VLAN Vs. VPN: Main Differences Revealed

Introduction

Today, technologies are developing at a fast pace, and both private individuals and businesses adopt them to accommodate their needs.

The Internet has already become a part of our lives, and we seek to make it a safe and comfortable place.

Therefore, we’ve developed different types of networks that allow us to do so.

In this article, we would like to focus on two of them, particularly VLAN and VPN.

So, what are they?

Let’s compare VLAN vs. VPN.

What Is A VLAN

A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a collection of devices on one or more local area networks (LANs) configured to interact with each other at the data link layer as though they share the same physical location or, in other words, as though they are in the same broadcast domain.

However, VLANs do not necessarily have to be tied to one spot.

Often, they are located on separate LAN segments placed on different floors of one building, in different buildings, etc.

Communication within a group of such devices is rather based on logical connections as opposed to physical ones.

This allows webmasters to easily cluster individual devices regardless of their location in a manner as if they were interconnected by one cable.

Advantages of a VLAN

• Enables logical grouping of devices scattered across multiple physical locations
• Minimizes the need for router deployment and reduces deployment costs
• Reduces administration
• Allows easy broadcast control and segmentation

Definition Of A VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that allows for secure extending of a private network over a public network (the Internet), and it is more often related to remote access to company’s network resources.

Given that public networks do not ensure privacy and protection to personal data, both corporate and private users recognize the need for a VPN as a sound security mechanism.

By connecting to a virtual private network, you can create a safe virtual tunnel between your device and the website you’re visiting.

The tunnel encrypts all traffic that passes through it, hides your real IP address, and makes it possible for you to access geo-censored content.

VPN types

Basically, there are two types of VPN.

These are remote-access and site-to-site VPNs.

While private individuals normally use the first type of VPN, organizations are more likely to opt for the second.

That’s because organizations prefer to implement and manage VPNs on a corporate level for security purposes.

Remote Access VPN

Generally speaking, a remote access VPN is rather a solution for your personal use.

It’s affordable, secure, and robust when it comes to various useful features.

Also, it’s very user-friendly.

It takes you just a few clicks to connect to one of the remote VPN servers and bypass regional restrictions or simply stay on the safe side: such a VPN will shield you from all kinds of snoopers and hackers.

Site-to-Site VPN

A site-to-site VPN, also known as a router-to-router VPN, is generally utilized by companies.

It’s used to connect two networks of the same company in different physical locations.

For example, company A has two branches: one office in Toronto and the other in Tokio.

To ensure secure internal communication and data transmission between the offices, the company integrated a site-to-site VPN or Intranet.

Company A also communicates with company B that handles all the marketing tasks.

To establish a safe external connection between the offices both companies use a site-to-site VPN or Extranet.

Depending on the type of connection and its configuration, a site-to-site VPN can be defined either as Intranet or Extranet.

Advantages of a VPN

• Provides high levels of security through encryption
• Ensures privacy and confidentiality
• Eliminates censorship restrictions
• Allows to increase the overall efficiency of a network
• Allows anonymous file sharing (works with P2P networks)

Comparing VLAN Vs. VPN

• VLANs are used by companies to group devices that are scattered across multiple physical locations into one broadcast domain. VPNs are used for secure data transmission between two offices of one company or between offices of separate companies. It’s also used by individuals for their private needs.
• A VLAN is a subcategory of VPN. VPN is a technology that creates a virtual tunnel for secure data transmission over the Internet.
• A VPN is a more advanced but more costly option since it provides encryption and anonymization. A VLAN is great for splitting a network into logical parts for better management, but it doesn’t provide any of those security features a VPN has.
• A virtual local area network reduces the need for routers as well as expenses on router deployment. A VPN increases the overall efficiency of a network.
• A VPN operates in an insecure online environment. A VLAN is usually used to connect two devices when one of the devices can’t establish an external connection (outside of the VLAN). It requires special permission prior to granting access.

Conclusion

Both VLAN and VPN may be great solutions to meet your demands.

It all rather depends on the functionality and the level of security you want to have.

If you manage an organization and want to divide your existing LAN into smaller chunks for better control, a VLAN will do the thing.

However, if you want to ensure best possible protection to either corporate or your private data, it’s better to use a VPN.