be used with a range of devices and operating systems, VDI needs specific hardware and software.
In terms of use cases, VPNs are excellent for securely enabling internet access from any place, whereas VDI is best for enabling remote access to a specific virtualized desktop.
VPN vs. Zscaler Network security, online security, and firewall capabilities are all provided by the cloud-based security platform Zscaler.
Zscaler and VPNs are distinct in terms of functionality and use cases, despite the fact that they can be used for comparable things.
While VPNs typically concentrate on encrypting internet data and redirecting it through a safe server, Zscaler offers a comprehensive range of security capabilities, including network security, web security, and firewall capability.
Additionally, although VPNs are normally used to protect individual connections, Zscaler may be used to secure a whole network.
In terms of use cases, VPNs are excellent for securing individual connections and preserving online privacy and security, whereas Zscaler is best for securing a complete network.
VPN vs. Direct Connect: Amazon Users can connect their on-premises infrastructure to AWS directly using the network service known as Direct Connect. Although Direct Connect and VPNs may be used for comparable things, their capabilities and use cases differ.
Unlike VPNs, which may be used to connect to any internet-enabled service, Direct Connect is built solely for connecting to AWS.
Additionally, while VPNs offer a safe, encrypted connection, Direct Connect offers a dedicated, high-bandwidth connection.
In terms of use cases, VPNs are better for safely accessing the internet and preserving online privacy and security, whereas Direct Connect is best for connecting to and using AWS services.
VPN vs. Tor Users may access the internet anonymously thanks to the Tor network of volunteer-run servers. Although Tor and VPNs may be used for comparable things, their capabilities and use cases differ.
While VPNs mostly concentrate on encrypting internet information and routing it via a single safe server, Tor routes it through numerous levels of encryption and various servers, offering a high level of anonymity.
While VPNs are sometimes provided as a commercial service, Tor is a free, open-source network.
In terms of use cases, Tor excels at enabling anonymous surfing whereas VPNs excel at providing online privacy and security protection.
To sum up, VPNs are a crucial tool for ensuring online security and privacy.
They are not, however, your sole choice for protecting your internet connection.
There are several use cases for more comparable or related technologies, including remote desktop, proxy servers, wifi, VDI, Zscaler, Direct Connect, and Tor.
To choose the method that best meets your goals, you must be aware of the similarities and distinctions between these two approaches.