- VPN is used by remote hosts to access a private network through an encrypted tunnel through a public network.
- Once the VPN connection is made, the remote host is no longer considered remote.
- It is actually seen by the private network as a local host.
- Even though the network traffic may pass through many different routers or systems, it is seen by both ends as a direct connection.
- The use of the VPN can help to reduce networking costs for organizations and businesses.
- The cost reduction is partially achieved because the VPN doesn’t require the use of a dedicated leased line to create the connection.
What are the types of VPNs?
- The site-to-site VPN allows a remote site’s network to connect to the main site’s network and be seen as a local network segment.
- VPN concentrators on both ends of the VPN will manage the connection.
- The remote-access VPN (host-to-site VPN) allows select remote users to connect to the local network.
- A VPN concentrator on the local network will manage the connections coming in from the remote users.
- The remote system making the connection uses special software, called VPN client software, to make the connection.
- The host-to-host VPN (SSL VPN) allows a secure connection between two systems without the use of VPN client software.
- A VPN concentrator on the local network manages the connections.
- The host seeking to connect uses a Web browser that supports the correct encryption technology (either SSL or TLS) to make the connection to the VPN concentrator.