Virtual Private Networks
A VPN is an internet-based network which uses the
open, distributed infrastructure of the internet to transmit data between
corporate sites. That is, it enables you and your employees to access your
network via the internet, which means that from anywhere in the world you
can log in to your network (or intranet) and use it as if you were at the
office. It can enable business partners to join their extranets via the
internet for short or long term ventures. It also enables a network manager
(often that means us) to solve problems from any location to any
location.
Cost benefits
Using VPNs considerably reduces or cuts out the requirement
for equipment, leased lines, frame relays or permanent virtual circuits.
This is because a VPN uses existing equipment and modes of data transfer,
i.e. the internet. The hard work of data transfer and security is done
by the ISPs.
But is it secure?
VPN has built-in data encryption which protects the
data against eavesdropping and tampering by unauthorised parties.
VPN needs to provide four critical functions to ensure
security for data:
- authentication
- access control
- confidentiality
- data integrity
One of the significant advantages of VPN is that network
connections can be created for temporary periods, perhaps for a particular
project, then dismantled when the project is over.
If you feel that VPN may offer solutions to your business
needs, feel free to contact Ina Henley for
a general discussion about the possibilities and benefits of VPN. E-mail
us or phone using the details below.
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