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VPN
Connectivity
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a
network access system, which facilitates the access to the
secure networks by the users at remote locations, using the
shared Internet connections. In other words, with Virtual
Private Network you can allow the users to access your secured
private network virtually from any location without installing
expensive leased or private lines. Earlier the users at
remote locations were not able to access the secure networks
using the shared Internet connections owing to security
concerns. However, Virtual private network has made this
possible and has simplified remote access to secure networks.
VPN system is a simpler alternative
for the frame
relay system. The advantage of VPN is that is matches the
connectivity of WAN (Wide Area Network) at a very low cost. The
introduction of Virtual Private Networking has significantly
reduced the networking costs without jeopardizing the security
features of networks.
A virtual Private Network
system uses the Internet protocol in combination with
encryption,
authentication, tunneling, and access control technologies for
better access and enhanced security. There are two major
components of Virtual Private Network- a software client at the
remote computer and a concentrator at the user's end. The
software client facilitates the establishment of a connection
for the user with the concentrator through an encrypted tunnel.
The encrypted tunnel prevents the other users of shared Internet
from viewing the encrypted data. This combination ensures that
you can have the features of a secured network without facing
the costs and hassles of a large secured network.
Users at even the remotest locations across the globe can access
your network, provided they have an Internet connection. VPN
facilitates secure exchange of information between employees at
branch locations and the corporate center. Virtual Private
Networking is a boon the executives and employees who are always
on the move. You can also use the Virtual Private Network for
offering secure connection for
various sites of a company or the Intranet. Virtual Private
Networking has other applications like Extranet for offering
secured networking and connectivity between your company and
clients, business partners and vendors.
With Virtual Private Network, you
can also create as seamless Wider Area Network (WAN) by
integrating Local Area Networks (LANs). You can also integrate
separate networks for connecting LAN and SNA applications into a
single virtual network. Virtual Private Network comes in handy
for creating an efficient Point of Sale (POS) system and for
secure instant credit card verification at very low costs. With
VPN, you can manage Inventory control systems from a single data
warehouse.
Though the
Virtual Private Network offers the flexibility, security and
advanced features of a private network, it has some limitations.
The Virtual Private Network system has to suffer from speed
jitters because of the use of shared Internet and due to the
data encryption and compression features.
Virtual Private Network
connectivity comes in a number of variants and with a wide range
of features. You can pick your choice depending on the type of
connectivity you require and your usage patterns. Some popular
VPN connectivity modules are IPSec
(Internet Protocol Security)
and SSL (Secure
Sockets Layer). A clear understanding of the features of
these packages and your requirements is necessary for selecting
the right Virtual Private Network. Nowadays VPN feature is also
available with the satellite Internet access. We suggest that
you seek professional advice for the services that you require
and take real time quotes before selecting a VPN package for
your company.
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