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.
