Difference between MPLS and VPN

The MPLS and VPN are commonly utilized in networking, although both are designed to perform different functions. The primary distinction between MPLS and VPN is that MPLS is utilized to create a predetermined path with the help of labels that behaves like a circuit-switched connection. Still, it may also carry layer 3 IP packets. In contrast, the VPN establishes a secure encrypted connection with the assistance of an additional server to send the information. Moreover, the MPLS may make a router behave like a switch because there are no limitations on delivering IP packets. It also functions well with non-IP packets. On the other hand, the VPN can relocate the user's IP address and hide it.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between MPLS and VPN. But before discussing the differences, you must know about MPLS and VPN with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is MPLS?

MPSL stands for "Multi-protocol Label Switching". It is a crucial method of data transmission. Its features are comparable to those of the circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, and it emulates some of the network's features of the packet-switched network. It utilizes the label switching technique, in which every packet is allocated a label or number. The packet forwarding process is made more accessible by labels or numbers. The labels correspond to layer-3 destination addresses in a path, similar to IP destination-based routing.

The main goal of developing MPLS is to make protocol forwarding supportable other than TCP/IP protocol. As a result, the label switching function operates, in the same manner, disregarding the layer-3 protocol. When MPLS is implemented on a large-scale network, only edge routers are responsible for routing lookup, and core routers forward the packets based on the label. It enhances the packet forwarding speed in the service provider network.

Advantages and Disadvantages of MPLS

There are various advantages and disadvantages of MPLS. Some main advantages and disadvantages of MPLS are as follows:

Advantages of MPLS

Cost

Network resources may be easily shared in MPLS because it is a 3 layer technology. In addition, MPLS may be used to route all of the client data discreetly.

Reliability

Label-based routing on a private network assures that packets will be reliably sent to their destination. Furthermore, MPLS allows you to prioritize traffic for various types of packets, such as routing real-time video packets through a reduced latency path. This reliability is ensured by service level agreements (SLAs), which also assure the MPLS provider to resolve failures or face a penalty.

Scalability

Scalability is a feature that MPLS makes easily available. It is simpler than other methods and may be scaled up and down on the requirements.

Efficiency

MPLS dedicated infrastructure ensures high-quality performance with reduced latency and jitter. It ensures efficiency and a better user experience. It is also required for real-time communication, such as audio, video, and mission-critical information.

Disadvantages of MPLS

Security

The user has complete control over the security of MPLS solutions. The MPLS provider doesn't provide any inherent security features. However, you might easily lower vulnerabilities and partially secure the network by collaborating with the provider.

Accessibility

It is not optimized for cloud apps. It is mainly designed for point-to-point networking. You may not directly access a cloud app or SaaS using MPLS. Even if certain cloud services are made accessible, they come with a price tag.

Control

It also lacks when it comes to complete network control. The service provider handles every configuration aspect, and dynamic routing is the user's only control over MPLS.

What is VPN?

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Networks". It is a type of private network but virtual. By applying VPN, you may use public networks as private networks because VPN is a tool for integrity protection, handling encryption, and certification or authentication. Over a public network, it simulates a private network, and it enables the users to access a private network remotely. In contrast to MPLS, users manage the routing divisions and traffic in VPN. In a VPN network, all OSI layers are required to make a VPN functional.

You may utilize a VPN network to protect the IP address by enabling the network to redirect via a specially configured remote server run by a VPN host. When you utilize a VPN network to surf the web, it becomes the source of your data, which means your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other third parties may not view the data you send and receive online.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VPN

There are various advantages and disadvantages of VPN. Some main advantages and disadvantages of VPN are as follows:

Advantages of VPN

Provide Anonymity

The real IP address you utilize is accessible to almost all websites, and you may essentially conceal your real IP address and encrypt data by using VPN. The real IP address is hidden, and that's why hackers, ISP, and governments may not see your personal information that what you do online. Moreover, in some countries, ISPs are entirely lawful in selling your personal data to advertisements. These types of risks may be completely avoided by using a VPN network.

