VPN Technology
Security risks are incurred when a teleworker or remote office uses broadband services to access the corporate WAN over the Internet. To address security concerns, broadband services provide capabilities for using Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections to a VPN server, which is typically located at the corporate site.
A VPN is an encrypted connection between private networks over a public network such as the Internet. Instead of using a dedicated Layer 2 connection such as a leased line, a VPN uses virtual connections called VPN tunnels, which are routed through the Internet from the private network of the company to the remote site or employee host.
VPN Benefits
Benefits of VPN include the following:
Cost savings-VPNs enable organizations to use the global Internet to connect remote offices and remote users to the main corporate site, thus eliminating expensive dedicated WAN links and modem banks.
Security-VPNs provide the highest level of security by using advanced encryption and authentication protocols that protect data from unauthorized access.
Scalability-Because VPNs use the Internet infrastructure within ISPs and devices, it is easy to add new users. Corporations are able to add large amounts of capacity without adding significant infrastructure.
Compatibility with broadband technology-VPN technology is supported by broadband service providers such as DSL and cable, so mobile workers and telecommuters can take advantage of their home high-speed Internet service to access their corporate networks. Business-grade, high-speed broadband connections can also provide a cost-effective solution for connecting remote offices.
Types of VPN Access
There are two types of VPN access:
Site-to-site VPNs-Site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks to each other, for example, they can connect a branch office network to a company headquarters network, as shown in the figure. Each site is equipped with a VPN gateway, such as a router, firewall, VPN concentrator, or security appliance. In the figure, a remote branch office uses a site-to-site-VPN to connect with the corporate head office.
Remote-access VPNs-Remote-access VPNs enable individual hosts, such as telecommuters, mobile users, and extranet consumers, to access a company network securely over the Internet. Each host typically has VPN client software loaded or uses a web-based client.
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