Have you ever felt like you were on the outside looking at the internet?

It’s common to feel that way these days, as more and more people turn to the internet to fuel their business and personal lives.

But, if you’re somewhere in the world that’s blocking your access to the internet, you do feel like you are left on the outside looking in. We can help. Both DNS and VPN systems can connect you to the internet in a whole new way.

But what is the difference between a DNS vs VPN system?

Let’s take a look!

What Is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows you to connect to the internet via a server that is not your own.

This can be useful for several reasons, such as circumventing geographical restrictions or making sure that your data is secure. VPNs work by encrypting your data so that it can only be read by the server you are connected to.

This enables users to send and receive data over the internet while keeping their confidential information safe. It can also be used to access websites and services which are blocked in your country or to stay anonymous online.

Two Main Types of VPNs

There are two primary types of VPNs those are Site-to-site and remote access. Both types of VPNs have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on the specific needs of the business or individual:

Remote-Access

It allows you to access a private network from a remote location. The main differences between a VPN and remote access are the protocols used and the level of security.

Remote access VPNs usually use the PPTP or L2TP/IPsec protocols, while VPNs can use a variety of protocols. VPNs are generally more secure than remote access, but both can be used to connect to a private network securely.

Site-To-Site

A type of the best VPN where each end of the connection is a different physical location, such as two offices in different countries. A Site-to-Site VPN will allow all traffic to flow between the two locations as if they were on the same local network.

This is useful for businesses that have multiple offices, or for managed service providers (MSPs) who manage networks for their clients.

Different VPN Services Available

There are several different types of VPNs, each with its own advantages and benefits. The most common type is the IPsec VPN, which is best suited for remote access to a company network.

Another type, the SSL VPN, is best suited for accessing specific applications or servers that require a high level of security. Finally, the PPTP VPN is best suited for point-to-point connections, such as between a remote user and a company’s internal network.

They all have different features. Some VPNs are better for streaming, for example, while others are better for security. Some VPNs are also free, while others charge a monthly fee. It is necessary to choose a VPN that is right for your needs.

What Is a DNS?

A DNS, or Domain Name System, is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses.

It is a critical component of the Internet because, without it, users would have to remember the IP addresses of websites instead of the more user-friendly domain names. It is sometimes referred to as a “phone book” for the Internet.

Just as a phone book contains a list of names and phone numbers, a DNS server includes a list of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.

When you type a domain name into your web browser, the DNS server looks up the IP address associated with that domain name and directs your request to that server.

Two Main Types of DNS

There are two primary types of Domain Name System (DNS) servers and those are, recursive and authoritative. Read below to understand them:

Recursive 

It’s what most people use when they connect to the internet. A recursive DNS will send a request to a server that knows the answer to the question, and then return the answer to the requesting computer.

This can be done in several ways, but the most common is for the server to keep a list of answers to common questions, and then use that list to answer the request. This type of DNS is very fast and simple, but it can be vulnerable to attacks. 

Authoritative 

Another type of DNS  is an Authoritative DNS, which is used by companies and organizations to control their DNS information.

An authoritative DNS will have a server that contains all of the DNS information for a specific domain, and will only answer requests for information about that domain. This type of DNS guide is much more secure, but it is also much slower.

Different DNS Services Available

There are much different Domain Name System providers, but some of the most popular are Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and Quad9 DNS. Each provider offers different features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Google DNS is a good choice for users who want a fast and reliable DNS service. Cloudflare DNS is a good choice for users who want a secure and private DNS service. Quad9 DNS is a good choice for users who want a DNS service that blocks malicious domains.

DNS vs VPN Disadvantages

DNS servers are more prone to attacks than VPN servers. This is because DNS servers are generally public and therefore more accessible to attackers.

VPN servers, on the other hand, are usually private and therefore more difficult to access. However, a free VPN for iPhone can still be a great option for those who want to stay safe and secure.

Additionally, DNS servers are typically not as well-protected as VPN servers, making them more vulnerable to attacks. Finally, DNS servers are often slower than VPN servers, due to the extra overhead of resolving DNS queries.

Differences Discovered

After reading this article, you should have a better knowledge of the numerous differences between DNS vs VPN that make each solution better for particular applications.

Keep in mind that DNS is preferable for ordinary online browsing and simple content screening, but VPN provides encryption and privacy for more sensitive data. It is always advisable to select the solution that best meets your requirements.

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By SARAH