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Benefits of Using Virtual Private Networks for Your Business

June 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Deploying Virtual Private Networks With Micros... 

Image by pabojon via Flickr

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, can equip your business with the technology it needs to get ahead. VPNs provide long-distance, secured network connections for your organization and allow your business to provide secured networks for your client base. For businesses, Virtual Private Networks help out by creating savings on cost and network scalability. Clients also benefit, as VPNs are easy to use.

Savings on Cost

Implementing this new technology reduces cost in a few ways. First, VPNs reduce long-distance telephone charges. They replace long-distance dialup networks and remote access servers used by business travelers to access their company on the road by intranet. VPNs also eliminate the need for expensive leased lines. Before this technology, businesses had to rent network capacity. Now, VPNs use public infrastructure like the internet to make connections and access virtual networks by using less expensive local leased lines or broadband connections. Finally, using VPN technology lowers support costs as your business can outsource needed support from third-party service providers.

Network Scalability

Without using Virtual Private Networks, the cost of building private networks for an organization increases exponentially as the business expands. VPNs solve this problem. Internet-based VPNs use public lines and network capability that is already out there. This can be especially beneficial for use with remote or international locations.

VPNs also work well with WiFi local area networking. Of course, you must have the appropriate networking hardware or software support to make VPNs work with your business. It’s a step you’ll want to take, though, as the benefits of Virtual Private Networks certainly make your business stronger.

Filed Under: Networks, Security Tagged With: , ,

Virtual Private Network and the Office

May 22, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Virtual private networking has been publicized in the media a great deal lately, and not all of the publicity has been good. Many people feel that virtual networks are the cause of deterioration of communication between people within the work place. However, many people in the professional world swear by the new technology. No matter what the opinion of virtual networking, the technology seems be here to stay so a look at what the networking is doing for business is important.

Virtual networking is a fancy name for sharing secure information quickly and efficiently over computer networks. For many companies who have multiple business locations or positions where traveling is involved they rely on the virtual networks to spread information safely. The virtual private network is a private network that uses the internet to connect users together so that anywhere where the internet is used information can be sent.

The professional world is incredibly pleased with this technology because of the way that documents can be sent. Rather than have to specialty mail documents or have a trusted carrier relay the documents, documents can be transferred almost immediately and with complete security. This is very important when dealing with proposals, bank documents or other secure information.

While many people feel that using the technology will cause a breakdown in communication between the sender and recipient of the information being sent, many other people feel that because the technology is able to send information quicker any problems or misunderstands between companies can be resolved quickly as well.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet, Networks, Private Networks, Security Tagged With: , ,

Minimum Requirements to Use Linksys VPN

March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

One of the most common tools and modems that are used to connect computers and employees to the virtual private network is a router known as the Linksys VPN. This is a router that will do the encrypting and secure the connection so that those that wish to connect to the system through a VPN can do so securely.

If you are considering using a Linksys VPN to connect to the internet then there will be certain minimum requirements that you will need to have to make sure that you can connect to the VPN.

Internet Connection. You will need to have either a broadband connection or a Wi-Fi Connection to connect to this modem. Anything that uses a landline will not work.

TCP/IP Protocol. You will need to have an IP address that is assigned by your ISP. This is an address that every computer has and makes it special. It is made up of numbers and dots. The Linksys VPN will work regardless of if you have a static IP or a dynamic IP address. As long as you know the IP you will be able to hook up to the virtual private network.

Web Browser. The routers that are with Linksys VPN require the use of a web browser to connect it to the virtual private network. You will need to have at least Internet Explorer 5.0 or any type of Netscape 6 browser such as Opera or Firefox.  Newer web browsers such as Chrome have not been tested as often. They will work but they are not directly offered by Linksys and therefore could be unstable.

Filed Under: Networks, Software Tagged With: , ,

How to Turn the VPN on Your iPhone On and Off

March 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Once the iPhone has been set with all the configurations and information for a virtual private network, you will be able to use it as you would a regular desktop or laptop computer. You will be able to connect to the system, check email, access files and use the software on the computer that is located in your office or in the company. Here is a look at how to turn your virtual private network on and off using your iPhone and the numerous things that you can do once you are on a virtual private network.

