When traveling overseas especially on business you may want to catch up on your latest shows or simply watch streaming services such as Netflix from your home region. To do this you need a smart DNS network or a VPN. So what’s the difference between the two?
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Source:eprovided.com
A virtual private network is a small piece of software that is installed on your device. The software allows you to select a target country to connect to and then creates an encrypted tunnel allowing you to access the content. A VPN will mask your IP address and hide the content you are accessing from hackers and the like.
So if you’re in America and you want to watch UK Netflix, you would select a server say in London. For all intent and purposes when you access Netflix via the VPN you will get access to the UK Netflix site.
Smart Domain Name System (DNS)
Source:networkworld.com
A smart DNS works slightly differently with the key issue being that the information passed back and forth between your device is not encrypted. A DNS takes the URL and connects it to the appropriate IP address. Normally your DNS will be provided by your IP provider.
A smart DNS tricks the target country that you are accessing the site from the same country. This is handled by specific smart DNS companies that have servers in your target country. It is important to note that instead of encrypting your data it just redirects some of your web traffic through it.
If you’re interested in smart DNS search for BestSmartDNS and you will find a good company.
VPN vs. Smart DNS
In terms of what’s best, it depends on your requirements. To watch Netflix in a different country to your own a smart DNS will probably do the trick. You don’t really need encrypted data and it is unlikely you are going to see repercussions as you probably have an account with Netflix and who knows if you are doing anything wrong?
Source:thevpn.guru
If, however, you need privacy for what you want to do or you just want to play it safe, a VPN is the way to go. The encryption makes it far harder for hackers and the like to access your data. For all intent and purposes, you will have anonymity.
In terms of price, they tend to be around the $5 mark and you get what you pay for. You can use a free VPN service but this probably isn’t up to the job especially in terms of privacy protection. Streaming services are considered slow on cheaper poor quality VPNs as well.
In terms of installation VPNs probably edge it. It is normally a question of installing the software and you’re ready to go. With a smart DNS, you make changes to settings. Although not as convenient it is straightforward and you shouldn’t let it put you off using one.
So overall it comes down to the privacy issue. Do you want to be anonymous as possible or are you just going to watch your next favorite show on Netflix. The choice is yours.
