What Are the Differences Between Alibaba Cloud Server Classic Network and VPC?

The main differences or advantages of VPCs over classic networks:

VPC is based on Layer 2 isolation and is more secure.

A VPC is the foundation for users to have network management capabilities on the cloud.

In the classic network era, users lack network management capabilities, such as the inability to customize network segments, the inability to divide subnets, the difficulty of cross-region private network interconnection, and the interconnection with on-premises data centers.

When migrating from the classic network to a VPC, the private IP address will change, and the public IP address will be available one after another.

First, the reference is different.

1. Classical network: It is composed of several nodes and links connecting these nodes, representing many objects and their interconnection.

2. VPC: It is a private connection between two enterprises, and this connection is the physical connection between the intranets of two enterprises.

Second, the characteristics are different.

1. Classic network: With the help of text reading, viewing, video and audio, transmission, games, chats and other software tools, it will bring people an extremely rich life and beautiful enjoyment from the aspects of text, sound, and so on.

2. VPC: A dedicated line is a permanent dedicated line connection between two points. Unlike a normal dial-up connection, the leased line is always connected.

Third, the functions are different.

1. Classic network: The main function is resource sharing. Shared resources include software resources, hardware resources, and various data resources stored in public databases.

2. VPC: The biggest drawback is that the cost is too high, because the leased line is very expensive. Every pair of businesses that want a private network needs a separate private line to connect them together.

The classic network IP address is assigned by Alibaba Cloud, which is easy to configure and use, and is suitable for users who have high requirements for ease of operation and need to use ECS quickly.

A VPC is a logically isolated VPC that allows you to customize the network topology and IP address to be connected over a leased line, which is suitable for users who are familiar with network management.

In terms of public IP addresses, there is no difference between classic networks and VPCs. In terms of intranet IP addresses, the classic network is DHIP, that is, the LAN IP address is automatically assigned, while the VPC is manually assigned the LAN IP address, which is convenient for users with multiple ECSs to define the intranet IP structure.

Therefore, if the user only has one server, or has multiple servers but does not need to interconnect with the intranet, then both networks can be selected. However, from a practical point of view, because the classic network is an IP address automatically assigned by Alibaba Cloud, there is a certain regularity, so hackers can also use the intranet IP to carry out LAN attacks, although it is somewhat difficult under Alibaba Cloud's security system, but the facts have also proved that there is a possibility of being attacked. However, because the VPC is a custom LAN IP, it is not so easy for hackers to enter the user's intranet to attack.