VPM or Virtual Private Network

An encrypted connection between two or multiple private networks over public network is called VPN or Virtual Private Network.  It use to connect two private network over public network. In equation format it can be defined as

VPN= Tunneling + Encryption

In other words we can also say that its a network between two or more locations created virtually over the public network. Which means though it will be over the public network but accessbility & reachibility will be available to our locations.

Why VPN was designed ?

Initially VPN was design for security issues/ traffic issue of transmitting clear text data across a network, this clear text data can be read or hack by any person through different hacking technology like- Eavesdropping, Masquerading, Man-in-the-middle
 

Advantages of VPN

• Reduce cost implementation (We don’t need to use lease line/ ISDN/ FR, mobile only need to dial local ISP to connect to branch office)
• Security (VPN provide strong security mechanism through encryption, authentication etc)
• Lower cost (Bring down cost of Wan equipment)
• More Flexible
• Simple Management
• Tunnel topology
• Interoperability of devices from multiple vendors
• Centralized VPN management
• Easy implementation
• Easy usability
• Scalability
• Performance
• Bandwidth management
• Service provider’s infrastructure
• High availability
• Protect traffic across internet
• Protect data through hackers
• Protect through eavesdropping
• Protect through Man-in-Middle attack

Disadvantages of Virtual Private Network / VPN

• Highly dependent on Internet
• Lack of support to legacy protocol

Types of Virutal Private Network / VPN

VPN can be segregated into two general types

• Site-to-Site VPN
• Remote Access VPN