We express that what is the difference between citrix and vpn? The difference between Citrix and VPN is in terms of their operational modalities. While Citrix is a company that provides VPN service and remote server access for users, VPN is responsible for creating smaller private networks that make user information and data untraceable.
Citrix is responsible for enabling desktop and application display on remote servers. While VPNs are responsible for creating encrypted data transmission protocols to provide their users with anonymity in the public world of the Internet.
VPNs generally operate on a larger network to provide their services. There are several other differences that flow from this fundamental difference.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network or VPN creates smaller private networks for users to allow privacy and anonymity online. This form of security can be desirable, especially when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks where private user information may be compromised.
VPNs comprehensively protect user information data on Internet use, extending protection to browser histories, emails, purchases, payments, etc.
VPNs use encryption protocols to improve user security on the Internet. This is guaranteed by the ability of VPNs to mask the user’s IP address. VPNs make their users nearly untraceable.
VPNs can be created using countless software protocols. VPNs work to encrypt data transmitted over a Wi-Fi connection by scrambling the data when it is sent. VPNs make your browser history untraceable for your internet service provider as well as search engines. It masks your location, devices, and your web activity.
When choosing a suitable VPN, the user may need to evaluate a number of factors, including cost, covered devices, availability of mobile VPN services, etc.
What is Citrix?
Citrix is a company that also provides services that can be operated over a VPN. It is a pioneering technology that allows the visualization of applications and desktops on remote servers. Citrix connections offer security features and functionality superior to traditional VPN services. Helps users run applications on remote servers.
A VPN can also be used on Citrix connections with these enhanced features. Data transmissions involving large files can be handled efficiently with Citrix connections. Transmission speed is one of the main assets of a Citrix connection.
However, these connections are expensive due to their amplified functional properties. Citrix is especially beneficial for updating or introducing new applications on a company’s server, as the need to update every individual computer on the network disappears with Citrix.
Comparison table between Citrix and VPN
| Comparison parameters | Citrix | VPN |
| Definition | It is a company that gives users the ability to access applications and data through servers remotely. | It is a smaller private network that operates to ensure user privacy and anonymity. |
| cost | More expensive than a VPN. | It costs less than a Citrix connection. |
| Velocity | Improved speed capabilities as smaller data sets are transmitted. | Slower data transmission speed. |
| Data transmitted | A screen change will travel over the link. | The entire data set travels through the connection. |
| Applicability range | Used for application delivery, desktop visualization, cloud computing, and SaaS | Used to connect to applications remotely |
Main differences between Citrix and VPN
- The main difference between the two is in terms of their defining operating modes. Citrix is a company that provides remote access service to users so that they can access applications and data remotely. VPN works by creating a smaller private network that encrypts user data to ensure privacy.
- Another significant difference between Citrix and VPN is the relative speed of each. While Citrix is faster and better suited for more efficient data transmission, traditional VPN connections are comparatively slower than Citrix connections.
- A Citrix connection is comparatively more expensive than a traditional VPN connection. This is due to the added functionality that comes with a Citrix connection. If there are no budget restrictions, Citrix is a preferred choice due to its improved speed levels. However, since affordability is often a determining factor, VPNs are better suited to use when looking for a less expensive, pocket-sized connection. In addition, some companies also offer completely free VPN services. This is an added benefit of a VPN.
- The range of applicability also varies between the two. While VPN may simply offer file streaming privileges, Citrix offers application delivery, desktop viewing, cloud computing, and SaaS as well.
- While Citrix allows users to connect to applications remotely, the VPN can be used to run applications in the browser or local applications.
- Another difference is that while on a Citrix connection, the screen change will travel through the link, and in a VPN connection, the entire data set travels through the connection. Citrix has improved speed because it transmits smaller chunks of data over the remote connection.
Final Thought
While the choice between a Citrix connection and a VPN can best be analyzed according to the data transmission needs of the individual or business, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The differences between the two are also quite pronounced. They differ in terms of speed, cost, usage, and volume of data transmitted.
While a Citrix connection can be fast and suitable for remote server operations, it is also quite expensive. On the other hand, a VPN is comparatively slower and does not offer the privilege of delivering applications, it is also more cost effective.
If budget considerations are not an obstacle for the user, a Citrix connection can be chosen over a VPN due to its advanced functionality and security features.
