VPN Technology

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VPN is the abbreviation for a virtual private network. 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 uses virtual connections known as VPN tunnels instead of a dedicated Layer 2 connection, such as a leased line.

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

Remote-access VPN

Remote access VPN enables a user to connect to a private network and access its resources and services remotely. Corporate employees use a VPN to connect to their company’s private network and access files and resources on the private network while they are away from their offices.

VPN Technology

Each employee 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. Users also use a VPN service to bypass regional Internet restrictions and access blocked websites. Users aware of Internet security also use VPN services to improve their security and privacy.

Site-to-site VPN

Corporate companies mostly use a Site-to-Site VPN in their offices in different geographical locations. It connects the network of one office location to the network at another office location. It is also known as a Router-to-Router VPN.

For example, 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 their authentication is validated. There are two types of site-to-site VPNs:

Intranet-based

When one or more remote offices of the same company are connected using a 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 another company’s office 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

VPN technology was developed for people’s security, especially for sending encrypted data over an unsecured or less secure network. Besides the VPN technology has many other advantages:

  • Cost savings—VPNs are cost-saving because once they are created, the maintenance cost is very low. Companies can use Internet services to connect remote offices and users to the main corporate site, which also eliminates their expenses.
  • 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—The Internet makes it easy to add new users to the VPN. Companies can add large numbers 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 and bypass filters. Using a VPN, we can access blocked websites or bypass internet filters.