Introduction to -- Sneaking Ridge

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Date Posted: 05:02:25 01/17/02 Thu
Author: VPN
Author Host/IP: 208.133.199.238
Subject: Introduction to

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have attracted the attention of many organizations looking to both expand their networking capabilities and reduce their costs. VPNs can be found in the workplace but also in the home, where they allow employees to safely log into company networks. Telecommuters and those who travel often might find VPNs to be a more convenient way to stay "plugged in" to the corporate intranet.

No matter your current involvement with VPNs, this is a good technology to know something about. A study of VPNs raises many interesting points to consider in the areas of network protocol design, Internet security, network service outsourcing, and technology standards.

What Exactly Is A VPN?
VPNs supply network connectivity over a possibly long physical distance. In this respect, VPNs are a form of Wide Area Network (WAN). The key feature of a VPN, however, is its ability to use public networks like the Internet rather than rely on private leased lines. VPN technologies implement restricted-access networks that use the same cabling and routers as does a public network, and they do so without sacrificing features or basic security.

VPNs support at least three different modes of use:

Remote access client connections
LAN-to-LAN internetworking
Controlled access within an intranet
More about VPN Applications (page 2).

VPN Pros and Cons
Like many commercialized network technologies, a significant amount of sales and marketing "hype" surrounds VPNs. In reality, VPNs provide just a few basic, easy to understand, potential advantages over more traditional forms of wide-area networking. These advantages can be quite significant, but they do not come for free.

The potential problems with VPNs outnumber the advantages and are generally more difficult to understand. (The disadvantages do not necessarily outweigh the advantages, however.) From security and performance concerns to coping with a wide range of sometimes incompatible vendor products, the decision of whether or not to use a VPN cannot be made without significant planning and preparation.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of VPNs (page 3).

Technology Behind VPNs
Several network protocols have become popular as a result of VPN developments:

PPTP
L2TP
IPsec
SOCKS
These protocols emphasize authentication and encryption in VPNs. Authentication allows VPN clients and servers to correctly establish the identity of people on the network. Encryption allows potentially sensitive data to be hidden from the general public.

Many vendors have developed VPN hardware and/or software products. Unfortunately, immature VPN standards mean that some of these products remain incompatible with each other.

The Technology Behind VPNs (page 4).

The Future of VPNs
The success of VPNs in the future depends mainly on industry dynamics. Most of the value in VPNs lies in the potential for businesses to save money. Should the cost of long-distance telephone calls and leased lines continue to drop, fewer companies may feel the need to switch to VPNs for remote access. Conversely, if VPN standards solidify and vendor products interoperate fully with other, the appeal of VPNs should increase.

The success of VPNs also depends on the ability of intranets and extranets to deliver on their promises. Companies have had difficulty measuring the cost savings of their private networks, but if it can be demonstrated that these provide significant value, the use of VPN technology internally may also increase.

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Replies:

MORE!! -- VPN, 05:05:00 01/17/02 Thu
- And because I know we ALL want to know more! -- VPN, 05:06:16 01/17/02 Thu
  - ???? -- >.<, 05:07:23 01/17/02 Thu