Difference Between Layer 2 VPN and Layer 3 VPN

VPN is basically defined as a Virtual private network or a tunnel using an encrypted connection to secure the information communicated over the internet by any organization.

There are several protocols for setting up the VPN which is already being used in many enterprises. The VPN can be used on almost every platform including Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. In simple words, a VPN provides a private network among public networks to hide the transmitted data, identity, etc.

The VPN is used for hiding online identity, bypassing the geo-blocks, securing online connections, preventing bandwidth throttling, etc. There are many countries where VPN is regulated and using it for committing fraud is a punishable offense as well.

However, it is mostly used by the companies to protect their secrecy of information, breach of which can lead to a major loss. Therefore, the companies prefer using VPN to secure their online presence using VPN.

There are two types of VPN, i.e., Layer 2 (l2) VPN and Layer 3 (l3) VPN. Layer 2 was used in the earlier days and it is now becoming replaced by Layer 3 VPN technology however both have their own pros and cons which can be gone through in order to get the difference between layer 2 and layer 3 VPN technology.

The Layer 2 VPN is less scalable as compared to the Layer 3 VPN and the examples for Layer 2 VPN are LANE, IPLS, VPLS, EOMPLS, 802.1q, tunneling, etc while the Layer 3 VPN examples could be MPLS VPN, IPSEC P2P, etc.

The major difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 is the involvement of the service provider in the connectivity, the layer 2 does not involve the service provider however the layer 3 VPN connectivity involves the service provider in communication.

Both the two aspects are covered in the IT certification courses offered by Cisco. IT professionals can define which type of VPN is required in order to secure internal office communications.

These IT certs can vary starting from beginner entry-level up to expert level certification. Cisco is quite strict in taking these exams and they are designed to check the required skills of IT professionals. Passing these certification courses means that the individual is capable to handle the day to day task with all necessary skills as required by Cisco.

Therefore, if you are looking for learning resources then the main course provided by Cisco will be a good source to learn about configuring and troubleshooting Cisco devices. Besides those course books, the individual also has to spend time in the lab to grasp technical knowledge using the physical lab facility.

There are many other things that can act as supplements to your studies. These can be joining boot camps offered by certified individuals cum trainers.

You can also join any reputed institute where all the coaching is done by the certified trainers. The individuals can also go through the Cisco exam dumps and Spoto Cisco practice exam tests by downloading them and practicing them.

They can be helpful by creating flash memories in the brain and the individuals can boost up their skills by going through them one by one. Remember, passing the Cisco exam is hard but worth a lot at the same time if you pass it.

There are many individuals who ignore these supplements in their training duration and later repents because they eventually fail in the exam losing their money and time as well. Therefore, this exam should be taken on serious notes and a proper budget with time should be allocated to your Cisco exam preparation.