Find Out Which One Is Safer Between MPLS & VPN to Keep User Anonymous & Secure Online
For any regular internet surfer, tech-savvy, or for organization secured internet connection is important. Information stored, transmitted, or processed between network devices and servers is quite normal in this technology-driven world, and further cybercrime is also at its peak. But, to overcome such scenarios, technology is also advancing daily, and one such to keep you safe, secure, and anonymous online is VPN and MPLS. These are the two different competing technologies that help to store and secure data more efficiently.
But what are they, what’s the difference between the two, which one is faster, which one is more secure, what are their costs? Let’s dig into details, find answers to such questions, and determine how to make accurate decisions over MPLS vs. VPN.
But before diving into details of each, you should be aware that whatever information is sent and received over the internet, it goes in packets. It travels through the different entry and exit points for transmitting and receiving data.
What’s MPLS?
MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) is a protocol that uses the label for routing packets instead of IP addresses. It’s the technology that directs and carries data between network nodes that means it’s capable of carrying direct virtual links between different nodes irrespective of its location and from what distance it’s coming.
Unlike VPN, MPLs is an independent mechanism of protocol and data that can work regardless of the physical network topology.
In other words, it’s one of the highly scalable and independent protocols that’s used for carrying data packets. And these data packets are assigned with labels, and further decisions are made where it’ll be sent depending upon those assigned labels content without examining the packet. Based on this, users can create end-to-end circuits across different mediums used for virtual transportation using any protocol. Here, the main objective of MPLs is to remove dependence upon any Data Link Layer technology. Some of the common examples are ATM, Ethernet, SONET, or Frame Relay.
Furthermore, MPLS is operated at the OSI Model Layer, which’s between Layer 2 (the Data Link Layer) and Layer 3 (the Network Layer), often called the Layer 2.5 protocol.
What’s a VPN?
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a network within a physical network. It’s usually deployed with a high-security network tunnel from where data travels in an encrypted format. Here, data travels through a VPN that’s not visible to the surrounded physical network. It means it stays hidden and cannot be tracked by anyone, such as your ISP (Internet Service Provider). VPN can be created using different types of encryption standards like IPsec.
In other words, VPN is a Network layered on top of a computer network that helps to replace your actual IP address for a temporary moment. It masks it with the VPN server you connect, making you appear from a connected location that makes it impossible for your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or other Government surveillance to trace you. VPNs use cryptographic tunneling protocol for offering the confidentiality, authentication of the sender, and message integrity for security. This VPN protocol includes many different security features like SSTP (Secure Socket Tunnelling Protocol), LT2P, PPTP protocol, etc.
MPLS vs. VPN: Here’s How They Differ
| MPLS | VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | It uses Multipoint technology | It uses P2P (Point to Point) technology. |
| OSI Model Layer | It works between Layer 2 & Layer 3, and it’s often called a Layer 2.5 protocol. | Works up to Layer 7. |
| Encryption | Does not requires encryption. | Uses robust encryption standards such as AES-256 bit. |
| Cost | It costs high. | It costs low. |
| Prioritization of Traffic | No, it’s not possible to prioritize internet traffic. | Yes, it’s possible to prioritize internet traffic. |
| Supported Platform | MPLs is compatible with all layer 3 devices like Router, Firewall. | Support routers and firewalls with needed security. |
| Multicast Traffic | Yes, it supports multicast traffic. | For supporting Multicast traffic, GRE over IPsec has to be implemented that requires additional configuration. |
| Targeted Customers | Recommended for large size enterprises. | Recommended for small to medium-sized enterprises. |
| Management | MPLs connection is provided and maintained by service providers, which means customers don’t need to carry any device configuration burden. | Customers themselves need to perform everything, including configuration and provisioning of VPN setup. |
| Routing & Internet Traffic Control | Service providers have more rights to control and to route internet traffic. | Customers are capable of routing internet traffic using the VPN server of a particular country. |
| Limitation of Location | Limited to locations where a service provider has their networks or has partnered with other service providers. | A basic internet connection is needed from the customer’s end. |
| Reliability for Delay Sensitive Internet Traffic | More reliable when it comes to better user experience because of the QoS implementation. | Less recommended for delay-sensitive internet traffic and critical business applications. |
MPLS vs. VPN: Which One Is Faster?
In regard to speed, there’s no specific answer when it comes to MPLS or VPN. Theoretically, MPLS is designed specifically for boosting speed compared to a VPN solution. Here in MPLS, the labeling function of MPLS can boost internet speed because an individual router is not performing an IP address lookup. Additionally, other possible reasons for better internet speed through MPLS can be due to small and more contained networks, which can boost speed compared to VPN.
Though these days internet speed is getting faster and due to that bandwidth is not that expensive. So, due to that, MPLS may not prove significant in internet speed. On the other hand, VPN often slows down internet speed slightly, as every packet is encrypted and has to go through the VPN server before reaching the destination server and vice-versa.
MPLS vs. VPN: Which One Is More Secure?
MPLS is a private network that includes its infrastructure and routing protocols. According to the labeling system, Internet traffic moves through the MPLS labeling system while interacting only with the traditional internet framework’s edges. So, MPLS requires fewer IP lookups, which is necessary to go online, and based upon that, MPLS may be considered less vulnerable to certain types of hacking.
However, MPLS traffic isn’t encrypted by default, and if any part of the MPLS equipment is not set up properly, especially edges of the network where routers do IP lookups, then your data can be leaked. Also, if someone gets their hand on your private network, privacy can be at risk.
On the other hand, VPN makes use of different layers for protecting private information. Since your data is routed through VPN servers from other remote locations using a virtual tunnel that’s encrypted, it becomes quite difficult for hackers to get their hands on it. Even if any cybercriminal breaks into the VPN, he or she wouldn’t be able to find your data, as it remains encrypted throughout the session. And some VPN providers even offer a strict no-log policy, which makes it even more secure.
MPLS vs. VPN: How Much It Costs?
The cost of both MPLS and VPN differs depending upon various reasons like their specific features, size, locations, and more. Usually, MPLS is definitely on the expensive side of cost, and VPN’s price is budget-friendly. Further, free VPNs are available, though it’s not safe to use. On the other hand, cheap VPN solutions are also provided by respected providers with all the needed security features that help you stay secure.
Combination of MPLS & VPN
Though MPLS and VPN are mostly considered competitors, it’s also possible to combine them if it’s a cloud version of MPLS labeling. And it could result in a stronger and safer system compared to the individual ones.
As it leads to better bandwidth and faster speeds, an MPLS VPN could be a better option for individuals or business enterprises who requires to perform the activity that needs heavy bandwidth usage with lower minimal delays. For instance, companies that require apps to run VoIP and video conferencing regularly can benefit from the MPLS VPN. Compared to traditional MPLS or traditional VPN, MPLS VPN is more expensive and costs even more if used for transmitting information across big distances.
And, according to us, some of the reasons you can go for MPLS VPN are like:
- You’re okay to pay additional fees for more bandwidth.
- You’re using a local network instead of an international one.
- It’s critical for you not to experience delays.
Summary
Both MPLS and VPNs have their importance in their way. However, VPNs offered by respected providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN are widely used among common internet users who’re looking mainly to bypass geo-restricted content such as watching shows and movies on Netflix US or BBC iPlayer. On the other hand, MPLS can prove beneficial for the organizations if issues related to bandwidth delays cause serious loss.
