A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a private network setup to allow remote access to a remote network. The most common application of VPNs is to allow individuals to log into their company network from home or another remote location and perform their tasks. This quick guide will help you in understanding the different aspects of protocol design, VPN security, network service outsourcing and technological standards.
Essentially a VPN is a form of WAN or Wide Area Network. The key feature of the VPN is the ability to access the desired network through public channels such as the internet rather than rely on private leased lines. VPNs allow restricted access to the network through the same cabling as your internet connection, without compromising basic security.
VPNs can be used for remote access for client connections, LAN to LAN inter-networking, or for controlled access within an intranet. There are several network protocols used in VPN developments (methods of authentication and encryption for security purposes) such as; PPTP, L2TP, IPsec, and SOCKS. The authentication protocols allow VPN clients (remote portals) and servers (host portals) to correctly establish the identity of users on the network, where as the encryption protocols allow potentially sensitive data to be hidden from the public.
With the growing popularity of Wi-Fi networks, VPNs have been implemented as a security solution to prevent unauthorized usage.
VPNs are commonly used for inter-networking. In other words a VPN can be used to bridge two separate networks together, by channeling all traffic between two remote networks from one VPN server to another.
A major drawback of using VPNs is security. VPNs require a comprehensive understanding of network security, and requires careful installation and monitoring to provide sufficient data protection when routed through a public channel such as the internet. Using a VPN removes the ability to maintain stability of the channel from the organization or company as they must rely on an ISP (internet service provider) and their quality of service. Lastly VPN solutions acquired from different vendors are not always compatible due to issues with technology standards.
John Chilton is co-founder of Platypus PC Inc.
Author: John Chilton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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