VPN vs proxy
VPN vs proxy
VPN vs proxy
VPN vs proxy
VPN vs proxy
Virtual private network
The term virtual private network (abbreviated VPN) describes any technology that can encapsulate and transmit network data, typically Internet Protocol data, over another network. Such a system enables users to access network resources that may otherwise be inaccessible from the public internet. VPNs are frequently used in the information technology sector to provide access to resources for users that are not physically connected to an organization’s network, such as telecommuting workers. VPNs are so named because they may be used to provide virtual (as opposed to physical) access to a private network.
Colloquially, the term VPN may be used to refer, albeit improperly, to a proxy service that uses VPN technology (such as OpenVPN) as opposed to higher-level proxy server protocols (such as SOCKS) as it does not require configuration of individual applications to tunnel their traffic through the proxy server, instead employing routing to redirect traffic.
Broadly speaking, VPN configurations fall into two categories:
- Remote access
- Analagous to simply plugging one’s computer into a network, this configuration enables an individual to access an intranet as if they were physically connected to it. Such a configuration may be employed when a remote worker needs access to private resources, or to enable a mobile worker (such as a cable technician) to access important tools without exposing them to the public internet.
- Site-to-site
- Instead of connecting a single endpoint to a larger network, site-to-site connections connect two routers. These routers then route traffic bound for other sites over the VPN, effectively creating one seamless local area network that spans multiple physical locations. This configuration is of particular use for businesses, as this allows for distinct offices, data centers, and cloud computing platforms to seamlessly interconnect.
Typically, individuals interact with remote access VPNs, whereas businesses tend to make use of site-to-site connections for business-to-business, cloud computing, and branch office scenarios. Despite this, the two technologies are not mutually exclusive and, in a significantly complex business network, may be combined to enable remote access to resources located at any given site, such as an ordering system that resides in a datacenter.
Intranet versus extranet site-to-site VPNs[edit source]
In the context of site-to-site configurations, the terms intranet and extranet are used to describe two different use cases.[1] An intranet site-to-site VPN describes a configuration where the sites connected by the VPN belong to the same organization, whereas an extranet site-to-site VPN joins sites belonging to many organizations.
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VPN vs Proxy – What’s the Difference & Which One Is the Best?
VPN vs Proxy – What’s the Difference & Which One Is the Best?
You can change your IP address by using both VPN and proxies. But what is the difference between VPN vs proxies and which is best for your online security?
What is a Proxy?
A proxy server works as a gateway between your device and the internet. When you send a request to access a website, the request will first go through the proxy server and the data from the website will be forwarded to you.
There are two main types of proxies
- HTTP: These are the older types of proxy servers and they can only support web traffic.
- SOCKS: There proxy servers can also handle traffic from FTP servers and BitTorrent clients. They are slower than HTTPs because of their increased complexity.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network connection and it’s a way of accessing the internet in a private and secure manner. Besides nobody being able to see your IP address and your internet browsing behavior, VPNs are highly popular because they let you access websites like you’re being in a different location.
What does a VPN hide?
Besides hiding your IP, a VPN server creates a secure and private connection.
A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server. Meaning no one, including your ISP and the Government, can’t see the data exchange between your computer and the VPN server.
- A VPN does hide your browsing from your ISP, the Government, and from possible attackers.
- Your IP address, meaning your real location is not visible.