5 Reasons to Move Away from a VPN Solution & to a Virtual Networking Platform

Today’s business functions depend on a reliable and secure internet connection. But, as technology progresses and our networks extend their reach across the globe, security can become increasingly complicated.

Establishing a scalable, lightweight security solution that maintains connectivity while keeping important data protected is imperative. In the past, many users have relied on a VPN to help them do just this. But, what is a VPN? A VPN, or virtual private network, is an application that lets local devices securely and privately connect to resources over the public internet. When using a VPN, any data sent from a device, such as an IP address, is routed through a remote server on its way to the end destination. The data is encrypted until it reaches the server, at which point it’s unencrypted but now labeled with the routing server’s IP address instead of the individual user’s own. This protects both the identity and the location of the original device, as well as whatever other information they might be sending via the public internet.

The Pros & Cons of VPNs

Like any modern networking platform, VPNs have advantages and drawbacks. While VPNs protect your privacy and your data integrity, they can also slow you down. Because data is routed through at least one external server, as well as being encrypted along the way, the speed of internet processes can be slowed down significantly. This can disrupt connectivity and some basic functions, like streaming or video conferencing.

2024 VPN Risk Report found that 96% of organizations leverage VPNs as a way to securely access private applications, as well as 92% of organizations are concerned that VPNs might threaten their secure environment — with 81% feeling dissatisfied with their VPN experience. Additionally, 56% of organizations surveyed are looking for an alternative to traditional VPN.

Making the Switch: Enterprises

Despite their drawbacks, VPNs have offered solutions to key problems within networking for years. Luckily, emerging platforms — like ZeroTier’s secure network overlay— offer the same benefits of a VPN with none of the pitfalls.

A virtual networking platform offers an effective and valuable solution for enterprises operating with a hybrid or remote work model. Using a VPN allows remote workers to access organizational networks from home without compromising the company’s digital security. However, because VPNs slow connectivity, they can make remote conferencing untenable. Platforms like ZeroTier offer security and connectivity to hybrid workforces without compromising network functionality.

Additionally, most of today’s industry-lead organizations have locations across the globe. A VPN lets disparate networks under the same company connect to and communicate with one another, but introduces lag into the process as large data quantities travel through the network. Platforms like ZeroTier engage virtual ethernet technology to maintain speed and efficacy of data transfer over long distances.

Making the Switch: Individual Users

Contemporary homes are chock-full of interconnected devices, such as a smart home system. A VPN solution adds a layer of extra security by obscuring the physical location of those devices, as well as protecting the private information those devices might be using to deliver their intended service. While VPNs can be difficult to install and maintain, platforms like ZeroTier require no technical expertise to use or install.

VPNs can also provide access to resources like a home desktop or laptop while traveling. But using a traditional VPN can lead to performance issues and difficulty navigating through firewalls or home routers.. Virtual networking platforms like ZeroTier simplify remote access with direct peer-to-peer connections to the resources you need when you need them.

Step into the Future of Virtual Networking Software with ZeroTier

It’s hard to find any one VPN service that offers top security, scalability and speed, while also providing ultimate control over the network with no third-party managers in sight. But, if these qualities are on your checklist, consider a software-defined networking platform like ZeroTier.

Optimized both for enterprises and individual use, ZeroTier is a comprehensive device connectivity and security service that lets users build a private network from anywhere and at any size.

ZeroTier’s virtual ethernet technology creates direct peer-to-peer connections between all devices on a single network. This provides the privacy and security of a VPN without sacrificing internet speed or reliability — so you never have to turn it off.

ZeroTier’s lightweight network overlay makes it compatible with most existing infrastructures, meaning there’s no expensive or hardware-heavy install and an intuitive and user-friendly interface means a ZeroTier system is beyond easy to engage.

Ready to experience the power of global connectivity? Click here to get started with ZeroTier today.

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