Virtual Private Networks

A VPN is a cost effective alternative to a leased line solution. It can be used to permanently connect two offices together or provide connectivity for a home or mobile worker.

The Internet has always been perceived by businesses and organisations as a possible cost effective solution. 24/7 Broadband connectivity to the Internet now means that businesses and organisations can now utilise VPN technology to permanently connect multiple sites together using the Internet as a vehicle.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a connection that has the appearance and many of the advantages of a dedicated link but occurs over a shared network like the Internet. Previous solutions to connect two sites together were to install a leased line or ISDN. However, this is a relatively high cost to incur. Dial-up networking or remote access (RAS) was a solution for remote workers, but this has always proven to be slow over standard telephone lines. Both leased line and dial-up solutions have proven to be expensive compared to a VPN solution.

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Any location that can connect to the Internet can use a VPN to connect two points together. Once a VPN connection has been created between the two sites or the user and the host over the Internet, then all the data that travels between them is automatically encrypted and decrypted. The user will log onto the network as if they were in the office or the two office locations were together.

A well-designed VPN can greatly benefit a company. For example, it can:

• Extend geographic connectivity
• Improve security
• Reduce operational costs versus traditional WAN
• Reduce transit time and transportation costs for remote users
• Improve productivity
• Simplify network topology
• Facilitate home workers and maintain staff retention
• Provide telecommuter support
• Provide faster ROI (return on investment) than traditional WAN

What features are needed in a well-designed VPN?

It should incorporate:

• Security
• Reliability
• Scalability
• Network management
• Policy management