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. |