Cost-effective Security

VPNs may assist users in staying safe, private, and anonymous online for very little cost. Most of the world's best VPNs range in price from $2 to $11 a month, and it depends on the length of the user's subscription period. Furthermore, it offers advanced security features, broad server networks, top-tier encryption, and the opportunity to change their IP address location.

Prevent Bandwidth Throttling

VPNs are very efficient against bandwidth throttling, which users may experience buffering or slow load times on certain websites during the month's end. Internet service providers (ISPs) and network managers commonly throttle bandwidth to keep specific customers within their download limits. As a result, they restrict the amount of data users may transfer in a given time period.

Improved Gaming Experience

VPN also helps to enhance your online gaming experience. Some games are limited to specific geographical areas, and the IP address is concealed by using a VPN network, so you may get an opportunity to play them. Additionally, you may avoid DDoS attacks and unfair IP bans by using a VPN network for gaming.

Disadvantages of VPN

Slowdown the Internet Speed

Sometimes using a VPN network, you may notice a speed reduction. It happens due to data encryption. The data is encrypted in the VPN network; it has to travel more than generally, and it may cause connections to lose speed.

Device Compatibility

The VPN network usually supports most devices and OS. Some platforms are not supported at all, and it is due to the limited usage of these platforms. In this scenario, if you wish to utilize a VPN network on such a platform, you must manually set up a VPN connection. Additionally, if your computer has a VPN connection, you may directly use an Ethernet cable to connect it to the unsupported platforms. However, it will significantly slow down your internet speed.

Costs More Money

Most high-quality VPN networks protect user data and provide privacy online, but they are not free. Even though the cost of the VPN is not high, it is usually around $10 per month at the high end, but it can't be within the budget of all users. VPNs offer large discounts on their 2 and 3-year plans, but these need the user to pay for the complete time duration up front with the expectation that the VPN network would still be operational at the end of the prepaid time.

Privacy Issue

VPN networks are mainly designed to provide you with total protection. However, free VPN services are not properly configured with encryption. Additionally, there is a chance that some VPNs will sell your data to third-party companies. Furthermore, VPNs that keep user data logs may risk your privacy. The objective of VPN is defeated with these types of VPNs. On the other hand, the paid VPN service provides complete safety with no log user policy.

Main Differences between the MPLS and VPN

Here, you will learn the main differences between MPLS and VPN. Some main differences between MPLS and VPN are as follows:

1. VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. As the name implies, a VPN system is a private network that forms a tunnel for data from the source to its destination. In contrast, MPLS is an abbreviation for Multi-Protocol Label Switching. It routes a labelled map to the data to reach its destination.
2. MPLS doesn't use encryption. In contrast, VPN utilizes encryption to protect the connection.
3. MPLS is quite more expensive than the VPN network.
4. MPLS utilizes multi-point technology. In contrast, VPN utilizes point-to-point and multi-point technology.
5. MPLS offers limited cloud-based services. In contrast, VPN offers a large amount of cloud-based services.
6. The user has complete control over traffic and routing division in a VPN network. On the other hand, the service provider has complete control over traffic, routes, and traffic prioritization in MPLS.
7. The user themselves configures and provisions the VPN setup. In contrast, the service provider configures and manages the MPLS setup.
8. The VPN network needs all OSI layers to make it operational. On the other hand, the MPLS network runs on the OSI layers 2 and 3.
9. The MPLS is a more dependable technology because it guarantees the quality of service. In contrast, the VPN is very reliable for delay-sensitive traffic.
10. In MPLS, a blocked site could be unblocked. In contrast, not every blocked website may be unlocked using a VPN.

Head-to-head comparison between MPLS and VPN

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between MPLS and VPN. The main differences between MPLS and VPN are as follows:

Conclusion

MPLS and VPN are two distinct technologies that operate on different principles. However, in both systems, a specific route or path is built but for different purposes. The goal of MPLS is to aid routers in forwarding non-TCP/IP packets. In contrast, the primary function of a VPN is to enable a secure connection over a public network.