VPNs / Connectivity
Virtual private networks, often known by the acronym VPN, allow the creation of
“data tunnels” between the firewall security enforcement point and the trusted remote
user. This is beneficial if you need to use your home computer or on the road laptop
on your company network. Sometimes you don't need a complete Office Remote
solution you just need access to the network or network resources. This is when
a VPN is the answer for you.Lets Get Started
The VPN can be created by connecting suitable firewall systems to each other or
by the use of firewall to remote client systems. The firewall to firewall approach
allows multiple remote users, at a branch office perhaps, to use the encrypted data
tunnel to access central resources. The information flow can be two way to create
a wide area network using public infrastructure rather than having expensive private
wire connections. The firewall provides the processing power needed to encrypt and
decrypt traffic at wire speeds to provide practical response for the remote access
user. As processing power has become a relatively cheap commodity VPNs offer a highly
cost effective method of satisfying the requirements of a wide spectrum of different
types of workers from sales people, branch offices, trusted partners, to staff and
managers working from home on important or urgent projects.
In the case of the remote worker, the computer runs client software which is capable
of decrypting and encrypting the incoming and outgoing traffic after authenticating
the user onto the trusted network environment. This client software should also
act as a firewall in its own right to prevent intrusion into the client machine
when it is online.Lets Get Started