Computer Help and Support

What is VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates an encrypted connection over a less secure network. The benefit of using a secure VPN is it ensures the appropriate level of security to the connected systems when the underlying network infrastructure alone cannot provide it. The justification for using VPN access instead of a private network usually boils down to cost and feasibility: It is either not feasible to have a private network — e.g., for a traveling sales rep — or it is too costly to do so. The most common types of VPNs are remote-access VPNs and site-to-site VPNs.

remote-access VPNs:

A remote–access VPN connection allows an individual user to connect to a private business network from a remote location using a laptop or desktop computer connected to the Internet. HowStuffWorks.com. Aremote–access VPN allows individual users to establish secure connections with a remote computer network.

site-to-site VPNs:

Site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks to each other — for example, connecting a branch office network to a company headquarters network. In a site-to-site VPN, hosts do not have VPN client software; they send and receive normal TCP/IP traffic through a VPN gateway.