What is VPN?

(pronounced as separate letters) Short for virtual private network, Basically, a VPN is a private network that uses a public network (usually the Internet) to connect remote sites or users together. Instead of using a dedicated, real-world connection such as leased line, a VPN uses "virtual" connections routed through the Internet from the company's private network to the remote site or employee.

Why use VPN?

A well-designed VPN can greatly benefit a company. For example, it can:

• Extend geographic connectivity
• Improve security
• Reduce operational costs versus traditional WAN
• Reduce transit time and transportation costs for remote users
• Improve productivity
• Simplify network topology
• Provide global networking opportunities
• Provide telecommuter support
• Provide broadband networking compatibility
• Provide faster ROI (return on investment) than traditional WAN

What features are needed in a well-designed VPN? It should incorporate:

• Security
• Reliability
• Scalability
• Network management
• Policy management

If you wish to read more about the technical issues on how VPN works and what protocols are used please open our pdf files below:

How VPN works and protocol standards    Types of VPN: Client-to-Site and Stie-to-Site    If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, download it here =>