Vpn Security Types

Virtual private networks (VPN) provide an encrypted connection between distributed sites over a public network (e.g., the Internet). By contrast, a private network uses dedicated circuits and possibly encryption. The basic idea is to provide an encrypted IP tunnel through the Internet that permits distributed sites to communicate securely. VPNпÑ--Ð...s permit secure, encrypted connections between a company's private network and remote users through a third-party service provider. A VPN can grow to accommodate more users and different locations much easier than a leased line. In fact, scalability is a major advantage that VPNпÑ--Ð...s have over typical leased lines (dedicated circuits). Unlike with leased lines, where the cost increases in proportion to the distances involved, the geographic locations of each office matter little in the creation of a VPN.

Descriptions / Types

Virtual Private Networks allow enterprises to utilize cost effective, secure, and scalable hardware to extend their wide area network. These networks are cost effective in that they are able to connect remote users to the corporate network without the need for expensive dedicate WAN links or modem banks. They also allow remote users to utilize their own internet connections from their remote site which also saves the corporation money. In essence, the longer the distance is between the connections, the more savings the company can realize. Increased security is also a factor in that it provides encryption between the two sites and that helps protect against unauthorized access to the system. The system is also scalable in that additional hardware is easily added to the network to allow for more users. This allows the corporation to add significant amounts of new users without significantly changing the network infrastructure.

VPNпÑ--Ð...s are typically platform independent with the majority of the VPNпÑ--Ð...s occurring on UNIX, Windows, or Macintosh.