What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) has the characteristics of a private network, hence the acronym. It allows users to access private network data and resources via other networks. VPNs will create 'virtual' point-to-point connections (a technique called tunneling) over a public network. Other concurrent use of VPNs are for encryption, authentication and access control.
The three basic types of VPNs.
Three types of VPNs: hardware-based, firewall-based, and stand-alone VPN applications.
Hardware-based VPNs are east-to-use encrypting routers since they provide "plug and play." It has the highest network throughput over the other VPN systems.
Firewall-based VPNs use the firewall's security mechanisms to provide strong authentication and access control to the internal network. It provides additional VPN server security, but if the firewall is loaded, the VPN throughput peforms less effective compared to hardware-based VPNs.
Stand-alone, software-based VPNs are often not controlled by the same organization. Stand-alone VPNS offer flexibility in managing traffic and software-based VPNs, instead, allow traffic to be tunneled based on an address or protocol. They are, however, generally harder to manage than Hardware-based VPNs.
Secure VPN vs Trusted VPN.
Secure VPNs are constructed using encryption. The traffic on a secure VPN will be encrypted and authenticated.
Trusted VPNs are managed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to ensure traffic is routed over a trusted path; in doing so, it maintains the integrity of the network and the data on its path.
When a secure VPN is used over a trusted VPN, it is called a hybrid VPN.
What is PPTP?
Point-to-Point-Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). It's a network protocol that enables the secure transfer of data. It supports virtual private networks (VPN) products by enabling remote users to access corporate networks.
IPSec and how it relates to VPNs and Firewalls.
VPN uses both IPSec and Firewalls for keeping network connections and data secure. Internet Protocol Security Protocol (IPSec) can securely transmit data between computers. It implies VPN security with its two encryption modes: tunnel and transport. In addition, IPSec can encrypt data between devices and provide comprehensive authentication.
How to decide if a VPN is the correct access solution for your company or organization.
The right solution and type of VPN for your business depends on the environment in which it will be deployed. An assessment of your requirements must be done when deciding if a VPN is needed or not for the company. Before selecting a solution, it's important to know the different type of VPN features and functions.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of VPNs.
The advantages of VPNS is that it allows remote users easy access to become part of a corporate central network. Having a VPN reduces the connetion costs and complexity and equipment needed for a remote connection. Operationally, it provides a high-speed brodband connection and the highest level of security and authentication.
The disadvantages of VPNS lie with its quality of service; that is, it is more susceptible to attacks and packet fragmentation or loss. VPNs will require comprehensive and complex security measures (like the use of encryption) to avoid security and deployment problems. Other disadvantages are the availability of its connention, performance, and speed; thus meaning, VPNs are sometimes slow and they are not time efficient to use.
How do you control VPN access to your site?
Since VPNs utilize a central site, a VPN concentrator and a software VPN client must be installed to control VPN access. This will enable the users to establish a secure, encrypted tunnel to the site's shared network.
How VPS in the mobile world work with data networks from cellular carriers and multiple Wi-Fi points.
Virtual Private Servers (VPS) is capable of working with data networks via VPS hosting. It uses the software and files on a physical server in a data center from cellular carriers and multiple Wi-Fi points. VPS acts like a dedicated standalone server that has its own drive partition that can run its own applications.