Difference between Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)

Virtual Private Network (VPN):
VPN is for virtual private networks, is a network type that is a private network but virtual. By applying VPN we can use public network as a private network as VPN is a tool of handling encryption, integrity protection and certification or authentication. It emulates a private network over a public network. This allows users to remotely access a private network. Unlike MPLS, In VPN, routing divisions and traffic are handled by the customers. In VPN, all OSI layers are required to make a VPN functional.

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS):
MPLS is for Multi-protocol Label Switching, is a crucial data-carrying system. Its capabilities are quite much like the packet-switched network and circuit-switched-switched network, in which it simulates the some features of a circuit-switched network at packet-switched network. In MPLS, label switching method is used to assign each packet with a number or label. The label or number on each packet plays an important role in packet forwarding process. MPLS operates on the layer 2 and layer 3 of OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. MPLS is a higher reliable technology since, it assures the Quality of Service (QoS).

Difference between Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS):

S.NO	MPLS	VPN
1.	MPLS supports multi-point technique.	Whereas VPN also supports multi-point technique as well as point-to-point technique.
2.	The cost of MPLS technology is higher as compared to VPN.	While the cost of VPN is low comparatively.
3.	MPLS does not operate encryption.	While VPN exploits encryption.
4.	MPLS operates on OSI layer 2 and layer 3.	While here, all OSI layers are required to make a VPN functional.
5.	MPLS is a high reliable technology comparatively because it assures the quality of service.	Whereas VPN is also reliable technology for the delay sensitive traffic.
6.	In MPLS, routing divisions and traffic are handled by the service provider.	While in VPN, customers handle the routing divisions and traffic.
7.	In MPLS, cloud-based services are limited available.	While in VPN, cloud-based services are available wide range.
8.	In MPLS, every blocked sites can be unblocked.	While in VPN, not every blocked sites can be unblocked.

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