There is a switch in the virtual private networking section. This switch will have an option of either on or off. When you want to connect to the virtual private network switch it on, when you want to disconnect switch to off. Sometimes switching the connection on the first time will not work. Try to switch it on and off a few times before you start to take a look at the information and account info that you have in the iPhone.

Once the phone is connected to a virtual private network there will be a tiny little blue screen at the top of your iPhone. This will say VPN and indicate that you are connected to the VPN. It will also have a tiny little timer that will show you how long you have been connected to the VPN.  If you are connected to the VPN you can check emails, remote access the other computers and even enter the website of the company that is attached to the servers.

Filed Under: Networks, Software Tagged With: , ,

Setting Up a VPN on an iPhone

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many telecommuting employees are able to use their iPhones in order to access their company’s computer server. This is because many iPhones allow employees to connect to a company computer via a virtual private networking software program. While most employees will use their desktop or laptop many employees will use their iPhones in order to connect to their computer via a secure connection.

Here is a look at how to connect to a virtual private networking system through the use of your iPhone.

Step 1. You must have an Internet connection to do this part of the project. Most iPhones have 3G but a Wifi connection is recommended for speed and connection stability. The 3G connection is almost too slow to allow people to connect to a VPN.

Step 2. Select from your iPhone the section titled Settings, then General and then Network. There will be a list of networks available to you. There will be a section titled VPN and it will say not configured, select that. This will set the VPN connection up on your phone and allow you to start setting up the network.

Step 3. Select Add VPN configuration which will automatically set the VPN to the default section on your iPhone.

Step 4. You will need to enter all the information for the VPN into the screen. It is a good idea to double check with the system administrator to make sure that you have all the information correct. One little wrong detail and you could prevent yourself from connecting to the VPN.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: , ,

A Look at Hardware Virtual Private Networks

March 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When setting up a virtual private network system so that you can access a computer on a company server via a secure connection there are two ways to choose from. There is the ability to create a virtual private network through a hardware system or a software system. Here is a look at the virtual private network that is set up via a hardware system.

The virtual private network system that is set up via a hardware system is one that uses the modem and serves directly to connect to the system server. There are specific situations that arise when one chooses to use a hardware virtual private networking system. Here is a look at what these include.

Cost. The hardware virtual private networking system will usually cost more than other virtual private network systems. This is because you will have to purchase the hardware and there is usually training involved with training employees and technical support.

Performance. The limitations of a hardware virtual private network include those that are limited to the type of hardware that was purchased. However, many hardware virtual private networks can be easier to use because there is a load balancing system that will share the load and the system will not be overloaded.

Security. Hardware virtual private networks are more secure than other styles of networking. This is because the hardware comes specifically designed to filter and handle any outsider interference from hackers or others.

Maintenance. The maintenance of a virtual private network will involve training of all those involved to make sure that the system stays at the top of its game. There will also be additional maintenance that can be performed via the vendor only and will require the them to come out to the hardware.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: , ,

Requirements for Setting up a Virtual Private Network

March 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Virtual private networking has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more companies are allowing their employees to telecommute. These employees still need access to the computer network that the company has but it does not need to have the employees directly in one place. Instead, through virtual private network connections employees are able to access the network via a secure network using their own Internet connection.

In order to set up a virtual private network for yourself or your employees there are a few system requirements that you will need. Here is a list of the requirements for the computer system.

VPN Endpoints. In order to establish a virtual private network you will need to have what is considered a virtual private network endpoint. There are several options for these endpoints and the amount of endpoints that are needed depends on whether it is a site to site connection or just a one sided connection. Options include consumer grade routers or a network’s firewall.

VPN Client. You will also be required to have software or a computer that has a virtual private networking solution set up for their computer. Windows PCs come complete with a virtual private networking solution already installed. All that needs to be done is have a network created under the create a new network connection. For non-Windows computers you will need to install a software that will allow you to create a new network for the virtual private network.

