LayerV vs Traditional VPNs
Give Access to the App, One Link at a Time
LayerV gives people and agents a direct way to use private apps and APIs through access links. Browser recipients can start without a VPN client or LayerV account. Publish the resource once, then issue access for the task instead of setting up a network connection for each recipient.
Architectural Difference
A Cryptographic Resource ID (CRID) gives the resource a cryptographic identity independent of its network address. The identifier grants no access. A qURL carries a separate, signed grant for that resource; a compatible opener verifies it before requesting access. LayerV checks authorization before opening the protected origin connection.
LayerV uses an outbound connector to reach a private HTTP origin. Publish the resource, issue an access link, and send it to the recipient. The app stays on your host and can retain its existing sign-in.
Three differences shape the experience:
- Access scope: A LayerV link targets one published resource. VPN routes and policies define which network destinations a connected user can reach.
- Recipient setup: A LayerV web resource opens in a browser. Traditional remote-access VPNs usually require a client and a network connection.
- Access lifecycle: Issue a fresh LayerV link for a task, set its expiry and use limits, and revoke the grant independently of the resource.
VPNs can also keep services private and restrict access through routing and firewall policy. LayerV brings a simpler sharing workflow for individual web apps and APIs, with the same resource available to people and programmatic clients.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | LayerV | Traditional VPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Access path | Outbound connector; the app stays on its private host | Gateway and network routes defined by the VPN deployment |
| Access scope | One published HTTP resource | Configured routes, firewall rules, and access policies |
| Credential handling | Issue time-limited links for each task and revoke access through the API | Protect VPN credentials; configure authentication and session policy |
| Client setup | Browser for web resources; SDK for programmatic access | Usually a VPN client for network connectivity |
| Traffic routing | Traffic for the accessed resource | Full or split tunneling, depending on configuration |
| Performance | Measure with the application and deployment you will use | Measure gateway capacity, routing, and application performance |
Why teams choose LayerV
Remove network setup from the handoff. A contractor gets a link to the dashboard, a customer gets a private preview, and an agent gets access to the API it needs. LayerV lets your team manage those grants with the CLI, SDK, or API while keeping the origin private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LayerV replace VPN access to internal web apps?
LayerV can provide browser access to published HTTP apps and APIs through links. Start with the applications your users need and retain their existing login and permissions. The link is scoped to the resource instead of giving the user a general network connection.
What does the recipient install?
For web access, nothing: the recipient opens the link in a browser. A service or AI agent uses the supported SDK or token-resolution flow for programmatic access.
How do I end temporary access?
Set link expiry and use limits when issuing access. The API can also revoke an individual link or terminate sessions. Resource deletion is a separate operation for retiring the resource itself.