Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Recent technological advances in broadband and dial data access offer a more cost-effective solution for supporting large numbers of remote users, as well as unprecedented network scalability and flexibility. These technology advances have created virtual private networks (VPN) using public links. They can be used to provide mobile workers with remote access to the corporate network - at the price of a local call. As with any use of public networks, one sacrifices privacy for cost and availability. Except a VPN is a network tunnel created for data transmission between two or more authenticated parties. A secure VPN encrypts data before passing it through the network tunnel. This creates an encrypted "pipe" between the user and the access device ensuring data integrity/authenticity, and user privacy. Apart from providing connectivity for remote users, VPNs can also be used to interconnect servers and complete networks, creating entities known as Extranets.





Virtual Private Networks can be implemented by using propreitory systems from Nortel Networks, Cisco, Datafellows, Intel, Nokia, Checkpoint, Lucent and others. Point to point VPNs can also be created using imbedded protocols in Operating Systems like Windows 2000/XP/Linux or even by applications like PGP.


IPSEC
The IP Security Protocol (IPSec) working group has defined a set of specifications for cryptographically-based authentication, integrity, and confidentiality services at the IP datagram layer. This protocol is intended to secure data communications on the Internet and is one of the fastest growing security standards worldwide. IPSec supports multiple algorithms and key management systems within its design architecture.

Most people associate VPNs with corporate or government use. But individual users can utilize the power of personal VPN services like Guardster. This service allow you to surf the Internet anonymously, use encrypted email, have private instant messaging, secure file transfers, etc. Secure Shuttle Transport is an ideal small business VPN solution, coming with a 20 user license while priced at well below $100.