Virtual Private Network - VPN

Virtual Private Network Flow

What is VPN

VPN is special type for WAN(Wide Area Network) which achieves to connect without use leased private lines. It uses to establish Internet. Development of VPN is to establish secure and cost effective long distance links between two or more computing networks. VPN has its own set of software programs, protocols and security constructs which make secure connectivity possible. The USP of virtual private computer networks over conventional computer networks lies in the fact that this technology is a significantly low cost alternative. Before we see how VPN works, let us have a look at the types of VPNs that can be set up.

Types of VPN

1. Remote client access via VPN
2. Peer to peer VPN (can let two separate local area networks, to be linked together)
3. Private VPN (private intranet of a company that allows enabling of access control for each user)

How VPN Works

1. Install VPN client programs on the machines which need remote access
2. Enable Internet connectivity provided by an ISP, after verification of user name and password.
3. Access the private network easily use client remote computer.

*Tips: For more secure, established tunnel between VPN server and client.

Benefit of VPN

1. Substantially easy and inexpensive to set it up
2. Can provide long distance connectivity, between multiple branches of a company office, by providing secure data transfer and encryption, to enable video conferencing, as well as data transfer.
3. Reduces the costs involved in maintaining long distance networks and costs of operation.

VPN is a technology that are really cost effectiveness, efficiency and security features of virtual private networks make them attractive and preferred choices over conventional leased line based networks. Because of that, most industry Intranets use VPN technology to establish internal connectivity.

Hope this article has given you a rough idea of how VPN works, offering secure connectivity and resource sharing services.