A Virtual Private Network uses the internet, a public network, to connect people together using the internet. Computer users most likely connect to a remote site instead of using a leased internet line, but people who use a virtual connect through the internet via a route from a company’s network. This is done by using a virtual connection instead of a dedicated connection to the internet.

This type of internet usage, like desktop sharing, is how distant computer users can work together. Now if you have a Virtual Private Network that is designed fairly well, you or your business can experience greater productivity, security, telecommuter support let alone lower the time and cost of commuting to a work place.

Using a VPN, the features should include: Network management, Policy management, Reliability, and of course Security.
If you break down a VPN, the first of two is a “remote access”or also named a virtual private dial up network. This is for a user to LAN (Local Access Network). This means it’s a connection used by a company’s employees who connect to the private network from different locations remotely.

The second option of using a VPN, is a Enterprise Service Provider (ESP). With an ESP, a Network Access Server is created which would provide users in remote locations, software for their computers to dial in as telecommuters through a toll-free number and connect to the Network Access Server and use the VPN software to access the company network.

Here’s an idea of how a company might need a VPN for remote access of the internet: Say you work for a fairly good size corporate company and there are hundreds of employees in different locations. Using a remote access virtual private network gives secure, connections which can be also encrypted between the private network and the different remote users through a service provider that most likely would or could be a third party provider.