VNC and VPN are two commonly confused terms in the networking world. Though they appear to have similar functionalities, VCN and VPN are entirely two different things. In this article, we will try to explain the major differences between a VPN and a VNC to help you decide which one is best for you.
What’s a VNC?
VNC or Virtual Network Computing is a technique that helps you control a computer remotely. If you have multiple computers within the same network, you can access one computer with another using Virtual Networking Computing. Usually, a VNC system can help businesses in remote troubleshooting and resource sharing.
On the other hand, a VPN allows you to access an entire network remotely, instead of a single device. A VPN is a more advanced and secure way to access shared data and other resources on a particular network.
How Does VNC Function?
Virtual Network Computing works like a simple client-server model. All you need to do is set up one computer as a VNC server and another computer as a VNC client. In this way, whenever you want to access a remote computer within a network, a VNC server will share its screen with the client. Likewise, your mouse and keyboard inputs will also get streamed from the client to the server. That’s how a VNC can help you control a computer remotely.
Usually, companies that develop VNC software use a standardized protocol that facilitates accessibility between two remote computers.
Some Common Uses of a Virtual Network Computing System
- Since VNC can access remote computers easily, this technique is a reliable and effective work-from-home solution for employees. Moreover, VNC can save small businesses from renting office spaces, as it comes with feasible remote working and coworking options.
- VNC can simplify any file-sharing process, as you can access your office system to share or download the required resource files conveniently.
- VNC can help you come out of a business crisis during disasters, including cyber-attacks. You can always get back your lost data from the client computer and proceed with your official responsibilities without interruption.
- VNC is a cost-effective way to outsource tech and IT support. Third-party vendors and the tech support team can quickly reach out to remote employees and resolve their issues using Virtual Network Computing.
- VNC can help you transform your staff training sessions to a whole new level. Most organizations have already replaced the conventional employee training session with a remote one. Since VNC deploys methods like screen sharing, you can coach your employees at their comfort.
The Downsides of VNC
VNC applications are susceptible to a lot of online vulnerabilities. If a client device from a remote location gets infected with malware, chances of that system infecting the server device are high. Hence, it is absolutely essential to have specialized security solutions in place while configuring Virtual Network Computing for your business.
In general, VNC applications utilize multiple compression algorithms optimized for good quality screen image, small bandwidth, and low latency. Sometimes, these strong compressions can eat a lot of your CPU power, which affects your overall system performance. As a result, VNC users might experience a lag in speed while using the application.
Whenever you connect your system to another remote system, you would usually experience bandwidth hogs because of the huge data transfers.
Working on a VNC system can sometimes be complicated, especially if you deploy multiple network protocols to build the VNC tunnel. For this reason, you might have to hire experts to get your things done.
What’s a VPN?
While VNC allows you to access a computer from a remote location, a VPN is a technology that helps you access a public network privately. In simple words, a VPN protects you over the internet.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. With a VPN, you can establish a private connection between your device and any network on the internet.
Whenever you use a VPN, your internet traffic first goes through the VPN server in a different location and then reaches the online destination. The VPN technology uses encryption and other tunneling protocols to keep your internet activity safe from hackers, snoopers, and cybercriminals.
A VPN is the best way to protect yourself from identity thefts and privacy exploitation. Additionally, a VPN also masks your real IP and location, making the internet think that you are located in a different region.
On top of it, there are also other legitimate reasons to use a VPN. Let’s understand them now.
How Does a VPN Benefit You?
- A VPN can help you get around geo-restrictions. Since a VPN can mask your real IP address and location, you can access a lineup of geoblocked streaming libraries from Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime. For instance, if you want to access content from Netflix US, all you need to do is choose a VPN server from the United States.
- More than saving you from geo-restrictions, a VPN can protect you against all forms of online censorship. If you are in China, Russia, or Saudi Arabia, you know that not all websites and online applications are available for your use. These restrictive countries use firewalls and filter the content to their citizens. With the help of a VPN, you can break any firewall and get unrestricted access to your desired website from wherever you wish.
- A VPN can protect you from data throttling, as your ISP will no longer be able to monitor your online activities. ISPs are notoriously popular in limiting your speed and data bandwidth based on what you do online. Slow speeds can sometimes spoil your streaming or gaming experience. Therefore, you can use a VPN to enjoy interrupted video streaming and downloading files.
- A VPN is the most secure and reliable way to download torrent files. Since torrenting is considered illegal in most countries, downloaders and uploaders may land in trouble due to copyright watchdogs. With a VPN, you can overcome all these online risks and carry out a hassle-free P2P file transfer from anywhere in the world.
- A VPN can be used to access office files remotely with your home computer. It doesn’t matter where you are; you can always access your remote office network with a VPN securely to connect with printers and download the required resource files.
What differentiates a VNC from a VPN?
| VNC | VPN |
|---|---|
| A VNC allows a computer to access another computer remotely. | A VPN allows a device to access a large public network privately. |
| Business organizations mostly use a VNC for file sharing and remote tech support. | A VPN is used by both business organizations and the general public to protect their online privacy and access geo-restricted content. |
| VNC makes use of a standard protocol to carry out its functionality. | A VPN has several advanced features like robust encryption, tunneling protocols, kill switch, WiFi protection, and more. |
| You might need a high-speed internet connection to use a VNC system, as it might consume a lot of your bandwidth. | Both business VPNs and consumer VPNs do not lag in connection speed compared to VNCs. Moreover, most premium VPNs are known to offer unlimited bandwidth to users. |
| VNC systems do not come with additional security benefits | A VPN can hide your IP, location and protect you against all major online security threats. |
