17 Jan VPS vs VPN: Which one do you need?
VPS (Virtual Private Server) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) have almost identical names. However, their functionalities are poles apart from one another. On the one hand, VPS is a committed Operating System that is hosted offline. Alternatively, VPN promotes anonymity and security while using the Internet. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand what constitutes these two terms before looking into the details of VPS vs VPN.
What is a virtual Private Server?
Individuals will get various hosting options for their websites. Therefore, it becomes imperative to know which one will work best as their web hosts and how those servers work. Many consider VPS or Virtual Private Server as one of the best web hosts available; however, its purpose and utility have often been misunderstood.
What is it? A virtual server comes with its own operating system, and it is created via virtualization of special software known as a hypervisor. It partitions one server and forms several servers inside it. The VPS hosting services depend on its provider. Thus, it is recommendable to check with the provider concerning all those amenities it provides. A VPS must have the following standard features:
Root access
If a user wants to have absolute control over the configuration and software installations of his VPS account, then having root access is necessary. All the activities can be guided via the control panel’s interface. Thus, it makes an essential pointer for VPS vs VPN.
Server monitoring
This helps in defending a system against threats like DDoS attacks, hackers, and malicious software. Consequently, good VPS providers actively monitor their networks and hardware on which the accounts rely to keep all virtual threats at bay.
Providing support
It is not essential for someone who is a technical guru. However, if a company provides support as well as management services and assists in administrative tasks, it becomes an invaluable feature for a person with lesser technical aptitude.
Who uses a VPS?
The target audience is the major point of difference concerning VPS vs VPN. For instance, if a business owned website has surpassed the stage of hosting sites but is unable to acquire a personalized server due to its price, then VPS is the way to go as it is inexpensive. It will give a comprehensive control of the hosting services to the users and enable carrying out advanced actions as well. This includes installing and configuring third-party software, reconfiguring those server settings, etc.
Additionally, VPS will also benefit from high-speed connections for powering individual websites along with remote applications. This provides hosting environments that are almost identical to dedicated and personalized hosting environments. Moreover, it also ensures that users can even sustain security and reliability. All these are available in an amount that will not cost a fortune or dig a hole in the user’s pockets.
This is the crux of VPS. Now, it is essential to understand VPN as well. This will help the readers to know all about VPS vs VPN.
What is a Virtual Private Network?
Providing a secure online connector between two and, sometimes, more computers, Virtual Private Network or VPN also allows accessing each other. Thus, it is also termed as Wide Area Network (WAN) for these two has characteristics similar to each other.
Who uses VPS?
Knowing the target audiences for VPN helps us understand the differences between VPS and VPN more evidently. Traditionally, employees in office networks mostly used VPN servers to maintain anonymity on the web and protect their confidential documents. Downloaders and scholars are also increasingly using VPN services these days. Even though endless service providers are there in the market who offer ultimate security promises, VPN is the most effective of all. That’s because the latter encrypts IP address that makes web users virtually untraceable.
VPN also gives protection from Wi-Fi spoofing. For example, when students or workers connect their laptops to unsecured networks like any public Wi-Fi makes them susceptible from other people to steal their personal files, credentials, and documents and therefore puts them at risk. Here the VPN comes into play by securing their files and bypassing censorship as well. Thus, this private network also helps in anonymous browsing.
How do VPNs operate?
Knowing the working of VPN is essential for web users who want to achieve a comprehensive knowledge of VPS vs VPN. It employs encryption as well as connection protocols that, in turn, generate online peer-to-peer connections. Even if snoopers manage to siphon a portion of transmitted files, it will be impossible for them to acquire information as the data is entirely encrypted.
Why is VPN so popular among internet users?
Acts as a remote control
Small and, mainly, big companies can use VPN to their advantage. Employees can remotely access confidential information both from home or any other place aside from their office spaces. Consequently, VPN assists in increasing the productivity of a company.
Altering IP address
VPNs are useful in spoofing physical location. They replace real IP addresses of those web users with a different one, thus, bypassing content filters. So, if a person wants to watch YouTube videos in a location where the site doesn’t work or is censored, VPN can work its magic to avoid those filters.
Torrenting & P2P
With VPN service, users can share files among themselves without leaving any trace behind. The group can, therefore, share data and communicate for extended periods. One of the reasons why you need to use VPN is because you have to torrenting anonymously and hide your IP activity without getting caught by your ISP.
Outstanding performance
VPN effectively provides bandwidth as well as network efficiency. Thus, implementing this system works towards enhancing user experience.
Primary differences between VPS vs. VPN
Many people assume that VPS and VPN play similar roles. In reality, these expressions are not considered as interchangeable. While one provides “safe, secure, strong, and fast” hosting environment, the other promotes anonymous activity on the web.
There is a vast difference between VPS vs VPN, and each has its own unique functions that there is hardly any similarity between the two. One thing that they both have similar is their cost-effectiveness. Along with VPS, VPN also reduces long-run costs. It has a minimum maintenance cost. Moreover, if the operator provides a support team, then a network setup is not a concern either.
However, If you do not want the hassle to set up VPS to hide your online activity, then VPN is the right choice for you.