VPN Technology

VPN is the abbreviation of a virtual private network. A VPN technology creates a safe and encrypted connection over an unsecured network, such as the internet. It extends a private network using a public network such as the internet. A virtual private network is using virtual connection known as VPN tunnels instead of using a dedicated Layer 2 connection, such as a leased line.

The virtual connection is routed through the Internet from the private network of the company to the remote site or employee host. To get access to controlled resources through a VPN, the user must provide authentication factors, such as security token or user name and password. There are two types of VPN:

Remote-access VPN

Remote access VPN enables an individual user to connect to a private network and access its resources and services remotely. A corporate employee uses a VPN to connect to their company’s private network and remotely access files and resources on the private network while they are away from their offices.

Each employ typically has VPN client software installed on their android and laptop. They can also use a web-based client for remote access and remote management. The users also use a VPN service to bypass regional restrictions on the Internet and access blocked websites. Users aware of Internet security also use VPN services to improve their Internet security and privacy.

Site-to-site VPN

A Site-to-Site VPN is mostly used by corporate companies in their offices in different geographical locations. The site-to-site VPN connects the network of one office location to the network at another office location. It is also known as Router-to-Router VPN.

The example usage of Site-to-site VPNs can connect a branch office network to a company headquarters network. Each site is equipped with a VPN gateway. The gateway may be a router, firewall, or VPN concentrator. It is based on Router-to-Router communication, so, one router acts as a VPN Client and another router as a VPN Server. The communication between the two routers starts only after authentication is validated between them. There are two types of site-to-site VPNs:

Intranet-based

When one or more remote offices of the same company are connected using Site-to-Site VPN type, it is called an Intranet-based VPN.

Extranet-based

When companies use Site-to-site virtual private networks type to connect to the office of another company such as a supplier or partner).  It is called an Extranet based VPN. Extranet-based Site-to-site VPN can create a virtual bridge between the networks at geographically isolated offices and connect them through the Internet and maintain secure and private communication between the networks.

Advantages of VPN

The VPN technology was developed for the security of the peoples and especially for sending encrypted data over an unsecured or less secured network. Besides the VPN technology has many other advantages:

• Cost savings– VPNs is a cost-saving because once it is created, the maintenance cost is very low. Companies can use Internet services to connect remote offices and remote users to the main corporate site, which also eliminate the expenses of the companies.
• Enhanced Security– Using VPNs we can get the highest level of security because of advanced encryption and authentication protocols. The encryption and authentication kept securing the data from unauthorized access.
• Scalability– Due to the use of the internet it is easy to add new users to the VPN. The companies can add large amounts of users to the capacity without adding major infrastructure.
• Compatibility – Mobile workers and telecommuters can access their corporate network using their high-speed Internet service because VPN technology is supported broadband services such as DSL and cable.
• Unblock websites & bypass filters. Using a VPN we can access the blocked websites or we can bypass the internet filters.