Cloud VPN vs. Traditional VPN: Which One’s Best for Your Business?

The world of VPNs can be complex and confusing, with each type boasting its features, benefits, and drawbacks – It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure of which path to take.

In this post, we’ll demystify the differences between cloud VPN and traditional VPN, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.

We’ll explore how each type works, its advantages, and its key differences.

What Is a Cloud VPN?

A Cloud VPN is a service that provides secure and private internet access to users. Cloud VPNs are hosted in the cloud, meaning they can be accessed from anywhere worldwide, making them an ideal choice for businesses with a remote workforce or multiple office locations.

Cloud VPNs are more scalable, flexible, and efficient than their traditional counterparts.

Types of Cloud VPNs

Cloud VPNs are versatile, offering different types to suit various requirements. Here are the two main types of Cloud VPNs:

#1: Remote Access VPNs

Remote access VPNs allow individual users to securely access a private network from anywhere.

Ideal for remote workers or teams spread across multiple locations, they ensure secure access to company resources.

#2: Site-to-Site Connection VPNs

Site-to-site connection VPNs connect entire networks, providing a secure bridge for data to travel between different office locations or between a business and its partners or clients.

Ideal for companies with multiple office locations.

The Benefits of Cloud VPNs

Cloud VPNs offer several advantages over traditional VPNs, including:

Direct cloud access. Cloud VPNs provide direct access to cloud services, reducing latency and improving performance.
Global accessibility. Hosted in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere worldwide.
Flexibility. Easily scaled up or down based on the needs of the business.
Scalability. Support many users without the need for significant hardware investment.
Mobile support. Designed to work well with mobile devices, supporting the modern mobile workforce.
Cost efficiency. Eliminate the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs associated with traditional VPNs.

What Is a Traditional VPN?

A traditional VPN, also known as a remote VPN, is a technology that creates a secure connection over a less secure network between the user’s computer and a private network. Remote workers widely use this technology to access company resources they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.

It’s also used by individuals who want to ensure their online activity is private and secure.

Benefits of Traditional VPNs

Traditional VPNs offer several benefits, including:

VPN Security: Traditional VPNs use advanced encryption protocols to secure your data, protecting your information from hackers and other cyber threats.
Privacy: By masking your IP address, a VPN ensures that your online activities remain private.
Remote access: VPNs allow remote workers to securely access their company’s network from anywhere in the world.
Bypassing geo-restrictions: VPNs can make it appear as though you’re browsing from a different location, allowing you to access content that may be region-locked.
Cost-effective: Many VPN services are available at a relatively low cost, and the security benefits they provide can save businesses money in the long run by preventing data breaches.

Cloud VPN vs. Traditional VPN: The 4 Main Differences

Here are the four main differences between cloud VPNs and traditional VPNs.

#1: Features

Cloud VPNs are known for their scalability, cost-efficiency, and enhanced security features. They’re implemented as cloud-based services, making them more flexible and globally accessible.

Traditional VPNs are network appliances that provide secure, remote access to company networks but may lack the flexibility and scalability of their cloud counterparts.

#2: Performance

Cloud VPNs, running in data centers, offer high-speed connections not limited by network speed, unlike hardware VPNs.

They also eliminate backhaul, allowing users to connect directly to cloud-based networks, which:

Improves network performance
Reduces latency

#3: Support

Cloud VPNs quickly adopt new security features and vulnerability patches, making them more secure than on-premise VPNs.

Traditional VPNs, however, may require more time and resources to implement such updates.

#4: Pricing

Cloud VPNs are generally more affordable, with usage-based VPN-as-a-Service (VPNaaS) fees being more cost-effective.

Traditional VPNs require you to pay the expenses associated with deploying, maintaining, and upgrading VPN hardware.

The Bottom Line: Which VPN Is the Right For You?

Choosing between a cloud VPN vs. a traditional VPN for your business largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances. But, it’s crucial to consider the evolution of technology and the increasing demand for robust, flexible, and secure networking solutions.

Cloud VPNs offer a more flexible and scalable solution than traditional VPNs. On the other hand, traditional VPNs have been a staple in the security landscape for decades. However, as businesses adapt to an increasingly digital landscape, the demand for secure, remote access to resources is rising.

This has led to the emergence of alternatives to both cloud VPN and traditional VPN.

Two such alternatives are:

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): This modern approach to network access enhances security by verifying every connection attempt and limiting access privileges to only what users need to perform their tasks. This reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures a secure network environment.
Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP): Offering a flexible, scalable, and secure solution, the SDP model creates a dynamic, individualized perimeter for each user. This adaptability ensures robust security without compromising user experience, making it an attractive business option.

We offer a comprehensive solution that implements the Zero Trust model, providing businesses with a secure, flexible, and scalable alternative to both Cloud VPN and Traditional VPN. This solution combines the strengths of both ZTNA and SDP, ensuring that your business is equipped with the most robust and adaptable network security measures available today.

Ready to secure your business’s digital infrastructure and enhance your network’s performance? Want to benefit from a solution that aligns with your specific needs?

Book a FREE demo today and secure your network right now!

FAQs

What are the key differences between cloud-based VPNs and traditional VPNs in terms of deployment and management?

Cloud-based VPNs are managed as a service by a cloud service provider, offering a more hands-off approach for businesses. Traditional VPNs require on-premises hardware and software, demanding more IT resources for deployment and management.

How do cloud VPNs ensure security and privacy for corporate networks?

Cloud VPNs employ advanced encryption protocols and security features to protect data transmitted over the public internet. They also benefit from the security measures implemented by the cloud service provider, such as regular updates and vulnerability patches.

Can cloud VPNs be used to connect remote users to premises networks?

Yes, cloud VPNs can be used to establish secure connections between remote users and on-premises networks. This allows employees to access company resources remotely while maintaining a high level of security.

How do cloud VPNs differ from traditional VPNs in terms of scalability?

Cloud VPNs are highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily adjust their VPN capacity to meet changing needs.Traditional VPNs may require additional hardware or software to accommodate growth.

Are cloud VPNs suitable for small businesses with limited IT resources?

Yes, cloud VPNs are often a good choice for small businesses. They offer a managed service, reducing the need for extensive IT expertise. Additionally, cloud VPNs can be more cost-effective in the long run due to their scalability and reduced maintenance requirements.