Citrix is responsible for enabling application and desktop visualization over remote servers. While VPNs are responsible for creating encrypted data transmission protocols to provide user anonymity in the public world of the internet.
VPNs operate on a larger network to provide their services. Several other differences stem from this seminal difference.
Key Takeaways
- Citrix is a software solution that provides remote access to desktops, applications, and data from any device, location, or network; VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between two networks or devices over the internet.
- Citrix allows remote access to a virtual desktop environment, while VPN creates a secure tunnel between two devices or networks, allowing for secure data transmission.
- Citrix is primarily used for remote work and virtual desktop access; VPN is used for secure access to network resources, such as company databases or intranets.
Citrix vs. VPN
The difference between Citrix and VPN is in terms of their operational modalities. While Citrix provides a VPN service and remote server access for users, VPN creates smaller private networks that make user information and data untraceable.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Citrix | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a company that provides users the possibility of accessing applications and data over servers remotely. | It is a smaller private network that operates to ensure privacy and anonymity for the user. |
| Cost | More expensive than a VPN. | It costs lesser than a Citrix connection. |
| Speed | Enhanced speed capacities 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 over the connection |
| Range of Applicability | Used for application delivery, desktop visualization, cloud computing, and SaaS | Used for connecting to apps remotely |
What is VPN?
A Virtual Private Network or VPN creates smaller private networks for users, enabling online privacy and anonymity. This form of security might be desirable, especially when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks where the user’s private information may be in peril.
VPNs holistically protect user information data on internet usage, extending protection over browser histories, emails, shopping, payments, etc. VPNs use encryption protocols to enhance the security of the user on the internet.
This is guaranteed by the ability of VPNs to mask the user’s IP address. VPNs render their users almost untraceable. VPNs can be created using myriad software protocols. VPN work on encrypting the data transmitted over a Wi-Fi connection by scrambling it when sent.
VPNs make your browser history untraceable to your internet service provider and search engines. It masks your location, devices, and your web activity.
While choosing a well-suited VPN, the user may have to evaluate several factors, including cost, devices covered, mobile VPN services available, etc.
What is Citrix?
Citrix is a company that also provides services that can be operated on a VPN. It is a pioneering technology that enables application and desktop visualization on remote servers.
Citrix connections offer superior security and functionality features over traditional VPN services. It helps users run applications on remote servers. One can also use a VPN on Citrix connections with these enhanced features.
Data transmissions involving large files can be efficiently handled 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 server, as the need to update each computer on the network vanishes with Citrix.
Main Differences Between Citrix And VPN
- The main difference between the two is their definitional operation modalities. Citrix is a company that provides remote access to users so that they can access apps and data remotely. VPN creates 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 because of the added functionalities that accompany a Citrix connection. Citrix is favored if budgetary constraints are absent due to its enhanced speed levels. However, since affordability is a determining factor, VPNs are more suited for use when looking for a less expensive and pocket-friendly connection. Moreover, some companies also offer completely free of charge VPN services. This is an added benefit of a VPN.
- The range of applicability also varies between the two. While VPN may offer simple file transmission privileges, Citrix offers application delivery, desktop visualization, cloud computing, and SaaS.
- While Citrix allows users to connect to apps remotely, VPN can run apps on the browser or local apps.
- Another difference is that while in a Citrix connection, the screen change will travel over the link, and in a VPN connection, the entire data set travels over the connection. Citrix has an enhanced speed because it transmits smaller data portions across the remote connection.
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