A Virtual Private Network, or a VPN as it most commonly called, is a private tunnel that connects two or more networks over the Internet. The way a VPN works is by linking the two networks as if they are directly connected and secured the traffic between them by encryption, ensuring data integrity and data authentication.
A virtual private network expands a private network over a public network such as the Internet, allowing a computer or a network-connected device to send and receive data over public or shared networks as if it were connected to the private network directly while benefiting from functionality, security, and public network policies.
VPN traffic is transmitted through the infrastructure of a public data network using standard protocols, or via a private network which the Internet Service Provider made available to the public.
Types of VPNs on the market:
1. A site-to-site VPN.
This type of VPN provides the benefit of network connectivity over the Internet and at the same time offers security for traffic sent between networks.
2. Remote Access VPN.
This type of VPN is most often used to protect your Internet connection by securing it (encryption, data integrity, and authentication of the two parties) and anonymizes you on the Internet by hiding your IP. If you ever used a VPN on your phone or laptop most likely, you used a Remote Access VPN.
This type of VPN can be used in 2 ways:
1. To access the resources of a remote company or website that is only accessible this way.
2. To access securely and anonymously the Internet, this being the most common type of VPN.
How does a VPN work?
As iterated earlier, because a VPN tunnel needs security protocols to do its intended purpose, this security is achieved through a framework of protocols called IPSec.
The need to use security policies that are clearly stated and open regarding the usage framework, are crucial in such a context as security is of the utmost importance for a VPN software.
VPNs also offer several advantages such as low prices when talking about things such as implementation, execution, management, and maintenance, increased IT security almost at the same level with a full air sealed private network, scalability, simplified access and, last but not least, compatibility with high-speed public networks.
A well-designed VPN can provide considerable benefits for an organization, such as:
1. Expand geographic connectivity.
2. Improve the safety of unencrypted lines.
3. Reduce operational costs, compared to a traditional WAN network.
4. Reduce transit time and data transport costs for remote users.
5. Simplify network topology in some cases.
6. Offer opportunities for a global network.
7. Offer compatibility with high-speed broadband networks.
8. Offer a return on investment (ROI) faster than traditional WAN lines, either owned or leased.
9. It has increased scalability when used within an essential public infrastructure.