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Gleb Golovko

VPN vs. RDP: what’s the difference?



What distinguishes VPN from RDP?

You can pretend to be another computer online, strange but true. Both Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) will assist you with that, but they'll provide you varying amounts of ability and be used for other purposes. You can evaluate which is preferable for you by comparing VPN with RDP.

Remote desktop vs VPN

Is a remote desktop just like a VPN? Not exactly! Similar in purpose, RDP enables you to achieve remote access to a particular device, while VPN enables you to entry a secure network. Both will provide you private access to a server or device that may be hundreds of miles distant and will (typically) encode your communication in a certain way.


Still, there are significant variations, particularly in terms of how we actually interact with and utilize these gadgets.

The simplest approach to comprehend the contrast between RDP and VPN is as follows:

By letting you pretend to be another server in various locations while surfing the Internet, a VPN is comparable to the mask that hides your identity.

With an RDP, you can become that another server or computer rather than to hide behind it as behind a mask. You can easily access its files, programs, and desktop as if you were physically being in front of it.

Remote Desktop Protocol: What Is It?

RDP operates by establishing a virtual link between your computer and a distant one. Have you ever viewed a live broadcast or a video when a person streams what is happening on his screen? An RDP allows you to operate the computer remotely by streaming its screen to you. From a client computer that may be thousands of miles distant, you may use the data, software, and processing power of the host computer.

The benefit of RDP over a VPN is that you have access to all of the remote host computer's resources. RDP can be a useful tool if there is specific software that you can only have on the host computer or if the host computer is better at handling computationally challenging tasks like detailed renderings. You can also use a laptop while still operating a supercomputer.

The faster and more secure VPN may be more appropriate then Remote Desktop. The connection is probably going to be agonizingly sluggish unless you're using a highly localized RDP (as linking to a powerful central server placed elsewhere in the same area). The data you exchange between your gadget and the hosting computer includes a lot more than simply files; it also includes mouse clicks, program commands, and other content. RDP has the ability to make the central server extremely vulnerable, which is yet another risk.

You may use the host computer as if you were the administrator, unless the sysadmin placed restrictions on it. Then what happens is your linkage hacked or is your computer somehow compromised? That may be simple to perform if your RDP doesn't provide the best protection available; even then, the host Computers won't be completely secure.

By the way, RDP is the term of a certain remote desktop access technology that Microsoft launched and included in their products. There are numerous alternatives to the remote desktop software, though.

Why to pick a VPN?

A VPN functions quite differently. Your gadget makes a connection to a VPN server, which is limited in what it can do to just allow users to browse and apply certain security protocols.

The only things the VPN server handles after you link to it are your requests, website answers to your requests, and any files you want to exchange online. When contrasting VPNs with RDP, the key distinction is that an RDP provides your gadget with more capabilities, whereas a VPN doesn't.

You’ll be still operating the same old gadget, but after linking to the VPN only your IP address will change, this’ll provide you with far more security while being online. Is a remote desktop less safe than a VPN? The biggest benefit of a VPN is security and privacy. Although RDPs don't require strong encryption to function, a VPN without such confidentiality isn't much of a VPN.

What will suit you best, RDP or VPN?

It is based upon whether you're an individual or company user.

If you run a company:

When your employees are working with the open sources or going on work trips, use a personal VPN to give them secure and confidential internet connection.

In order to allow your employees access to confidential files to work with on a secure working server, provide them with an internal VPN. To provide remote access from any place to the company's central system, ensure that your employees have access to the RDP.

This feature is useful if the technical specifications and software do not allow employees to work on their own computer, due to a technically more advanced central system.

RPD will also allow IT specialists to participate in maintenance and troubleshooting via remote access.

If you use it individually:

  • To browse the internet safely and confidentially, use a VPN for personal desktop

  • If you are traveling or going on work trips abroad, use a personal VPN to view the content you like

  • For additional options that protect online privacy, use a personal VPN

  • To avoid online spying and restrictions, use a personal VPN

An RDP for an individual user has limited options of usage. Only in extremely rare cases a user need remote access, that will allow a trusted person access to their personal computer. If you are not involved in business management, then VPN will be preferable for you. By changing your location on the computer, it will keep you and your personal data safe.

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