The COVID-19 pandemic has vastly increased the number of companies who allow their workers to telecommute. A VPN (virtual private network) lets users connect over a network with others despite being located long distances apart. A virtual private network also allows staff to have remote access to their company network via the Internet, allowing them to host video conferences, use applications, and share files. A VPN’s security features protect these communications from cybercriminals by keeping data encrypted and secure.

How a VPN Can Support Your Company

Although unable to provide additional functionality, a VPN can help existing services become more efficient and economical. Their performance is improved by enabling faster system speeds, resulting in greater employee productivity and efficiency. A virtual private network can be utilized with LAN-to-LAN networking, internet remote access client connections, as well as for access within an intranet.

Through VPN implementation, offices can connect via the internet at a reduced cost. Long-distance dial-up network connections and remote access servers are no longer necessary. Instead, customers use the access point of a local service provider to connect. The maintenance cost of a server with a VPN is less because support can be provided by a third-party service provider benefiting from economies of scale.

How VPNs Function

A VPN is usable over a private business network or public network. It utilizes the same hardware infrastructure as internet or intranet links via tunneling, which is the process of encrypting data and keeping it separate from other internet traffic.

A VPN is activated when a remote client connects to an ISP (internet service provider) and initiates a VPN connection to the VPN server of a company via a client application. As a result, the remote client can communicate with the company’s network through the internet just like a local host.

A VPN can also connect two networks. An extended intranet can be formed by connecting a company’s internal network to a remote network. In addition, a VPN can work with Wi-Fi local area networking for securing connections to local access points within an office without decreasing performance.

Using a VPN server as the network gateway, an external network can control the access to individual subnets inside a private network. This kind of VPN does not need public network cabling or an ISP.

Alpha Engineering Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology-support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis areas since 1990. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha today at (410) 295-9500.