Virtual Private Network (VPN) 

What is a Virtual Private Network?

A VPN is a private network that uses the Internet to securely connect remote sites or users together. Instead of using a dedicated, real-world connection such as a leased line, a VPN uses a “virtual” connection routed through the Internet.  From the user’s perspective, a VPN operates transparently, giving remote users the same look and feel as if working at the office. E-mail, databases, Intranets, Voice over IP, or any other application can pass through a VPN connection. 

That was Then….. Wide Area Networking (WAN) Traditional WAN solutions require companies to maintain direct links between remote sites and the corporate network. To maintain this LAN-to-LAN connection, companies typically lease costly private data lines.  Remote Access Services (RAS) Traditional remote access client-to-LAN solutions use slow, dial-up connections through modem pools or complicated remote access servers. These dial-up connections are expensive considering the long distance charges that are incurred.

This is Now... With the advent of affordable broadband technologies, small- and medium-sized businesses can now use the Internet and Virtual Private Networking to bypass expensive, traditional WAN and remote access connections. A VPN allows a company to tap into the benefits of remote access without the high cost and complex technical infrastructure.  

Branch Office VPN (Replaces WAN) The LAN-to-LAN VPN application sends network traffic over the branch office Internet connection, instead of relying on dedicated leased line connections.  This can save thousands of pounds in line costs and reduce overall hardware and management expenses.  Remote User VPN (Replaces RAS) The client-to-LAN VPN application sends remote user traffic over the user’s Internet connection. The advantage is that the remote user can make a local call to an Internet Service Provider, as opposed to a long distance call to the corporate remote access server.