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VPN vs Remote Desktop

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A VPN is used to connect and access resources available on another network. Unlike RDP, a VPN lets you access another network instead of the whole system altogether, which changes your IP address to that of the other network. A premium VPN service encrypts your traffic from end-to-end so that you can browse the web with a cloak of security and privacy.

While you can “change” your IP with a remote desktop connection, but not tunneling the connection which is how a VPN is used. In other words, a VPN lets you use your device and another IP address. An RDP connection lets you use the remote connection’s device to use their IP connection. It doesn’t make sense to be used in this way; it’s mostly for remote control of a device, to do a specific activity on a remote computer such as accessing a file you stored on a remote server.

While comparing Remote Desktop vs VPN, we find that a VPN is much better for security purposes and online freedom than a remote desktop system. A remote desktop connection does not serve tunneling requests well; it’s great when you need to access a computer to copy or access files, not for prolonged use, especially in a security context.

Also, RDPs are costly as compared to a VPN. A Remote Desktop requires greater Internet speeds as compared to a VPN, but it continues to lag despite that. A remote desktop also gives you access to one IP address, whereas a VPN gives you access to many.

Topic

VPN vs. RDP

In reply to VPN vs Remote Desktop

Undoubtedly, the technical and productivity needs of every person are different therefore when you are trying to consider VPN vs remote desktop, it is important to take into account what you’re specifically trying to accomplish? If you are looking for simple, secure, broad remote access to network devices then a VPN solution might be the best solution but if you are looking for total control, flexibility, and uninterrupted access with security and encryption then RDP solution is your best choice.

VPN vs Remote Desktop

In reply to VPN vs Remote Desktop

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Essentially, a VPN creates a smaller, private network on top of a larger public network – most commonly the internet. The VPN can have specific settings and allow for more shared access among the devices connected to it.
A VPN also allows applications that only work on local networks to be accessed through the internet once you’re logged into the VPN.
RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol and is sometimes just referred to as Remote Desktop. It’s the commonly used name for a group of applications that allow you to access computers or devices from a remote location.

Remote desktop solutions are becoming more and more common with the increased prevalence of distributed workforces and more employees regularly working from home. It’s perfect for people who are frequently on the go, work out of a home office, or are often out in the field and need access to their local desktop computer.
When comparing VPN vs remote desktop there are two main concerns: flexibility and security.

Flexibility. While having some similarities, VPN and remote desktop are functionally different things. A VPN will give you access to a network while a remote desktop (or RDP) will give you control of an entire computer.

When you think about VPN vs RDP and what will be the right solution for your company or personal setup, you have to consider what you ultimately need. If you want to have full control over a local computer from a remote location, VPN won’t let you achieve that. If you don’t want to have to pre-plan and pre-emptively share all the folders and files you might need access to in the field, then a remote desktop is the way to go.

Since a remote desktop gives you full access to your device from wherever you are, it’s better than a VPN when it comes to flexibility.

Security. As you consider the best way to provide remote access to a network or device, security needs to be a top priority. Any time you open up personal or sensitive data to an outside resource, you have to take into account the security vulnerabilities of your options.

I hope this information is helpful!

Remote Desktop or VPN or Both?

In reply to VPN vs Remote Desktop

For Businesses:
VPNs should be used by employees to provide safe access to the Internet when using public Wi-Fi networks.
VPNs must be deployed by employees to ensure secure remote access to the corporate network and its resources.
If your employees need to access and use a standalone system from a remote location, use an RDP.
If your IT team requires to remotely access employees’ computers, they can easily perform troubleshooting and maintenance activities with an RDP.

For Individuals:
If you want to access the Internet safely, privately, and freely, use a VPN.
For streaming unavailable content from anywhere, use a VPN.
Avoid intrusive government surveillance, use a VPN.
There might be a rare instance where you need to access your home computer from a remote location or allow a trusted acquaintance to do so. Here, you should use an RDP.

As a note, you can’t do ANY of that with RDP. They’re just not the same thing, not at all.

Hope this was helpful.
Bruno J.

[Author]

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