Understanding Virtual Private Networks
Functions of VPN
The strain on today's corporate networks
is greater than ever before. Network managers must continually
find ways to connect geographically dispersed work groups
in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Increasing demands
from feature-rich applications used by a widely dispersed
workforce are causing businesses of all sizes to rethink their
networking strategies. As companies expand their networks
to link up with partners, and as the number of telecommuters
and remote users continues to grow, building a distributed
enterprise becomes ever more challenging.
To meet this challenge, VPNs have emerged, enabling organizations
to outsource network resources on a shared infrastructure.
Access VPNs in particular appeal to a highly mobile work force,
enabling users to connect to the corporate network whenever,
wherever, or however they require.
Networked Applications
The traditional drivers of network deployment
are also driving the deployment of VPNs.
New networked applications, such as videoconferencing, distance
learning, advanced publishing, and voice applications, offer
businesses the promise of improved productivity and reduced
costs. As these networked applications become more prevalent,
businesses are increasingly looking for intelligent services
that go beyond transport to optimize the security, quality
of service, management and scalability/reliability of applications
end to end.
Example of a VPN
This what a VPN might look like for a company
with offices in Munich, New York, Paris, and Milan.
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