What is a VPN?

The initials VPN stand for the term Virtual Private Network. The aim and simple concept of a Virtual Private Network is that it provides users with the ability to access a private network (and therefore individual computers and servers on a private network) from a remote unsecured point outside of that network, without compromising the security of the private network itself.

In effect a VPN creates a tunnel through unsecured networks, which clients can use to access their private network without interference from the rest of the unsecured networks. As VPNs therefore have to transmit private information across unsecured networks such as the world wide web, they need to ensure that the data exchanged across these networks is kept secure by employing a combination of encryption on the data packets and authentication to allow access to only those users with permission.

Using these secure data packets VPN services can therefore be used to transmit any kind of data, including voice, media such as video and conventional data. They are also available from any kind of connection including 3G and DSL meaning that VPNs can be established from any device with a connection to the internet.

Consequently the technology is invaluable for people on the move who need to access and store information on a fixed location private network and is, as such, a vital business tool in companies where workers are required to operate away from a central office location.  Staff can use VPNs to communicate with their colleagues as well as logging on to their own profiles on their work network to access private files, shared files on the private network, emails and business resources - as if they were physically sat in the office.