Secure Network Design
Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides an economical and global solution for connecting remote users and locations. VPNs use the Internet to connect branch offices, remote employees and business partners to your company's resources.

It is a reliable way to maintain your company's privacy while streamlining operations, reducing costs and allowing for flexible network administration. VPN's are affordable because they operate on a portion of the public telecommunications infrastructure rather than on leased lines.

A VPN uses the Internet to provide real-time access to the network for the price of local Internet access. VPNs are flexible because new users can be added quickly and easily, without the configuration and expense required to add remote locations to a private network.

Benefits of VPNs
  1. Lower cost - VPNs provide an economical alternative to costly leased line (WAN) network connectivity because sessions are formed across the Internet.
  2. Improved communication - A VPN provides a robust level of connectivity comparable to a WAN. Remote offices, telecommuters, and clients can access information on the network via a VPN session.
  3. Increased flexibility - Remote sites and users can be added to the network easily and quickly. This level of interconnectivity allows for a more effective flow of information between large number of people and improves collaboration on projects. VPNs also easily adapt to a company's growth.
  4. Security and Reliability - VPNs protect confidential information as it travels over the Internet through the use of tunneling protocols and encryption.

Typical Scenarios
  1. Remote office - Using a VPN for smaller branch offices, franchise sites, and remote workers provides nearly the same level of connectivity and reliability as a private network. Typical remote office connectivity is established by installing VPN termination hardware at the main site and at the remote branch; however, the process is transparent to users at either end point. Overseas sites can connect directly to the corporate database over local lines instead of a more expensive leased line.
  2. Remote User - VPNs provide a cost-effective alternative to standard dial-in remote access to a company network. Users can connect to the network via the Internet and use VPN client software to establish a link with the main network; thereby eliminating expensive long-distance or toll costs. Telecommuting employees can gain full network access simply by using an Internet connection.

Typical Scenarios
A VPN is established between two end points by utilizing specialized software or hardware-based termination devices. A secure tunnel between the sending and receiving end points ensures data integrity and security. Prior to any data flow, authentication is performed between the two end points.

During transmission, data is encrypted before it travels through the public Internet and decrypted at the receiving end point. This method provides secure, reliable, cost effective network connectivity.