VPS vs VPN: What They Do and How They Are Different

Although Virtual Private Servers and Virtual Private Network sound similar, these services are actually very different. Despite some similarities, a VPS and a VPN have different purposes and configurations, and this means that one cannot simply be replaced with the other. Therefore, understanding how they work and what they do is the first thing to do before choosing between them.

Virtual Private Servers

Virtual Private Servers or VPS is essentially a type of server hosting which uses virtualization technology to split a single physical server into multiple different virtual compartments that imitate dedicated servers. This configuration allows users to be free from the limitations of a physical server including the ability to expand the servers whenever the needs arise. Moreover, a VPS uses a technology that is capable of keeping each client separate, providing the speed, privacy, and personalization options of a dedicated server.

VPS hosting gives its users a number of benefits. Using VPS hosting is cost-effective since users have access to a dedicated server without having to pay the cost of a physical dedicated server. It is also scalable and highly customizable, allowing users to pay only for the features and resources they require. Adding to that, users can have a greater control of the servers plus root access and the ability to run certain server scripts.

Basically, a VPS is for those who want the same benefits that a private server provides, all while sharing the cost of hosting services. It is suitable for users who need speed and performance, such as those who have websites with eCommerce platforms or a large volume of traffic and those who run very advanced applications. It is also preferable if users need a custom server setup and flexible server resources based on their requirements.

Virtual Private Network

Virtual Private Network or VPN also involves servers but in quite a different way from a VPS. It creates a private and secure network for its users, allowing them to remain anonymous online while protecting any data that passes over the network connection through a number of methods. A VPN routes its users’ data through their own network of servers before it reaches its final destination, so it looks as if the users’ internet activity is coming from the VPN’s servers rather than their own. In addition, a VPN encrypts users’ server requests, transforming their information into codes that can only be decoded when they reach the proper target.

As online privacy and security are getting more important these days, most people will benefit from using a VPN. Not only that, a VPN also allows users to access certain geographically restricted content, so with a VPN, users can consume any content that is not available in their countries. Nonetheless, a VPN is not without drawbacks. It is important to note that since a VPN adds layers of encryption to its users’ data, it will slow down their internet connection.

In summary, a VPS is a cost-effective server to host with, while a VPN is a service that safely, privately connects users with the internet from various locations. A VPS is most useful to businesses because it provides powerful yet affordable server hosting to support websites and advanced applications, while a VPN can aid both businesses and individuals by protecting their privacy and altering their apparent online locations. VPSs mainly provide server hosting, not data security. In contrast, VPNs are focused on security features, so they do not host websites or apps. However, although VPSs and VPNs are different technologies, they can be combined. With certain computer expertise, users can use a VPS as the hosting server to create their own VPN.