I think they're the same (or at least similar), and basically you're invisible to everyone but yourself.
This is a 'safer' form of banning, as someone who is outright banned would notice right away and might try to get revenge in some way. But, if everything works just like always and they don't realize they're banned, then they won't get upset (and won't raise hell).
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2011/06/suspension-ban-or-h...
I think they're the same (or at least similar), and basically you're invisible to everyone but yourself.
This is a 'safer' form of banning, as someone who is outright banned would notice right away and might try to get revenge in some way. But, if everything works just like always and they don't realize they're banned, then they won't get upset (and won't raise hell).