VPN – Virtual Private Network
VPN – Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network allows users to connect to a specific network, either over the internet or over a private internal network. It is a useful tool for companies who want to reduce cost and have access to different operating systems. A virtual private network connects two or more computers via a physical or logical network or backbone. It lets users access a web-based service, as if they were physically connected to a specific computer. VPN is also known as virtual private network, wireless VPN or IP-based VPN.
VPN is an internet application that creates a secure tunnel for browsing and provides authentication and encryption. A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to access the internet using a unique IP address (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol). It uses different techniques such as Diffie-Hellman Group or the Conventional 128-bit SSL encryption algorithm. There are some VPNs, which combine the features of both PPTP and IPsec, and are known as Wide-Area Networks VPNs.
PPTP is a protocol used to establish a connection between a client computer and an IP server. It uses the IP of the client machine instead of the IP address of the actual server so that it can be easier to hide your presence from other users. There are a lot of advantages associated with this kind of tunneling. The primary advantage is to prevent unauthorized access to your network. A user can use PPTP to enter and leave networks without Revealing his/her IP. If you are entering the network through another secure VPN, such as L2TP, then there is always a chance of getting discovered by the intruder, thereby exposing your IP.
Use of Virtual Private Network
Another advantage of this kind of VPN is that there is no need for large investments in hardware such as routers or expensive wiring. A VPN works on the principle of efficient use of available resources. It works just like an IPsec or L2TP network. You can connect to a VPN without exposing your actual IP addresses by using encryption techniques similar to those used in L2TP/IPsec.
To make VPNs efficient, you must configure them well. This can either be done manually or using one of the many software available for doing so. One of the most commonly used tools for configuring VPNs is the VPN client. The VPN client is a software program which helps you in connecting to a VPN and in enabling the needed security protocols. There are two ways to configure a VPN. These are either PPTP or IPsec VPNs.
One of the main advantages of a VPN is its ability to provide a highly secure layer of encryption along with port forwarding. This feature ensures that your data is protected even while you are on the internet. However, the need for having a VPN will always arise, especially if you want to work from multiple locations at the same time. If your company requires you to be present in more than one location at any given time, you might want to consider setting up a virtual private network instead of using a basic gateway. This ensures that you do not expose your system to unnecessary risks, while still allowing you to perform secure tasks while on the move.