A good quality VPN offering better security and protection to your data is a basic requirement for the majority of people especially working in the business sector. But it is important to know about the difference between using a VPN and a remote desktop. It should be noted that functionally both, a VPN and a Remote Desktop, are two different things. To understand the difference between them and what they have to offer, it is necessary to learn a little more about each of them. Have you ever used your computer by accessing it from another device? Yes! it is possible with the help of a VPN or a remote desktop. Your mind must be swimming with several different questions like what is a Remote Desktop? How does it work? Is VPN faster than the Remote Desktop? But be patient because you’re getting your answers soon.
What is a Remote Desktop?
A remote desktop works on RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). As the name indicates, remote desktop means to access the functionality of a desktop computer or several computers from a remote location. There are various kinds of software and applications that use this protocol to access the desktop’s functionality.
Such remote desktop applications have gained much popularity nowadays with technology getting more and more advanced with each passing day. These software and applications are more common among the employees who are used to working remotely from home. Remote Desktop is an easy solution for those who are unable to go to their offices because either they’re stuck somewhere or they’re frequently traveling. By using a remote desktop, they can easily access their local desktop computers and continue working.
How Does Remote Desktop Work?
You must have heard about “screen sharing” if you’re a fan of streaming movies and series. Similarly, with the help of a remote desktop option, you can share the screen of your work computer with your remote desktop but with full access to all of its functionality using an internet connection.
With the remote desktop option, you are allowed to launch different applications and perform various tasks. You can even change the administrator settings as if you are there using the actual computer sitting on your desk. Remote desktop also enables you to access all the resources whether they’re stored on the computing device or they’re shared on the network. You can easily take control of all the activities and functions that your desk computer performs.
What is a VPN?
VPN, as we know, stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a tool normally used by the majority of people for its security and privacy options. It is capable of creating a small private type of network server on top of the larger more public network hub usually the Internet. The VPN offers a whole new set of connection settings and server selection which is very different from the remote desktop.
How Does a VPN Work?
With the help of a VPN, you not only get access to your office computer but also get a lot of other features related to online privacy and security. But that’s a long discussion for another time so focussing on getting access, VPN allows you to bypass the location restrictions and use all those applications and devices remotely that are restricted to be used only on local networks. You can easily access them over the Internet connection once you are connected to the VPN.
An important aspect of using a VPN is that it can only provide you access to the resources that you have shared on the network already. But if you somehow forget to share the respective resources before leaving your office, there’s no way you’ll be able to access it when working remotely using your VPN. Once you set up the folders, that’s it. If you want to have access it is necessary to share the resources on VPN from the office.
Comparing VPN and Remote Desktop
Considering the features that each of them has to offer and comparing the pros and cons of both, VPN and Remote Desktop, the following are the few major points of differences.
1. Accessibility:
In terms of accessibility, remote desktop lets you access all the resources and data files that are either stored on your office computer or shared on to the local network. It does not limit your accessibility whereas a VPN only lets you access the resources and files that you have shared on the network.
2. Full Control:
A VPN only allows you to control the files and data shared on the local network. You cannot control other options or settings of your office computer. On the other hand, a remote desktop gives you full control over your office device. You can adjust settings, view all the files, or even change the administration of your device from your remote location.
3. Speed and Price:
The remote desktop requires high-speed internet and still, it lags while being used. Moreover, it is expensive as compared to the VPN. VPN easily works even if your internet is not working at its maximum speed and it is definitely cheaper than remote desktop.
4. Privacy:
VPN is the type of software that is specifically designed to protect the privacy of the user. It is capable of rerouting the network traffic through special network tunnels run by their servers. This way it hides the identity of the user by masking their IP addresses and provides complete privacy.
5. Security:
Considering a way to access official data from a remote location, it definitely requires a certain level of security. Your office computers are only meant for office works and thus consist of various software and data information that needs to be hidden from others. The best way to provide secure access to such devices is undoubtedly through establishing a VPN connection.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found the answer to your question “Is VPN faster than Remote Desktop?” VPN is a better option. It works faster and takes good care of your online security and protects your data from potential breaches. Just remember to always share your data files.