The way we communicate has evolved so rapidly that organizations are struggling to keep up. Unfortunately the cost of communication is one of the biggest stumbling blocks that most companies face. But, high cost is no longer that big of an issue. With the emergence of Virtual Private Networks (VPN’s) not only have communications costs decreased but a platform for converging voice, video and data services has been provided as well.
Communications today converge on IP. Fixed to Wireless convergence, data, voice and video convergence - all of this happens on the IP Protocol and this is why Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) and VPN services and routers are becoming essential to businesses.
VPN’s – The Basics
A private network is essentially a network for certain users that has a firewall enabled to prevent intrusion from the Internet. While this sounds good; private networks can be problematic for users as it can become quite difficult to get past the firewall if one of the users on the network wants to access their own personal files or email. In order to circumvent this, a very specific piece of software or hardware is used and this is known as a Virtual Private Network which will help users access their personal information with no difficulty.
Who Uses VPN’S?
These private communications networks are used by various companies and organizations in various industries throughout the world. A great example of a type of company that would benefit from a VPN is a clothing company with various branches. A sales person would be able to check stock at any of their other stores should they not have the specific garment you are lusting after. Libraries are another great example of an industry that would really benefit from a Virtual Private Network, gone are the days of hunting for those books you need.
In very basic terms VPN’s are used to support remote access to an intranet, as well as to support connections between multiple intranets within one organization. VPN’s are also used to join the networks between two organizations ultimately forming an extranet.
The Benefits of VPN’s
Now that you know the basics of Virtual Private Networks, I am sure you are interested in the benefits of which these are but a few:
•It can be connected to by multiple access technologies including wireless and mobile
•VPN routers eliminate the congestion and routing headaches of managing networks
•VPN solutions easily facilitate the secure connection of remote users & road warriors
•It remains as secure as your existing solutions
•Extends geographic connectivity
•Reduces operational costs
•Facilitates global networking opportunities
•Provides broadband networking compatibility
•Allows you to achieve faster ROI (return on investment) than traditional WAN
VPN’s are becoming essential to companies and organisations looking to simplify communication as well as cut costs. By consolidating inter-branch traffic, data and voice all over a single network infrastructure, it’s easy to see why Virtual Private Networks are such a favourable choice when it comes to communication needs.
Virtual Private Network Software
The benefits that come from using virtual private networks are endless, however; some of the major ones include speed, flexibility, privacy, financial viability, and customisability. All of which are important for any business application whether it is a large or small business. Any business that uses multiple computers is going to benefit from a VPN.
Most virtual private networks are going to be broadband. This is where speed counts. A virtual private network is one that links between open connection nodes often called virtual circuits to larger networks. In the case of a large business, it may be a branch office to a main office, for smaller businesses it may be linking to the internet.
Another application is to separate user groups in larger networks. In this instance, the virtual private networks would be connected to the larger network.
One of the benefits of a virtual private network is speed.
These networks are (especially if they are being separated by user groups) going to be faster because there is less load on the overall system. When all of the computers are attached to a single network, the system can quickly become congested which in turn slows down the entire system. Using virtual private networks to separate user groups means that the larger network is only being accessed when necessary. This increases the speed dramatically.
Virtual private networks give you the flexibility to move users from group to group limiting access to certain areas and functions. This gives your business an increased level of security, which also gives you the flexibility to create what you want and how you want it. This is also, what makes this type of network customisable.
It also gives a great deal of privacy as part of the benefits that come from building these types of networks. You also want to have a network that is going to be scalable to your particular business needs.
One of the great things about these networks is the fact that even with their highly customizable features, they are still highly affordable and they can greatly reduce the cost of your communications. One of the causes for this is the fact that it takes your computer network out of the infrastructure normally laid out by leased lines. It can also help to fix the costs of your communications making it easier to manage your finances.
The benefits to a virtual private network are not to be underestimated. They are substantial and can change the entire way you handle business, making your entire network more effective. What benefits attract you to the option of a virtual private network is going to be up to what the needs of the business are, however; there are benefits for everyone when it comes to setting up and using a virtual private network. You get the ability to move away from the infrastructure created by leased lines, you also get the benefit of fixed and lower communications costs and you have the option of creating a network that is perfect for the individual needs of your business.
Both Southern Sun Southern Sun & Derek Rogers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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