“Virtual Private Network(VPN)”

What is VPN?
• Virtual Private Network is a type of private network that uses public telecommunication, such as the Internet, instead of leased lines to communicate.
• Became popular as more employees worked in remote locations.
• Terminologies to understand how VPNs work.
Private Networks vs. Virtual Private Networks
• Employees can access the network (Intranet) from remote locations.
• Secured networks.
• The Internet is used as the backbone for VPNs
• Saves cost tremendously from reduction of equipment and maintenance costs.
• Scalability
Brief Overview of How it Works
• Two connections – one is made to the Internet and the second is made to the VPN.
• Datagrams – contains data, destination and source information.
• Firewalls – VPNs allow authorized users to pass through the firewalls.
• Protocols – protocols create the VPN tunnels.
Four Critical Functions
• Authentication – validates that the data was sent from the sender.
• Access control – limiting unauthorized users from accessing the network.
• Confidentiality – preventing the data to be read or copied as the data is being transported.
• Data Integrity – ensuring that the data has not been altered
Types of Implementations
 3 types
• Intranet – Within an organization
• Extranet – Outside an organization
• Remote Access – Employee to Business
Device Types
 3 types
• Hardware
• Firewall
• Software
Advantages: Cost Savings
• Eliminating the need for expensive long-distance leased lines
• Reducing the long-distance telephone charges for remote access.
• Transferring the support burden to the service providers
• Operational costs
Advantages: Scalability
• Flexibility of growth
• Efficiency with broadband technology
Where Do We See VPNs Going in the Future?
• VPNs are continually being enhanced.
Example: Equant NV
• As the VPN market becomes larger, more applications will be created along with more VPN providers and new VPN types.
• Networks are expected to converge to create an integrated VPN
• Improved protocols are expected, which will also improve VPNs.