Virtual Private Networks
A Virtual Private Network or more commonly known as VPN is a networking concept that allows you to 'tunnel' a secure path through an insecure public network, such as the Internet. Before the VPN became a mainstream concept the alternatives were to either purchase expensive leased lines from telecos or install your own cable/fibre.
A VPN solution can allow possibilities that were previously prohibitively expensive, concepts such as working from home, or linking two office buildings that are miles apart so they can share printers and files are realistically within every businesses grasp.
The three main elements to a VPN are:
- Remote user identification (Authentication)
- Secure private transmission of data (Encryption)
- Verification of unadulterated data transmission (Digital Signing)
In the real world there are three different practical uses for a VPN, each method is explained in more detail below;
Office to Office
This method enables a VPN link to be permanently connected, each computer connected to either of the offices network behaves as if they were in the on the same network, in the same building. As the VPN is not application specific, any application or service that can run over your local network can also operate over the VPN, including digital CCTV, VoIP telecom's, file and printer sharing.
This method is traditionally used in a branch network scenario where you have many office branches physically located away from the main headquarters for your business. As all the workstations located in all the branches are on the same network, management and maintenance of your global network becomes much simpler.
Home to Office
This method is ideal for home workers as it requires no hardware to be installed at the users home. Assuming they have a connection to the Internet, they can be connected to your office in as little as five minutes with all configuration done over the phone. These VPN's are usually only connected when needed, meaning that the workstation can still be used as the family computer.
Mobile to Office
The ultimate in mobile working, laptops connected to the Internet, via a mobile data card, or operating through the many wireless hot-spots located around the world can securely connect to your office, picking up their emails, printing documents and basically anything else they do while in the office.
The Advantages of using VPN's
Cost savings
By utilising third-party networks such as your Internet Service Providers (ISP's) combined with a VPN alleviates the need for modem pools, callback systems, leased lines and frame-relay networks.
Security
VPN's provide the highest level of security using advanced encryption and authentication protocols that protect data from unauthorized access.
Flexibility
Compatibility with Broadband Technology – VPN's allow mobile workers, telecommuter's and day extenders to take advantage of high-speed, broadband connectivity, such as DSL and Cable, when gaining access to their business networks, providing workers significant flexibility and efficiency.
Our Services
We have provided VPN solutions to companies of all sizes, some with very specific requests and are confident that whatever your requirements, we can design, implement and test a solution to accommodate.