|
written
by:
Leonard
Scriven, Senior Consultant, Lightwave Consulting Group
Virtual
Private Networks, or VPNs, have become popular within the past few
years—it has become the buzzword of buzzwords. But, is VPN
technology overrated? What are the practical benefits of VPN? To
answer this and other questions, we must first look at what a VPN
is, how it works, and how it can benefit your company.
What
exactly is a VPN?
A VPN is essentially a private data network that uses standard
telecommunications infrastructures (regular phone lines, DS1 lines,
DSL, cable lines, and so on). Privacy is achieved through the use of
a tunneling protocol, hardware and software based security
procedures. VPN technology enables remote company offices or
individuals to securely access a central network or server without
having to connect directly in to the company network
VPN
vs. Dial-In
Connecting remote users via the traditional dial-in method, on
the surface may seem inexpensive, but as companies grow it can be
quite costly. The company needs telephone lines for users to dial-in
on, in to connect to the network, as well as, equipment like modems
to handle the incoming calls. A company must also consider the cost
of toll calls and the time their users stay connected. Although an
800 number can be used, significant costs can still be incurred by
the company using too-free 800 numbers.
By
using a VPN, however, remote users can connect to an ISP with a
local phone number and from there, tunnel securely to the office
network. With this configuration, the only equipment needed is a VPN
server, eliminating the need for additional telephone lines and
equipment. Toll calls and 800 numbers are also no longer an issue,
because most national or global ISPs have local numbers for
connectivity.
VPN
for road warriors
Individuals who need frequent access to the company network for
files, e-mail, and other functions that require connectivity, but
travel frequently, benefit greatly from VPN. With a laptop, VPN, and
global ISP, these road warriors can connect to the company network
from just about anywhere.
VPN
for SOHO
VPN are becoming an invaluable tool for people working from small
office/home office requiring remote-access . Users simply dial in or
connect using DSL, or cable modems to a local Internet Service
Provider (ISP) and then establish a secure tunnel (with the VPN) to
the office network. Users are then able to authenticate into their
company's network and work as if they were in the office.
VPN enables employees to have access to the company network and the
vital resources he or she needs from a remote location; thereby,
decreasing the need for travel and relocation.
VPN
and remote offices
Companies that have many branch offices, each with their own
network, once had to rely on frame relay or point-to-point
connections (which can become quite expensive) to connect and
communicate with each other.
With a VPN, however, each network can connect to the main office's
network and then to the other branch offices. All that's needed is
an Internet connection, a VPN server for each location, and an IP
address for authentication.
Next
time
Next time, we'll be taking a look at how virtual private networks
save money and increase productivity. u
Find Out More
For more information on how Lightwave Consulting Group can help your
business please
contact us online or call us toll-free at
1-866-544-4898.
|
