Virtual Private Networks and How they are Used
July 19, 2012
•General, Online
• 0 Comments
While students usually expect to work in front of an office computer after acquiring a job, this scenario has become much more flexible due to improvements in computer technology. Today, you might be issued a laptop instead of a desktop computer, which changes how, when, and where you can work.
To account for more mobile employees, many network administrators implement VPNs, or virtual private networks. Here is a brief overview of how VPNs work and how they are used.
How do VPNs work?
A virtual private network allows you to connect to your company network when you’re working out of the office. VPNs are essentially private Internet connections that connect your computer to the company’s file server, which is usually where all employee data is stored.
VPNs can create connections between websites, the company intranet and your computer, and more. To use the VPN, you have to provide some kind of authentication, such as a password.
Why use VPNs?
VPNs are useful because they allow employees access to all of their normal data and resources when they’re working in a remote location, such as at home or on a business trip. Besides increasing the flexibility of work, VPNs also provide an encrypted connection that protects your connection to company data.
Who Uses VPNs?
Any company whose employees have a need to work remotely, at least some of the time, can benefit from VPNs. VPNs are especially useful for people who work in sales, do a lot of traveling for business, or who can often work at home due to the nature of their work.
As far as who maintains the VPN, a network administrator or engineer is usually responsible for managing authentication, helping employees download necessary software, and more. If you’re interested in learning more about VPNs, consider enrolling in a networking and computer technology degree program.