When deciding how best to secure your office network, understanding the key differences between VPN software and VPN routers is essential. VPN software is installed on individual devices, offering protection only to the machine running it. In contrast, a VPN router comes pre-configured with firmware that applies VPN encryption to all traffic from every device connected to the network.
How VPNs Work
A VPN safeguards your office network by routing internet traffic through a secure server, encrypting data, and masking your IP address from external networks. The debate often centers around whether deploying VPN software on office computers or investing in a VPN router is the more effective solution for business security. This article aims to break down the pros and cons of each approach.
Speed: Software vs. Router
The performance of VPN software is directly tied to the processing power of the device it’s installed on. A high-end office computer equipped with a powerful CPU will run VPN encryption faster than a standard office desktop.
In contrast, a VPN router’s encryption speed depends on the chipset and firmware within the router itself, which are designed to handle VPN traffic efficiently. While the average office PC may lag behind a VPN router in encryption speed, some top-tier computers can outperform even the most advanced routers when it comes to VPN performance.
Network Device Compatibility
An office network’s security is only as strong as its weakest link. Beyond computers, office networks also include printers, smart TVs, and other IoT devices. Many of these smart devices cannot run their own VPN software. This is where a VPN router shines, serving as an intermediary to secure traffic from all devices—whether or not they are VPN-compatible.
Deployment Costs: Software vs. Router
Cost is another factor. For smaller offices with few devices that use a significant amount of data, VPN software is often the more economical choice. However, each device requires its own VPN subscription, which could become costly as your network expands.
A VPN router, while initially more expensive than a standard router, becomes more cost-effective for offices with many devices consuming low amounts of data. Most VPN services count a router as a single device, regardless of how many devices are connected to it. This reduces subscription costs for larger office environments. However, you’ll need to consider the router’s processing capacity to ensure it can handle heavy network traffic from multiple devices.
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About ZBT
ZBT specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced networking solutions, delivering reliable and secure connectivity to businesses around the world. With expertise in smart building systems, IoT networks, and more, ZBT is committed to perfecting network security and performance for every partner we serve.