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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: , ,

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: , ,

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network Using a Windows PC Part 2

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When you need to access files, emails and a computer system and you are not actively in front of that computer a virtual private network connection can allow you to do just that.  Virtual private networking allows computer users to have full access of the computer that they need to access only instead of sitting in front of the computer they are in front of another computer that could be miles away.

In order to be able to access a virtual private network connection the computers need to be specially setup in order to allow the computer that is trying to get in access. After telling the computer that you want to setup a virtual private network there are a few steps that you need to do to make sure that you can enter the computer from another location. Here are those steps.

Step 1. Start by selection Start and then Control Panel. Select the option titled Network and Internet and then choose Connect to a Network.

Step 2. From the connect to a network option select Set up a connection or network. There will be a list of options choose the one that says connect to a workplace and select the next button.

Step 3. Pick the option that states Use my internet connection through VPN. VPN stands for virtual private networking.

Step 4. You will need to assign an IP address for the computer that is allowed to access your computer. Type the IP address of the host computer in the section that is titled Internet Address. You will also need to enter a name of the network that you have created this will go under Destination Name. From there select don’t connect now, just set up for later use. Select Next.

Step 5. You will be asked for a virtual private network username and password type this in and select remember later. Then choose create.

Filed Under: Private Networks, Software Tagged With: ,

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network Using a Windows PC Part 1

February 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Sometimes you want or need to access a file on another computer. Oftentimes that computer is not readily accessible or miles away. While you could always ask a friend or co-worker to access that computer, an easy way to get the files that you want without having to bother other people is through a virtual private network. Virtual private networks work in similar ways to a remote access of a computer but instead of an unsecured connection, the connection is secured and prevents hackers or others from gaining access to either computer.

If you are using a Windows PC your computer already comes built with a way to access a virtual private networking program. Here is how to access it if you want to create a virtual private networking connection.

Step 1. Select the Start button and choose the Control Panel option. From the box select Network and Internet, then Network Sharing Center.

Step 2. You should select Manage Network Connections and choose from the selections New Incoming Connection.

Step 3. There will be a box with a bunch of checkmarks, place one in the box so that you can choose which user will be able to setup a virtual private network. When selected, select Next.

Step 4. There will be a list of options choose through the Internet and click Next.

Step 5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 from the list and then check the box that says allow callers to access my network. You will also need to choose the selection that says to assign IP addresses automatically.

Filed Under: Computer, Private Networks Tagged With: ,

How to Create a VPN Using Cbeyond Software

February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

A software program that allows companies and businesses to allow telecommuting employees to sign into any of the business computers via their home computer is known as the Cbeyond. Cbeyond is a computer software program that provides a wide range of business essentials. Cbeyond offers website hosting services, email and a security system for all the business’ computers. However, it is the virtual private networking that it provides that many small businesses like to use.

Cbeyond allows employees to connect to a computer within the business through a secure network. However, instead of being there at the computer they can be at home on a different computer. Here is a walkthrough of how you can sign into Cbeyond’s virtual private networking system from a home computer.

Step 1. Start by going to the website for CbeyondOnline. You will have already created a username and a password. You will need to use these to sign into any virtual private networking system. If you have not created a username and password you will need to do so.

Step 2. Once signed in you will have a dashboard. From the dashboard select the link that states my services. From there select the service titled “Virtual Private Networking”.

Step 3. You will be given a screen that has blank fields that you need to fill out. You will be required to put in a first name, last name, an email address and the username and password that you used to get into the dashboard.

Step 4. There will be a section titled Save. Select save and this will send an email to the address you provided with a link to creating the virtual private networking system.

Step 5. Once you have received the email, which might take a few days, you will be able to click on the link in the email. This will help you set up the virtual private network. When you do you will have to tell your Internet it is okay to create a connection to the Cbeyond network and your virtual private network is created.

Filed Under: Private Networks, Software Tagged With: ,

Limitations of a Virtual Private Networking System

February 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Setting up a virtual private network is a very popular way for businesses allow their employees to telecommute to work and use the system or network from a home computer. There is no need to have to be in one physical location or hardwired to a company computer. Even though this system sounds like an ideal situation there are some limitations that come from setting up a virtual private network. Here is a look at the limitations that come with a virtual private network.

The biggest limitation that comes from using a virtual private network is that the information can at times be very very slow. This is due to the process that the virtual private network uses to decode and encrypt files. When a person sends information over the virtual private network the information is encrypted and the system will decode it on the system’s end. This causes the information to move very slow because of all the encrypting and decoding that is going on.

The limitations of decoding and encrypting is only made worse when the computer user’s Internet speed is taken into account. Most internet providers are faster when it comes to downloading stuff than uploading stuff. This means that because the information needs to be uploaded it can slow down the speed of information that goes through the private virtual network.

Another limitation of the virtual private network is that when a computer is on one all the information that the computer user sends through the system goes through the encryption system. This means that blogs, emails and documents that might not need to be encrypted are being coded and decoded by the system. This can cause a virtual private network system to become overwhelmed and work at incredibly slow speeds.

When considering using a virtual private networking system one must take into account these various limitations and problems that you could experience with using it.

Filed Under: Local Networks, Private 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: ,

Secure Video Conferencing via VPN

January 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

One of the newest uses of virtual private networks is in the area of secure videoconferencing. Just like other video conferencing services, this allows users in multiple places to dial in to a central hub, enter an access code for their conference, and allow the VPN to connect them all together. This is an “on demand” service, which means that pre-planning and reservations are not required.

This is a  real breakthrough for videoconferencing services; allowing customers the security of a VPN, developed on a platform which is compatible with whatever network protocol the various clients are using, even if they are using different network protocols.

In this case, the virtual private network is traveling through the telecommunications “cloud” of the phone company. This allows for broadband transmission, without data packet loss and the typical latency of the Internet. An added benefit is the capability to transmit HD video images.

Although initiating from Canada, this secure video conferences service is available on an international bases. This service is a great boon to business, having the potential of providing enormous savings in travel costs both between a company’s various locations and to visit vendors. Since the system readily communicates with whatever system the clients are utilizing, video conferencing is not limited to just sites that are on the same system.

Since this is a fee-based service offered to companies, there is no “up-front” cost associated with purchasing large, expensive videoconferencing systems. Rates are competitive with non-secure services, providing the security upgrade without significant const increase.

For any company that needs to maintain security, yet also needs the speed and convenience of teleconferencing, this is an excellent option. Sensitive matters, such as design innovations, can be discussed, without the risk of leaking to competitors or the media. Decisions can be made instantaneously, instead of waiting for a team to visit the remote site, and return to render their report. Overall, it looks like a win-win situation.

 

Filed Under: Private Networks Tagged With:
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