What is VPN?

If you work in any kind of office setting, especially one that has you accessing Remote Desktops or Servers, then you have heard of VPNs, but do you know what it is and what it does?

VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. It is an encrypted (secret, coded) connection over the Internet from a device (your laptop) to your office's network. This secure connection ensures that the data you are transmitting is safe from point to point.

A VPN prevents unauthorized people (anyone other than an employee of your office) from eavsdropping or peeking at the traffic you're sending, and allows you to conduct work remotely.

VPNs extend your company's network through encrypted connections made over the internet. Because the traffice is coded between the device and the network, the traffic remains private as it travels. This allows an employee to work outside the office and still securely connect to the company network. Any device, including smartphones and tablets can connect through VPNs.

Secure VPN Connections

TWO TYPES OF VPNs

Remote Access

A remote access VPN securely connects a device outside the corporate office. These devices are known as endpoints and may be laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Advances in VPN technology have allowed security checks to be conducted on devices to make sure they meet a certain threshold before connecting. Think of remote access as computer to network.

Site-to-Site

A site-to-site VPN connects the corporate office to branch offices over the Internet. Site-to-site VPNs are used when distance makes it impractical to have direct network connections between these offices. Dedicated equipment is used to establish and maintain a connection. Think of site-to-site access as network to network.

If you would like more information on Remote Access or Site-to-Site VPNs, and how they can help securte your business, one of our trusty techs would be happy to take your call.

Reach out to us today at 970-255-0480