What is the Difference Between VLAN and VPN?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) are two different technologies used for different purposes within a network. Here are the main differences between them:
VLAN:
- Focuses on organizing and segregating devices within a network.
- Creates virtual zones in a shared space, allowing multiple networks within one physical network.
- Does not offer encryption, which makes it unsuitable for public networks.
- Primarily used for segmenting traffic and improving network administration within a local area network.
VPN:
- Creates secure connections over the internet for data privacy and content access.
- Establishes encrypted (protected) connections between devices and networks, ensuring data privacy while traveling online.
- Provides an extra layer of security for accessing resources within a VLAN, keeping data private.
- Connects remote employees to their company's network and resources through VPNs, allowing secure access to the network over a public network like the internet.
In summary, VLAN is a method for organizing and segregating devices within a network, while VPN is a technology used to establish secure connections over the internet for data privacy and content access. VPN can also provide additional security when accessing resources within a VLAN, making it a suitable choice for remote workers or users who need to access sensitive information on public networks.
Comparative Table: VLAN vs VPN
VLAN and VPN are two independent technologies in computer networking that serve different purposes. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:
Feature | VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) | VPN (Virtual Private Network) |
---|---|---|
Traffic Scope | Local network | Remote network |
Communication | Devices within a VLAN can communicate with each other; communication between VLANs requires routing or Layer 3 switches. | Users can securely access the private network remotely. VPN enables communication with devices and resources on the remote network. |
Anonymity | Does not provide anonymity for network traffic. | Can provide anonymity by hiding the user's IP address and location while accessing the Internet. |
Purpose | Logically segmenting and managing network traffic within a physical network architecture. | Connecting authorized users to corporate network resources through a secure, encrypted connection established over a public network (such as the Internet). |
Security | Offers more security because users can only access resources necessary for their jobs. | Remote VPNs usually allow access to all resources, but more divided access options are available. |
Limitations | VLANs create separate digital spaces within physical networks. Devices in the same VLAN can communicate with each other if the network administrators have allowed it. | A VPN is used to securely connect remote users or networks over the internet. |
In summary, a VLAN is used to segment a local network for improved management and traffic control, while a VPN is used to securely connect remote users or networks over the internet.
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