Virtual Private Networks

What is a Virtual Private Network?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a network that is secured over a public network. It is a private network inside a network that is accessible to the public an example maybe the internet. A Virtual Private Network allows a computer station to send and receive information across a public network while ensuring the security provided in a private network.

A VPN is just like the Wide Area Network wherein you can connect to multiple sites. VPNs are usually used in school campuses in order to communicate information to a large population and also to other locations or campuses around the globe.

In today’s world, we can connect and communicate through the use of internet. There are a lot of Internet Service Providers out there that continuously develop more reliable services for the growing public. A lot of businesses have used the intranets. These are private internal networks used solely by the employees in a company. This scheme enabled employees to work together through desktop sharing. With the advent of Virtual Private Network, a business can extend the resources provided by the intranet to colleagues working in their homes or in remote locations.

 Benefits of using a Virtual Private Network

Why would you want to have a VPN? The VPN has been commonly used nowadays. Enumerated below are some of the reasons why people are taking advantage of the Virtual Private Network.

  • One of the advantages of VPN is the low cost that comes with it.
  • Through the VPN, you can connect securely to a remote network. Most business make use of the VPN so that their employees will be able to access files, applications and documents on the office network without sacrificing security.
  • If you want to connect multiple networks securely, you will need the assistance of a Virtual Private Network.
  • Connecting to an encrypted VPN while accessing a public network like when you are on a Wi-Fi spot secures your online privacy.
  • Perhaps the best reason why you would want a Virtual Private Network is to avoid regional restrictions imposed on some websites.

 Drawbacks of Virtual Private Network

When the discussion revolves on VPN, we tend to dwell on the advantages that we get from it and neglect to discuss its disadvantages. It is equally important to be informed what the drawbacks of using the Virtual Private Network are. Listed below are some of the drawbacks:

  • A disadvantage of VPN is that its installation demands an expert’s knowledge and understanding in the field of network security. This type of security would require data encryption and the use of passwords. In order to avoid security problems, there must be proper planning and when you are unsure of what to do; you must seek help from professionals.
  • Taking control of the performance and availability of VPN is difficult to do. Usually the speeds in VPN are much slower compared to a normal or traditional connection. Many users find it challenging to stay connected through the VPN. However, the security that a VPN gives often compensates for this slow connectivity.

What makes the best VPN?

A great VPN gives you the best set of features, an accessible server location, superb protocols and affordable price. The following are what you should be looking for:

  • Protocol
  • Corporate and Exit Locations

It is critical to ensure that a Virtual Private Network has multiple servers in different locations.

  • Logging in

You trust your VPN provider with confidential data that you will be exchanging once you connect with a VPN. Your VPN provider has the access to the data that you have. Make sure that you know by heart the logging policies that your provider has.

  • Anti-Spyware features
  • Mobile Applications
  • Affordable price