VPN Explained - The Basics Of VPN Simplified

The question of exactly how to explain or define aover.
VPN is one that is often up for discussion amongstWith the advent of the internet, connections no
today's network consumers and communicationslonger needed to be physical. As long as each
providers. If we look at the literal definition of thecomputer has access to the internet, information can
words virtual private network, it can help tobe shared using local ISP circuits, across the internet,
understand what is, and what is not, a VPN .and to the recipient in much the same way that it
Using Webster's dictionary definitions of thewas when the computers were physically connected.
component words, a VPN should have the followingThis is why the way VPN works is considered a
attributes:"virtual" network; the entire connection is not
Virtual - defined as "being such practically or in effect,hard-wired.
although not in actual fact or name." Therefore, theThe aspects of VPN explained in this article so far
first part of the answer to our question "what is ahave not yet discussed an ever present concern in
VPN" is that it is something that acts like atoday's world - security. In an old WAN arrangement,
hard-wired network, but is actually not.the security of data transmission could rely entirely
Private - defined as "of, belonging to, or concerning aon the provider's guarantees. Today, however, a
particular person or group; not common or general."VPN keeps information private by means of
So, a VPN should be one where the consumer hasencryption on both the sending and receiving end.
exclusive use of the network links. (Note, this isThere are a variety of encryption protocols,
different from a Secure Network, which may be adepending on what a company's needs are, who
private or public network.)they need to communicate with (and therefore be
Network - defined as "a system of computerscompatible with), etc. The data is not only encrypted,
interconnected by telephone wires or other means inbut it is encapsulated, meaning it is sent in its own
order to share information." This is the goal of a VPNprivate "tunnel" or connection across the internet. No
or any other type of network.one can see the data, and even if they could, they
VPN explained in this manner is a network technologycan't decipher or change it. In this way, information
which gives the owner the ability to share informationcan be sent across the internet without being
with others on the network by means of a private,susceptible to interception or corruption by those
exclusive link that is created by a method other thanwho are outside of the VPN.
hard-wires or leased lines; usually via the internet.In order to create a virtual private network, you
Before the internet, computers in different offices,would need to decide who needs to share
cities or even countries could only talk to each otherinformation, in what directions, and how often. Next
like people could - through telephone wires. As theyou would need to prepare a listing of the hardware
needs for this type of communication grew,and software systems you are currently using at
telephone lines became replaced by higher volumeeach location. You might very well need to make
wires, like T3 circuits, but the concept was the same.changes so that the computers can talk to each
For computer A to talk to computer B, there had toother easily. You'll also want to consider just how
be a physical wire connection. For security reasons,important it is that your data remains secure, as this
you would want to make sure that only your 2will have an impact on what type of protocol you
computers used that line, so you would contract withselect. Preparing this information will have you
a vendor to "lease" that circuit. However, this type ofeducated for the discussions you will need to have
network was expensive and difficult to expand, notwith potential vendors.
to mention difficult for the client to have control