What is the difference between a proxy and a VPN?

  • VPN - encrypts. Proxy - caches. - Akina
  • The @Akina proxy can also encrypt if it is an HTTPS proxy. Just as a VPN can not bother with encryption at all if it is Garena. - Pavel Mayorov
  • @PavelMayorov And what have the "can" here? Defines what must be. Doesn't encrypt? It means not VPN. Not caching? So, not a proxy. And so it is possible to agree to the fact that the microscope is what nails are clogging ... but at the same time it is possible to take a look at the fine thread. However, there is some truth in your words, now the term "proxy" refers to everything, including even ordinary NAT routers. - Akina

2 answers 2

If we consider them in the context of the task of hiding their address, the difference will be in the OSI level.

Proxy servers operate at the application level, and VPNs work on the network or even on the data link.

But, generally speaking, these are completely different technologies.

A proxy server is any server that performs a user request on its behalf. Usually, a proxy server can work only over one protocol.

The exception is HTTPS proxies, which, thanks to a CONNECT call, can tunnel any TCP connection, and SOCKS5 proxies capable of transmitting any TCP and UDP packets.

Important is the fact that it is not so easy to take and send a proxy to any program - the program should know that it connects to the server through a proxy and how to work with this proxy (the exception is a reverse proxy, which pretend to be a server, and transparent proxies that intercept the network proxy traffic; but they can't be confused with VPN).

VPN is a virtual network. Just like a local network, only virtual. Usually (with the exception of especially curved solutions) connecting to a VPN looks for programs as just another network adapter on the computer, so if configured correctly through a VPN, any program can work without even knowing about the existence of this VPN.

As with any network, there may be several routers in the VPN that connect it to other networks (or maybe not).

    A proxy (mediator) is usually some kind of application protocol.
    Those. There is some kind of intermediary system to which you must explicitly contact, persuade it to forward your requests further to the destination point.
    A -> Proxy -> B

    VPN - works at a lower level. On the network, on the channel.
    Interacting systems communicate directly with each other, without an intermediary, using familiar protocols.
    They do not even suspect that the connection occurs via VPN.
    A -> B