Public or private network: what you need to know
Are you unsure whether to choose a public or private network? This decision should not be taken lightly. It directly affects the performance of your applications, the security of your data, and its day-to-day management. In this article, explore the differences and key criteria, and find out which solution to choose.
What differences exist?
Public network: characteristics, operation, and limitations
A public network is an open infrastructure accessible to everyone. This could be free Wi-Fi in a café, a shared connection at a train station, or Internet access provided by a mobile operator. These networks are economical and prioritize simplicity above all else. The user has almost nothing to configure. The administrator has nothing to manage. For example, an IP address is automatically assigned via DHCP as soon as a device connects.
Its limitations for professional use:
• Limited security: exposed to the risks of hacking, sensitive data leaks, or identity theft.
• Variable performance: speed and latency vary depending on the number of users connected at the same time.
• Limited customization: it is impossible to fine-tune network settings such as protocols, access properties, or quality of service.
• No guarantees: there is no assurance of continuous service availability or maximum response time in the event of a failure, for example.
Private network: control, customization, and security
A private network is a closed infrastructure. It is reserved for a specific group of users or devices. This is the case for a corporate network, a home network configured in “Private” mode, or even a dedicated architecture within a data center. Access to this network is limited and controlled. In addition, its configuration can be adapted to the specific needs of the company.
Its main advantages:
• Increased control over settings: IP addresses, control panel, protocols, access properties.
• Enhanced security: firewall, encryption, access management.
• Stable performance. Capacity management options.
• Flexibility in integration, file control, customization, and device removal by the administrator.
• Service guarantees through an SLA (service level agreement).
This control is more expensive than in a public network. It requires resources, tools, personnel, and proper maintenance.
Key criteria: public network and private network
Here are the five essential points to consider before deciding between a public network and a private network. Ask yourself the right questions to choose between a public network and a private network.
1. Performance and latency
A private network allows you to configure your gateways and connections as you wish. This means you can reduce latency and guarantee stable performance for each user profile. In a public network, throughput depends on overall traffic and can vary greatly from day to day, depending on how busy it is.
The question to ask yourself is: Do you need a stable and predictable connection, or can you tolerate occasional slowdowns?
2. Privacy and security
With a private network, you control your IP addresses, protocols, and Windows firewall rules. This control enhances network security and reduces the risk of hacking or data theft. In a public network, the exposure surface is much larger. Privacy is also weaker.
The question to ask yourself: Do you handle sensitive data or data subject to regulations such as the GDPR?
3. Coverage and availability
The public network offers broad but uneven coverage. It depends on geographical areas or the quality of the available Wi-Fi. On the other hand, a private network can be custom-designed with an SLA that guarantees 24/7 availability.
The question to ask yourself is: Do you need a guaranteed connection at all times, or just occasional access?
4. Deployment and associated costs
Deploying a private network requires greater investment in hardware, software, and human resources. In addition, to keep your network running smoothly, you need to ensure ongoing system maintenance. The public network is less expensive and does not require any special maintenance. However, it limits your customization options and service guarantees.
What is your priority: control and security, or cost reduction?
5. Service Level Agreement (SLA)
An SLA (Service Level Agreement) is a contract between the company and the network service provider. It sets out specific commitments on issues such as latency, availability, and response times in the event of an incident. In a private network, the SLA is customized to suit specific needs. Conversely, in a public network, the guarantees offered are standard, inflexible, or even non-existent.
The question to ask yourself is: Can your business withstand several hours of downtime, or do you need to strictly limit outage times?
What network type should you choose based on your usage?
Frequent IT use cases for businesses
Needs vary greatly depending on the environment. A public network may sometimes suffice, but in other cases a private network is required. Here are some concrete examples:
• Office automation and cloud: public network possible if encryption, secure HTTPS protocol, and Windows firewalls are enabled.
• Industry, IoT, AI, smart cities: private network essential to ensure controlled latency, need for local gateways and an SLA.
• Remote Access: opt for a VPN (virtual private network) protocol to protect the connection on a public network.
Hybrid networks: a third way?
Can't make up your mind? A hybrid network may be the solution for you. This option combines the advantages of both models. The public network is used for less sensitive uses, such as guest access or certain non-critical applications. The private network handles traffic that requires a high level of security or controlled latency.
This complementary approach balances costs, optimizes flexibility and performance, and reduces risk. For companies operating in complex environments (remote sites, connected objects, critical cloud services), this is often the most obvious solution.
How to integrate these networks: the UltraEdge approach
At UltraEdge, we support companies from start to finish, at every stage of implementation:
• Needs assessment
• Design and integration
• Deployment
• Operation and supervision
• Transfert to teams
With a national network of 250 Edge data centers and 7 IX data centers, we guarantee our customers high-performance connectivity that is suited to critical uses. UltraEdge is not just a hosting provider that supplies infrastructure. We become your strategic partner, working with you to strengthen and develop your network as your business grows.