A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It works like this: When
a user attempts to access a network, he/she first must authenticate
on the server. After a successful login, a secure channel is then opened
up between the network and the user. The user can next connect to servers
and files without opening up any holes.
What happens on many networks, though, is that they have ports (a
port is a hole through a firewall which allows access). These ports
are open on the firewalls to allow for Citrix, Web and other types
of connections. The major issue is that these ports can be exploited
by various threats, including viruses, hackers and spyware.
Companies who are concerned about their private information being
accessed turn to VPNs. On a VPN, before any function can be performed
by an outside user, he/she must first connect via a VPN client. Then
they can connect to Citrix or Projects or any other network function.
With a VPN, the ports are closed to further protect a network. No additional
hardware or software needs to be purchased. IT specialists only need
to plan and configure the authentication and connection.
How fast is VPN?
VPN can be deployed using a number of connection speeds including:
Dialup, DS0, T1 and T3. T1 is the most common speed for VPN, as it
is the most flexible. Dedicated voice service or non VPN Internet access
can be added to the T1 if the entire 1.544Mbps is not required for
VPN access. This is done using a fractional T1 or T3. Unlike Frame
Relay, a location will have access to the entire port speed at all
times; there are no CIRs or PVCs required for VPN.
How much does VPN cost?
When discussing VPN versus other Wide Area Network designs the topic
of cost is almost always at the forefront. One of the best arguments
for VPN is that you get more for less. VPN solutions can cost as much
as 50% less then comparable T1 Frame Relay or Private Line services,
while providing the same throughput and reliability that legacy services
provide. Because VPN, like most other Wide Area Network services, can
be delivered on a T1 it provides many of the same advantages. T1 lines
can be provisioned to provide both voice and data service, reducing
the overall cost for the T1 line.
Two to four components make up the solution cost of VPN. The first
cost is that of the local loop required to connect a location to the
carrier's Internet backbone. This is also known as the T1 charge or
local T1 charge (Note: VPN can be provisioned at Dialup, DSL, DS0,
T1 and T3 speeds). While the local loop provides access to the network,
the port provides throughput from the location into the carrier's network.
Typical port speeds on T1 loops are 128kbps, 256kbps, 384kbps, 512kbps
768kbps and 1.544Mbps. The third cost is common but not always necessary.
Many carriers offer a managed VPN or network VPN solution. In this
scenario, the tunneling and encryption is handled at the edge of the
carrier's network (often the POP). This reduces the exposure to significant
equipment or software expenditure. The fourth and final potential cost
of deploying VPN is the complete managed solution cost. This includes
customer premise equipment (routers and the like), software updates,
24/7/365 equipment service and support; complete management of the
network from end to end.
How is VPN different from Frame Relay?
A VPN connection is an Internet connection that is made secure for
the use of transmitting data across a WAN. Frame Relay is not an Internet
connection, but a connection to a carrier's private Frame Relay network.
Both often use T1 and T3 connections to connect the customer's location
to the carrier network, both are (or can be made) extremely secure,
both solutions accomplish the same objective, but price is the most
noticeable differentiating factor.
Is VPN and Internet Access the Same?
A VPN is made possible via access to the Internet, but it is more
than an Internet connection. A T1 to the Internet can be made into
a VPN T1 but it alone is not a VPN T1.