Compatible Protocols. Both parts of the network will require the use of either a layer two tunneling protocol or a point to point tunneling protocol. Both client computers and the host computer need to support these protocols so that the computers can connect to each other.

Filed Under: Internet, Networks Tagged With: , ,

Advantages of a Virtual Private Networking System

February 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Virtual private networks have made telecommuting employees feel as if they are a part of the central structure of the business that they work for. An established virtual private network allows people to be able to access a central network through a secure networking connection usually the Internet. This allows the telecommuters to have access to all the files and system information while they are not directly in front of the computer. However, like all forms of technology there are usually advantages and disadvantages to using certain forms of technology. Here is a look at some of the advantages of having a virtual private network through your computer.

The first and best advantage of accessing a central network through a virtual private network is the process of how the work is handled by all the PCs involved. The established connection and all information is the only thing that relies upon the stable connection. All the work that is done on the computer is done solely by the physical computer sitting in front of the computer users. This is a great advantage for those that need to use software programs that are large and could lag up a computer system. Instead these people can use their own computer with their own software programs and then upload it onto the network through the virtual private network.

The other advantage of a virtual private network is the ability to troubleshoot problems that happen with the network. Since the network is so limited to a number of computers and a central network is computer users experience any problems they are able to isolate the problem instantly and fix it on the spot. There is no extensive troubleshooting that is involved or lengthy process of having the computer sit out of commission for a long time.

The ability to use your own computer and software programs as well as the ability to troubleshoot any problem quickly is why many companies decide to use virtual private networking for their telecommuting needs.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: ,

What is Virtual Private Networking

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Sometimes when you are working from home or have two offices you want to be able to access files that are in one location while you are in another. It used to be that you would have to find a person to go over to the computer and email them to you or you would have to travel over to the office and get the files. However, with the advancement of technology that is no longer needed. You can use a method known as virtual private networking.

Virtual private networking is the ability to create a connection to a private network. These connections are secure which prevents people from being able to get the information that you are trying to access. The connection on a virtual private network is done through an unsecured public network which is usually the Internet for most people.

Virtual private networking can be done using a large number of programs or software programs that are available. However, the most popular form of virtual private networking is the one that is set up directly through Windows XP. Most people who wish to create a virtual private network will use the Windows version of it instead of using the other programs.

Many people who need access to computers enjoy using a virtual private network because it allows the computer that they are on to appear as if it is connected to the network separately. For many people who work in offices or with businesses that have their own network this is ideal for those who wish to commute to work and not have to have them be in front of the computer. Everyone has access to the system network and everyone is able to send and receive all the information that they want through the network.

Virtual private networking is often confused with remote desktop access, however, the two systems are completely different from one another.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: ,

Virtual Private Networks and the Mobile Sales Force

January 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As customers grow more sophisticated in their demands, and the global market creates greater and greater competition; manufacturers and suppliers need every advantage they can grasp to maintain and increase their customer base. Many times, the difference between a sale and losing that sale to a competitor depends more upon issues such as availability, delivery schedule and customer service than they do on pricing and model availability.

In this type of market, it is essential to get the latest and best information into the hands of the sales force. They need to know on a moment-by-moment basis the availability of products, delivery schedules, restocking schedules, and even manufacturing schedules. This vital information may be just the key to unlock a big sale, especially when the customer is in a bind and needs fast delivery.

Once the order is placed, the sales force needs the ability to enter that order immediately into the system, so that planners can get a jump on scheduling, producing, and delivering that order to meet the customer’s needs.

Enter the virtual private network. With VPNs, companies can give their mobile sales force direct access to the company mainframe at all times. All the critical information that sales professionals have been screaming to have access to for the last couple of centuries can be right at their fingertips. Instead of having to get on the phone and call the home office, they can connect to the company’s virtual private network from wherever they are, and have real answers for the customer.

This could actually eliminate the stereotype of the less than honest salesman, who tells their customers whatever they want to hear, because they don’t have an answer. Having those answers available eliminates the need to make up something to satisfy the customer. When they have questions about the status of their order, the sales professional can give them an accurate answer in minutes, instead of having to wait for hours or even days. That’s customer service.

 

 

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