Factors Affecting a Fast VPN
Once setup and working, the VPN server needs to be monitored (to ensure there is nothing suspicious going on) and maintained with the latest security patches provided by the VPN vendor. A VPN service gives all the features of a VPN server but removes the complexity and cost of setup, monitoring and maintenance. To setup a VPN provided as a service, you need to visit the providers website, register online and download a piece of software to a system in the office network. This software connects the office network to the VPN Service via the Internet without having to change your firewall. IPSec is specified with RFC 2401 and developed as an open standard for secure transport of IP across the public Internet. The packet structure is comprised of an IP header - IPSec header - Encapsulating Security Payload. In addition there is Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and ISAKMP, which automate the distribution of secret keys between IPSec peer devices (concentrators and routers). Those protocols are required for negotiating one-way or two-way security associations. IPSec security associations are comprised of an encryption algorithm (3DES), hash algorithm (MD5) and an authentication method (MD5). Access VPN implementations utilize 3 security associations (SA) per connection (transmit, receive and IKE). Second, VPN is nearly impossible to tap or interfere data in the VPN tunnel. And lastly, a VPN client software can connect you to your company from anywhere around the globe. It also reduce operational costs, transit times and travelling costs for remote users. Global networking opportunities, telecommuter support and faster Return On Investment are provided as well, other than the use of traditional internet. Android VPN's aren't just for mobile phones - The Android OS powers more than just mobile phones. An Android VPN will give you an extra layer of security to get things done without worrying about revealing personal information. A VPN is a private computer network that is based in an overlay on top of an existing network and uses a public network such as the internet to create a private, secure communication scope or to connect remote sites or users together. It serves many purpose such as providing secure extension of a private network into internet (which is usually insecure and prone to attack), using a virtual connection instead of a real connection such as a leased line. For instance, we need software for each remote user, a dedicated hardware (concentrator), a VPN server to be used by the service provider, secure PIX firewall etc. Coming on to the advantages of a VPN or the ways in which it can benefit a business to succeed, VPN are a cost effective medium (which saves the company a large sum), they are mobile and provide security to its users (which increases client's trust in the company), it provides a vast geographical connectivity which enables the employees to log in at places comfortable to them (thereby increasing connectivity), they also offer broadband networking, telecommuter support etc. For compatibility reasons most Cisco networks use Cisco VPN software, but never the less irrespective of whichever VPN client used, an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) should be set up for maximum efficiency and should contain proper security measures to avoid hacking of personal data of the client. Priority should be given to striking the right balance between proper functionality and smooth usage (for yourself and the end users who will be accessing the network).