A Virtual Private Network is a network that communicates securely over a
public network (i.e. the internet). The network is protected through
the use of encryption.
VPN clients authenticate users,
encrypt data, and otherwise manage sessions with VPN servers utilizing a
technique called tunneling.There are
three types of VPNs: 1) software based VPNs, 2) hardware based VPNs
and 3) firewall based VPNs.
Software based VPNs offer the greatest
flexibility and allow different organizations to create a network.
Software based VPNs also have the advantage of allowing administrators to
tunnel traffic based on protocol. The main downside to software based
VPNs is that they can be more difficult to for administrators to oversee due
to the variety of operating systems and programs involved.
Hardware based VPNs typically use encrypting
routers for tunneling. The advantages include ease of use and higher
levels of performance, but the downside is limited flexibility.
Firewall based VPNs use the firewall's
security mechanisms to provide security to the network. The firewall
also provides additional levels of security to the server's operating
system.
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