If you’ve ever been curious about the different types of edge providers, you’re in for a treat. In this post, we will talk about the differences between provider edge vs customer edge. Spoiler alert: there is a big difference! Stay tuned to learn more.
Provider Edge vs Customer Edge: What’s the Difference?
Those interested in the edge will already know that there are two main types of edge providers: provider edge and customer edge. The difference is obvious when you think about it.
So, what’s the difference between provider edge and customer edge?
Provider Edge
Provider Edge Provider edge refers to the points on your network that directly connect to the internet. In other words, this is where your network meets the internet.
Because these points are directly connected to the internet, they are also known as Internet edge or border routers.
Customer Edge
Customer edge is the opposite of provider edge. It refers to the points on your network that connect directly to customer devices or the endpoints in your network. These points are also known as customer-facing devices, as they connect directly to external devices.
As you can see, there is a big difference between the provider edge and the customer edge. Provider edge refers to the points on your network that connect directly to the internet. On the other hand, customer edge refers to the points that connect directly to customer devices.
Do They Have Similar Functions?
The main difference between customer and provider edges is their security protocols. A border router will typically have advanced security features, such as a firewall and IPSec VPN capabilities if a device is a border router.
This isn’t true for all border routers. However, most advanced networks will use border routers for their security needs.
Therefore, if you want advanced security features on your network, you’ll need a border router. Border routers typically support multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) or virtual private networking (VPN).
Now that we know how advanced security mechanisms work – and how they differ between border routers and customer-facing devices – let’s talk about what happens when an attack takes place…
More often than not, cybercriminals tend to target customers because they are easier to access. You’ll often find that border routers are well protected and locked down, making it difficult for cybercriminals to access them.
Therefore, if you’re a cybercriminal and want to cause as much damage as possible, your best bet is to target customer-facing devices.
What’s the Best Way to Stay Protected?
The best way to stay protected against cyber attacks is to implement security protocols suitable for both provider edge and customer edge. If you want the best of both worlds, then you should use a combination of advanced security features.