Virtual Private Network

Virtual Private Networks which are more popularly known as VPNs is the topic of today's blog entry.

So what are these VPNs?
Before explaining about VPNs I guess its better to explain on why Virtual Networks came a trend in the first place. Earlier, Companies wanting to connect their offices and employees in different locations had to implement WANs (Wide Area Networks) using private leased lines. Although this was a great solution in the sense of security purposes of the company network, the huge cost associated with it became unbearable to companies with time especially when the distance between those different offices was longer. So what was the solution?
It came in the form of  VPNs.

VPNs provide a way for companies to establish a virtual connection between their LANs residing in offices at different locations. This virtual network shall be implemented through a public network such as Internet eliminating the need of real-time company owned lines.

Currently, VPNs are a huge favorite with companies/organizations wanting to connect their networks to external sources at a reasonable cost and desirable amount of security. These sources can be their own offices in different locations, employees who require access to the company network via remote-access, external third companies which want to establish communications with the company private network.

So how do VPNs ensure the security of the data being transferred through the VPNs. This actually happens via establishing a secure VPN. Secure VPNs use various methods to ensure the security such as secure protocols, encryption methods, authentication schemes etc.

One of the other major benefits of VPNs other than cost and security, is its scalability. The networks can grow freely without any substantial costs. In addition, VPNs provide a reliable method of communication among the parties involved.