The Verse - Volume Three

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Tech Tips - Should your VIPs have VPNs?

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a hot topic for companies that want to reduce costs and allow employees to safely log into company networks from home. Telecommuters and business travelers can use a VPN as a convenient way to stay "plugged in" to their companies while they are away or working from home.

What Is a VPN?

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to provide secure, encrypted communication between a network and a remote host or other remote network over the public Internet. VPNs allow the establishment of an encrypted "tunnel" that protects the flow of network traffic from potential eavesdroppers.

A VPN provides network connectivity over a physical distance and is a type of Wide Area Network (WAN). A VPN is different than other WANs in ways that make it an attractive choice to businesses both big and small. The VPN uses the Internet for connectivity instead of private leased lines (T1, ISDN, etc.). All remote employees need is high-speed Internet access, such as DSL or broadband cable service and they can work almost as effectively as if they were in the office on the network.

Windows 2000 Server (and versions above) Software has VPN functionality built into the Operating System. Other solid options available at a low cost include the use of two Cisco Pix firewalls to create a "point to point VPN."

VPNs use the same cabling and routers as a public network without losing features or basic security. In addition to connecting remote users a VPN can be used to connect a Local Area Network (LAN) to another LAN or to control access within an Intranet.

Advantages of VPNs

VPNs deliver cost savings, allow remote workers to be connected and are generally secure.

Disadvantages of VPNs

VPNs require an in-depth understanding network security issues and the performance of a VPN (especially over the Internet) depends on factors largely outside of a company's control.

Is a VPN right for you?

VPNs are an excellent choice for companies that have employees that need to access the company network from home or while traveling. Also a VPN is an excellent solution for connecting that satellite office. Perhaps the best feature of a VPN can be its ability to allow you to quickly and securely get in to your network, do some work and best of all, save a trip into the office!