Today's network allows secure remote
access to share information and resources, using a combination of specialized
hardware and software. Virtual private networks (VPN) provide such a solution,
by installing dedicated devices at each of their offices. Placed between the private
network and the Internet or another public network, the VPN device acts as a gateway,
regulating which traffic passes in and out of the network and securing the data so that
it can be safely sent across a public network. Data delivered over VPNs is encrypted.
VPNs can be used to support the following types of connections:
- Client to LAN. Used
by mobile workers using dial-up Internet connections. A single VPN
tunnel is used for each VPN client.
- LAN-to-LAN. VPNs link two LANs together using a single tunnel that
handles all the secure data traffic between two locations.
- Intranets. VPNs allow remote offices and users to securely access
internal TCP/IP applications running on the corporate Intranet.
- Extranets. VPNs enable secure access to the corporate Extranet for
vendors, partners, and customers.
Users such as telecommuters and business
travelers do not require specialized hardware. They simply need ordinary computer equipment
and Internet connectivity, plus VPN client software. The client software handles the
process of establishing the secure link. Users connect to the Internet through a local
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Point Of Presence (POP). Any type of Internet
connection technology can be used, including dial-up, DSL and cable. Using high-speed
services like DSL and cable enables telecommuters and business travelers to access the
corporate network at near-LAN speeds.
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