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Difference Between Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Proxy

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VPN: 

It stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a mechanism of employing encryption, authentication and integrity protection so that we can use public network as private network. It simulate a private network over public network. It allows users to remotely access a private network. 

Advantages of VPN:

  • Security: VPN provides a high level of security by encrypting data and ensuring that the user’s IP address is hidden.
  • Privacy: VPN offers privacy by masking the user’s identity and location, making it difficult for advertisers and trackers to monitor user behavior.
  • Access to geo-restricted content: VPN allows users to access content that is blocked or restricted in their region by connecting to a server in another location.
  • Flexibility: VPN is flexible and can be used with a variety of devices and operating systems.
  • Remote access: VPN allows remote access to a company’s network, making it easy for employees to work from anywhere.

Disadvantages of VPN:

  • Slower speeds: VPN can cause slower internet speeds due to the overhead associated with encryption and decryption of data.
  • Higher cost: Some VPN services require a subscription fee, which can be a barrier to entry for some users.
  • Risk of malware: Some free VPN services may carry malware or other security risks, so it is important to choose a reputable provider.

Proxy: 

Actually Proxy server uses the anonymous network id instead of actual IP address of client (means it hides the IP address of client), so that the actual IP address of client couldn’t be reveal. 

Advantages of Proxy:

  • Anonymity: Proxy provides anonymity by hiding the user’s IP address, making it difficult for websites and advertisers to track user behavior.
  • Access to geo-restricted content: Proxy allows users to access content that is blocked or restricted in their region by connecting to a server in another location.
  • Cost-effective: Proxy is generally free or low-cost, making it accessible to most users.
  • No installation required: Proxy can be used without installing any software or applications on the user’s device.
  • Improved performance: Proxy can improve browsing speed by caching frequently accessed web pages.

Disadvantages of Proxy:

  • Limited security: Proxy does not provide the same level of security as VPN because it does not encrypt data.
  • Limited privacy: Proxy does not offer the same level of privacy as VPN because it does not mask the user’s identity and location to the same extent.
  • Limited functionality: Proxy may not be able to bypass all types of geo-restrictions or provide access to all types of content.
  • Unreliability: Some free proxy services may be unreliable or slow, which can be frustrating for users.\
  • Limited device compatibility: Some proxies may not work with certain devices or operating systems.

Similarities:

  • Both technologies hide the user’s IP address, making it difficult for websites and advertisers to track user behavior.
  • Both technologies can be used to access geo-restricted content by connecting to a server in another location.
  • Both technologies can be used to bypass censorship and access blocked websites.
  • Both technologies provide an additional layer of security and privacy to the user’s internet connection.
  • Both technologies can be used on a variety of devices and operating systems.

Now, we see the difference between them:

S.NO VPN Proxy
1. VPN ensures encryption, authentication and integrity protection. Proxy does not ensure or provide any security.
2. Protocols used in VPN are PTTP (Point to point tunneling protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 tunneling protocol) etc. Protocols used in Proxy are FTP (File transfer protocol), SMTP (Simple mail transfer protocol) HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) etc.
3. VPN works on firewall. Proxy works on browsers.
4. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It simulate a private network over public network. It does not simulate a private network over public network.
5. VPN does not hide the IP address of client. Proxy uses the anonymous network ID instead of actual IP address of client (means it hides the IP address of client).
6. VPN creates tunnel between end users. But proxy does not create tunnel between end users.
7. VPN offers high amount of security. Proxy does not offer any type of security.
8. VPN provides seamless and stable connection Proxy connection is highly unstable.
9. VPNs encrypt all of a user’s web activity, no matter the website or app. Proxy servers only hide one website or app.
10. VPN encrypts the traffic. Proxy does not encrypt traffic.

Conclusion:

VPN and Proxy are two different technologies that provide internet users with a secure and private connection. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, ensuring that no one can intercept or monitor your online activity. Proxies, on the other hand, provide a degree of anonymity by masking your IP address, but they do not encrypt your traffic or provide the same level of security as VPNs. Understanding the differences between these two technologies can help you choose the right solution for your specific needs.


Last Updated : 18 Mar, 2023
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