What's a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, or virtual private network.
A VPN allows a connection to a local network (LAN) without the need for its members to be physically connected to each other, if not through the Internet.
There are two types of VPN:
Remote access: This is a connection from a user to the local network used by a company that has employees who need to connect to the corporate network from different remote locations.
- Site-to-site - Using dedicated equipment and large-scale encryption, a business can connect multiple fixed sites over a public network such as the Internet.
Either of the two options are generated by a combination of multiple protocols such as: PPTP, L2TP, GRE, IPSec, etc.
What is a VPN for?
VPNs allow secure and encrypted connections between a company's private network and remote users or sites, through a third-party service provider.
A well-designed VPN can greatly benefit a business. For example, you can:
- Expand geographic connectivity
- Reduce operating costs in relation to traditional WAN
- Reduce transit times and travel costs of remote users
- Improve productivity
- Simplify network topology
- Provide global networking opportunities
- Provide telecommuter support
Does it have a cost?
It has no cost