What's the Difference Between VPN & IP VPN? (2024)

  • Call Now
  • 1-888-899-4835

  • Home
  • Services

    Business Internet

    Business Internet Services
    Ethernet Dedicated Internet
    Starlink Business Internet
    POS Protect
    Fibre Internet
    DSL Internet
    Cable Internet
    5G/LTE Internet
    DDos Protection

    Phone Systems

    Managed Voice
    Cloud Phone Systems
    SIP Trunking
    PRI
    IP Phones
    Analog Phone Lines

    Network & Cloud

    SD-WAN
    MPLS (IP VPN)
    Colocation
    Wavelength Services
    Ethernet Dedicated Internet

    Managed Services

    Work from Home Solutions
    Remote Reboot Switches
    Managed Security Cameras
    Managed Voice
    Managed Connectivity
    Managed Router Solutions
    Managed Continuity
    Managed Network Security
    Managed Cloud Connect
    IT Field Services
    Cisco Meraki Solutions
  • By Industry
    • Work From Home
    • Retail
    • Restaurants
    • Manufacturing
  • Blog

Contact Us

What's the Difference Between VPN & IP VPN? (2)

What's the Difference Between VPN & IP VPN? (3)

Share This Post

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Internet Protocol Virtual Private Networks (IP VPNs) sound similar but have some key differences when it comes to performance and security. Understanding the difference and how it affects your service will ensure your business gets the most out of its connectivity.

First of all, what are a VPN and an IP VPN?

VPN is a networking technology that allows users to connect to their main network remotely via the public internet. A VPN allows employees to work from home and connect to the company’s intranet, giving them access to the shared files of their office computers.

An IP VPN works in much the same way, establishing seamless connectivity to the main network across an ISP. However, it also uses multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) technology to prioritize internet traffic and avoid public gateway to increase security.

What’s the Difference?

Both are similar, but the most important difference is the layer of the OSI Model on which they’re classed.

Typical VPNs fall under layers 3 and 4, meaning they establish a connection through the public internet. They also frequently use a public gateway to connect. By using a public gateway, VPNs are exposed to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks that decrease speeds and consume valuable bandwidth.

An IP VPN is considered layer 2, meaning it avoids public internet by travelling on a private connection to each remote site, so your vital company data remains secure. As a layer 2 service, IP VPN uses MPLS capabilities that prioritize your company’s internet traffic. This guarantees that mission-critical applications get the bandwidth they need while less important traffic waits in line.

So which option is best for your company?

VPNs often work best for small businesses or sole proprietorships, where employees do not often need remote access. If security is not a major concern, a standard VPN will be fine. IP VPNs are idealfor medium businesses to large enterprises, where multiple employees and branches need the ability to connect to the company intranet remotely and securely while handling sensitive corporate information. IP VPN is also useful for internet traffic that needs prioritization to better serve VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud services. As more employees work from home, an IP VPN will make more sense for businesses of all kinds.

That said, it’s hard to apply a one-size-fits-all solution to your operations. At iTel, our team of experts can work with you to build out the ideal solution for all your needs. Let’s Connect.

PrevPreviousWhat is MPLS and How Does It Work?

NextLayer 2 vs. the InternetNext

More To Explore

News

iTel Networks is Canada’s First Authorized Starlink and Peplink Solution Provider, Offering Advanced Connectivity Solutions Across the Country

Broadband

Best Internet Provider for Businesses: The Advantages of Multi-Carrier Connectivity

Get Connected

Please contact us for any additional information. We would be more than happy to direct you to the resources you need, or to put you in touch with an iTel Associate who will be able to answer all of your questions.

What's the Difference Between VPN & IP VPN? (2024)

FAQs

What's the Difference Between VPN & IP VPN? ›

By using a public gateway, VPNs are exposed to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks that decrease speeds and consume valuable bandwidth. An IP VPN is considered layer 2, meaning it avoids public internet by travelling on a private connection to each remote site, so your vital company data remains secure.

What is IP VPN used for? ›

IPVPN is great for sharing sensitive data and operating secure applications such as intranets. It's a private network, but you can also add extra layers of security such as end-to-end encryption.

