A business IT network allows connectivity between every single internal member of your business. This offers several key business advantages, not least of which being the ability to collaborate on projects without having to rely on the messy and often time consuming sending of data using email, disks, or even paper documents. However, there is no reason to stop your collaboration there because through the addition of remote access, specifically using a VPN or Virtual Private Network, it is possible for remote users to access the same network and enjoy the same benefits.
A VPN is a network that utilises various encryption and security techniques in order to establish a secure network over a public network. Most commonly this means setting up a VPN using the Internet using encryption techniques to ensure that no other users can gain unauthorised access to the data that is transmitted. As well as offering remote access for individual users, a VPN is commonly used to network two or more offices across various different geographical locations.
The VPN provides a form of Wide Area Network that can either connect a number of Local Area Networks, such as those used in two different offices, or allows outside access to a single Local Area Network. The Virtual Private Network is so called because the security is provided virtually rather than physically as the network transmits and receives data over a public network. Good security protocols are essential to prevent the misuse of data or unauthorised access to the network.
