Difference Between VLAN and VPN

VLAN and VPN are two independent technologies in computer networking that serve different purposes. A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure, encrypted connection established through a public network (such as the Internet) to connect remote users or networks to a private network. A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a logical network formed within a physical network infrastructure.

Read this article to find out more about VLAN and VPN and how they are different from each other.

What is VLAN?

A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a logical network formed within a physical network infrastructure. It allows network administrators to separate a single physical network into many virtual networks, allowing devices to communicate as if they were on other physical networks. VLANs are mostly used in switches to define independent broadcast domains at Layer 2 of the network architecture.

Types of VLAN

• Port-based VLAN − VLAN membership is decided by the physical switch ports to which devices are connected. Each port is assigned to a certain VLAN, and all devices connecting to that port are members of that VLAN.

• MAC-based VLAN − The MAC (Media Access Control) address of devices determines VLAN membership. Administrators define MAC addresses and provide VLAN memberships.

• Protocol-based VLAN − The type of protocols used by devices determines VLAN membership. Different protocols' traffic (e.g., IP, IPX) is assigned to a different VLAN.

VLANs Benefits

• Security − By segregating traffic within VLANs, VLANs improve network security. Unless specifically permitted, devices in one VLAN cannot communicate with devices in another VLAN. This segmentation helps control potential security breaches and the scope of network attacks.

• Performance and Efficiency − Broadcast traffic is contained within each VLAN when a network splits into VLANs, reducing network congestion and boosting performance. VLANs additionally allow more efficient use of network resources by grouping devices based on their purpose, department, or security requirements.

• Simplified Network Management − VLANs make network management simple by grouping devices logically. Even within a shared physical network architecture, network administrators can establish VLAN-specific parameters, apply security policies, and operate VLANs individually.

VLAN Tagging

When transferring VLAN traffic over network links, especially in VLAN trunking circumstances, VLAN tagging is used. It adds a VLAN tag or VLAN identifier (VLAN ID) to the Ethernet frame to indicate which VLAN the frame belongs to. This allows switches and other networking devices to accurately detect and handle VLAN traffic, ensuring that frames are routed to the relevant VLANs.

What is VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection across a public network, often the Internet, allowing individuals or networks to remotely access a private network. It establishes a virtual tunnel through which data is safely transported between the user's device and the private network.

Components of VPN

• VPN Client − The VPN connection is initiated by software or an application installed on the user's device. It encrypts the data and transmits it through the VPN channel.

• VPN Server − The server that receives and decrypts VPN client data It serves as the private network's entry point.

• VPN Protocol − The rules and encryption algorithms that are used to establish the VPN connection, encrypt the data, and ensure its integrity VPN protocols that are often used include OpenVPN, IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP.

Benefits of VPN

• Secure Remote Access − VPNs allow users to securely connect to a private network from a remote location, such as employees connecting to their company network or individuals connecting to their home network.

• Bypassing Regional Restrictions − VPNs allow users to bypass geographical limitations and censorship imposed by governments or content providers. Users can access region-restricted content or websites by connecting to a VPN server in another location.

• Anonymity and Privacy − VPNs can hide a user's IP address and location, providing some anonymity when accessing the Internet. This protects user privacy and prohibits websites or online services from tracking user behavior.

VPN Security

• Encryption − VPNs use encryption methods to secure data transmitted across the tunnel. Strong encryption ensures that data remains private and secure against interception.

• Authentication − VPNs use a variety of authentication methods to authenticate the identity of the VPN client and server, ensuring that only authorized users can connect to a VPN.

• Tunneling Protocols − VPNs encapsulate and securely convey data using tunneling techniques. Different protocols provide varying levels of security and functionality, and the choice depends on individual requirements and concerns.

Difference between VLAN and VPN

The following table highlights the major differences between VLAN and VPN −

Characteristics	VLAN	VPN
Layer	Layer 2 (Data Link Layer)	Layer 3 (Network Layer)
Full Form	VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)	VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Traffic Scope	Local network	Remote network
Communication	Devices within a VLAN can communicate with each other; communication between VLANs requires routing or Layer 3 switches.	Users can securely access the private network remotely. VPN enables communication with devices and resources on the remote network.
Anonymity	Does not provide anonymity for network traffic.	Can provide anonymity by hiding the user's IP address and location while accessing the Internet.
Applications	Enhances network security, optimizes performance, and simplifies management in local networks	Facilitates secure remote access, connects branch offices, bypasses regional restrictions, and protects data privacy.
Security	Provides network segmentation and limits the scope of network attacks.	Encrypts data and protects it from interception and unauthorized access.

Conclusion

VLANs deal with logically segmenting and managing network traffic within a physical network architecture, whereas VPNs are involved with creating secure connections over public networks, such as the Internet, to allow remote access and data privacy.