The Difference Between a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and a Virtual Private LAN (VPLS)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) and a Virtual Private LAN (VPLS) are two different types of networks that are used to provide secure access to data and resources. Both networks provide a secure connection between two or more computers, but they differ in the way they are set up and the type of data they can transmit. A VPN is a private network that is created over the public internet. It uses encryption to secure the data that is transmitted over the network, making it difficult for anyone outside of the network to intercept or access the data.

A VPN is typically used to provide secure access to an organization's internal network, allowing remote users to access resources on the internal network as if they were physically connected to it. A VPLS is a virtual private local area network that is created over a wide area network (WAN). It is used to connect multiple sites together, allowing them to share resources and data securely. Unlike a VPN, a VPLS does not use encryption, but instead relies on tunneling protocols such as MPLS or L2TP to create a secure connection between sites.

The main difference between a VPN and a VPLS is the type of data they can transmit. A VPN is typically used for transmitting sensitive data such as financial information or confidential documents, while a VPLS is used for transmitting less sensitive data such as emails or web traffic. Additionally, a VPN is typically used for connecting remote users to an organization's internal network, while a VPLS is used for connecting multiple sites together. When deciding which type of network to use, it is important to consider the type of data that needs to be transmitted and the security requirements of the organization.

For example, if an organization needs to transmit sensitive data, then a VPN would be the best option as it provides encryption and secure access. On the other hand, if an organization needs to connect multiple sites together, then a VPLS would be the better option as it does not require encryption and provides secure access over a wide area network. In conclusion, both a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and a Virtual Private LAN (VPLS) are secure networks that can be used to provide access to data and resources. However, they differ in the way they are set up and the type of data they can transmit.

A VPN is typically used for transmitting sensitive data while a VPLS is used for transmitting less sensitive data. It is important to consider the type of data that needs to be transmitted and the security requirements of an organization when deciding which type of network to use.

Kathy Vicens
Kathy Vicens

Wannabe pop culture scholar. Typical social media specialist. Proud web specialist. Freelance tv aficionado. Proud bacon enthusiast. Hipster-friendly coffee guru.