Does a VPN make you untraceable? ›

No, a VPN does not make you anonymous. In fact, no internet privacy tool can completely hide your online presence. A VPN can encrypt your data, shield your IP address, and even protect you from online trackers, but full anonymity isn't possible.

Does a VPN hide your IP? ›

A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. As a result, it also hides your location, browsing history, searches, downloads, and any other activities, such as gaming or streaming. A VPN hides this information from bad actors, ISPs, websites, and even oppressive governments.

Is A VPN IP address the same? ›

A dedicated IP (Internet Protocol) is a unique IP address only you can use. Every time you connect to your designated VPN server, you get the same IP address. Just like that, you get the protection of a VPN connection & a fixed IP address.

What is the difference between VPN and IP VPN? ›

By using a public gateway, VPNs are exposed to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks that decrease speeds and consume valuable bandwidth. An IP VPN is considered layer 2, meaning it avoids public internet by travelling on a private connection to each remote site, so your vital company data remains secure.

What are the benefits of IP VPN? ›

IP VPN runs over private MPLS networks, which are not vulnerable to hacks and DDoS attacks, providing greater network security for transporting sensitive data. IP VPN's MPLS connections are also easier to configure, manage, and operate, without the need for additional encryption.

Can police find you if you use VPN? ›

Whether police can track VPN traffic is a common concern among users seeking online privacy. The truth is: the police can't monitor encrypted VPN traffic. However, they can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide connection or usage logs through a court order, which can lead them to your VPN provider.

Can I be traced if I use VPN? ›

You can't be tracked using a VPN because it encrypts your data. As a result, your ISP or bad actors can't get any information out of your traffic. They only see the VPN server's IP address (e.g. if you're connected to a US server, the US IP address is visible), while your real IP and online activities stay hidden.

Can the government track me if I use VPN? ›

Can police track online purchases made with a VPN? There is no way to track live, encrypted VPN traffic. That's why police or government agencies who need information about websites you visited have to contact your internet service provider (ISP for short), and only then your VPN provider.

Can a WiFi owner see a VPN? ›

VPNs establish a protected connection, meaning no one can see what you are doing. So, for example, a WiFi router or Internet service provider only sees jumbled data when you're browsing on a VPN. Not only that, but with a VPN server, you can use IP addresses from other countries.

Is DuckDuckGo a VPN? ›

Is DuckDuckGo a VPN? DuckDuckGo is not a VPN, it just doesn't track you in the same way that Google does. It's also worth noting that Google's Incognito Mode doesn't make you fully private when browsing online. If you want to browse the internet safely, combine DuckDuckGo with a VPN.

Can a WiFi owner see what sites I visit on my phone? ›

Can Wi-Fi Owners See What Sites I Visit on My Phone? Yes. Routers log activity from all connected devices, including your phone and other mobile devices like your tablet or smart watch. This is true whether you're browsing privately or not.

Does a VPN slow down your internet? ›

A VPN will slow down your internet connection. With a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), that slowdown should be unnoticeable. But no matter whether it is paid or free, a VPN will slow down your connection because it needs some of that bandwidth for encryption purposes. And without encryption, a VPN is just a VN.

How much does a VPN cost? ›

A VPN can cost anywhere from $2 to $12 per month depending on your requirements and budget constraints. Typically the costs reduce drastically when you opt for long-term plans.

Where does my VPN say I am? ›

Connecting to a VPN server will make it seem like you are in the same place as the server location. For example, if you are in the U.S. and you connect to a VPN location in the UK, you will appear to be in the UK.

Why do people use VPN? ›

A VPN protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP address, leaving their browsing history and location untraceable. This greater anonymity allows for greater privacy, as well as greater freedom for those who wish to access blocked or region-bound content.

What is VPN and why do I need it? ›

A VPN keeps your internet traffic private and hidden from anyone looking to snoop on what you do online -- whether it's your ISP, your employer, your school, network administrators, hackers on public Wi-Fi, web trackers or government agencies.

When should I use a VPN on my phone? ›

Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.

Can a VPN change your location? ›

A VPN can change your location to another city if your VPN provider has servers in the particular city you want to connect to. For example, Surfshark has servers in 22 major cities in the US, allowing you to choose which one you want to connect to instead of just offering the US as a single location option.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6237

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.