Firewall vs. VPN: What Is The Difference Between Firewall And VPN?

Most people know that they need some kind of security for their online activity, but many are unsure of the difference between a firewall and a VPN. A firewall and a VPN are both ways to make sure that your data is secure when you are sending it over the internet. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to know the difference between the two before you decide which one to use. 

A firewall is a hardware or software device that helps protect your network from unauthorized access. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a private network that uses a public network, such as the internet, to connect remote users or sites. Here is a closer look at the differences between firewalls and VPNs.

What Is Firewall?

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external network, such as the Internet.

What Is VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel encrypts your data and hides your IP address, making it difficult for hackers and third-party organizations to track your online activity. By using a VPN, you can browse the internet with confidence, knowing that your data is safe and secure.

Key Differences Between Firewall And VPN

A firewall is a network security system that controls traffic based on predetermined rules. A VPN is a private network that encrypts traffic and routes it through a public network. The key difference between firewalls and VPNs is that firewalls only block access to the network, while VPNs encrypt all data that passes through the network. This means that VPNs provide a higher level of security than firewalls. However, VPNs can be more expensive to implement than firewalls. 

Firewalls are typically used to protect a network from external threats, while VPNs are used to create a secure connection between two networks. Another difference between firewalls and VPNs is that firewalls can be hardware- or software-based, while VPNs are usually software-based. VPNs may also use dedicated hardware to encrypt traffic.

1. Firewall is a network security system that is designed to protect an entire network
2. Firewall is a stand-alone security device and only allows access to certain ports
3. A firewall is a device that filters and monitors data sent between networks 
4. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between two hosts (e.g., two branch offices)

Firewall vs. VPN Similarities

A firewall is a system that helps to protect your network from unauthorized access. A VPN is a system that helps to encrypt your traffic and keep your data safe. Both systems help to keep your information safe and secure.

1. VPN and firewall both protect your network from intruders
2. They both help you to access the internet in a secure way
3. They both offer a secure and private channel for internet traffic
4. They both work by encrypting the data and routing it through a different network

Firewall vs. VPN Pros and Cons

Firewall Pros & Cons

Firewall Pros

A firewall is a system that provides network security by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. Firewalls can be hardware- or software-based, and they are often used in conjunction with other security measures, such as anti-virus software.

The advantages of using a firewall include:

1. Improved performance – by blocking unwanted traffic, firewalls can help to improve network performance by reducing congestion and freeing up bandwidth
2. Serves as a barrier between untrusted internal networks and untrusted external networks
3. It offers protection from unauthorised users, viruses, and malware
4. It makes local networks secure
5. Firewall allow only specified people to access network, files, and other information and applications on the network
6. Firewall prevents other people from viewing, accessing or using your information
7. Firewall provides security to your data

Firewall Cons

While firewalls can be effective in protecting networks from many types of malicious activity, they can also create some disadvantages and drawbacks, such as:

1. Firewalls can mistakenly block legitimate traffic, such as when a rule is incorrectly configured
2. Firewalls cannot secure encrypted traffic
3. Firewall can block your access to certain websites
4. They can be complex to configure and manage, especially if you have a large network
5. They can slow down your network as they inspect all traffic passing through it
6. They can be bypassed if an attacker knows how to do it
7. Firewall needs to be updated regularly
8. Firewall can only protect a single network

VPN Pros & Cons

VPN Pros

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a private network that encrypts and tunnels Internet traffic through a public server. A VPN can be used to secure your connection to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, to anonymize your web browsing, and to protect your online identity.

There are many advantages to using a VPN, including the following:

1. A VPN can help to improve your online security and privacy since your data is encrypted and your IP address is hidden
2. A VPN can also help to bypass Internet censorship and restrictions, as well as access geo-blocked websites and content
3. A VPN can also improve your online speeds by bypassing throttling from your ISP
4. A VPN can also offer a more reliable and stable connection, especially if you are using a public Wi-Fi network
5. Prevent hacking and protect your online activity
6. VPN provides anonymity

VPN Cons

A virtual private network (VPN) is a private network that uses a public network infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide secure and encrypted connections for remote users and sites. VPNs are used to protect confidential data, such as corporate information, and to extend private network services while maintaining security.

However, there are also several disadvantages to using a VPN, which include:

1. You can’t use the VPN for watching a video on streaming sites
2. The VPN slows the speed of your internet connection
3. The VPN doesn’t encrypt the traffic
4. Security risks: because your data is being routed through a third-party server, there is always the potential for security breaches
5. The VPN cannot access some websites
6. VPN is unreliable

Comparison Chart

Comparison Video

Conclusion

The Firewall and VPN both provide security by allowing only authorized users access to a network. However, the main difference is the access they create. A firewall only controls traffic coming to and from a network. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between a source and a destination. The firewall is a small piece of hardware that is installed between the Internet router and the computer. The VPN is software that is installed on the computer and establishes a virtual network path using the Internet.