VPN Internet Access
VPN Internet access refers to a network setup through the Internet allowing for long distance communication and accessing of information in a company’s database by remote clients. It is thus a type of WAN (Wide Area Network). VPN Internet access allows for the sharing of files and thus makes it possible for employees at remote locations to work on projects together. Video conferencing is yet another use often overlooked.
It provides a cost effective and secure way to make use of public networks to transmit and receive data rather than having to install cables which are not only expensive, but also have geographical limitations.
One of the advantages of a Virtual Private Network is the ability to work through VPN Internet access as well as on LAN (Local Area Network) applications. When used for a LAN, you don’t need the services of and ISP (Internet Service Provider), but if you require VPN Internet access, you normally make use of a broadband ISP such as Wireless Dimensions.
Wireless Dimensions provides VPN Internet access through secure and private tunnels online. The same hardware required for intranets are used. Several security features such as data encryption, user authentication and IP encapsulation solutions are utilized to ensure the privacy and security of data traveling through the tunnels.
Three levels of use are supported which include:
- Intranet access
- LAN to LAN
- VPN Internet access.
The current business environment where employees work from home, travel a lot and require video conferencing facilities necessitate VPN Internet access solutions as provided by Wireless Dimensions.
Easy setup
A Virtual Private Network can be developed to provide support for secure access to the enterprise home work environments over the public network provided by the Internet. It works in the following way:
The remote client that needs access to a corporate network connects to the ISP which is Wireless Dimensions.
The client initiates a secure tunnel connection to the corporate Virtual Private Network server.
When a connection is obtained the client can transmit and receive data, images, files, printing jobs and more over the Internet as if it is on a LAN.
Historically the only way companies could provide remote access to their networks was through leased lines and remote access dialup. This was an extremely expensive solution. As companies expanded their networks, more installations were required and new lines had to be leased.
Network bridging
By making use of VPN servers a whole company network can be bridged with another remote company network.
Intranets and LANs
In this mode internal company networks use Virtual Private Network applications to provide limited and secure access within private networks. This requires a connection to a Virtual Private Network Server. It does not involve the public networks although a high level of security can still be obtained. Hotspots are identified and utilized.
VPN Internet access solutions
Through the online tunnels, mobile users and telecommuting employees can have full access to their company’s resources available on its LAN through the Net at a cost far below that of the more historical access options. It is thus more cost effective to just dial the IP address or make use of the DNS name server without compromising security of the data than having to setup a WAN (Wide Area Network) and having to use analogue communication.
A network can be used to connect to the VPN in the same way as you would dial through a modem to connect to a company server. It provides a more secure and cheaper alternative to the old system of leased lines. Wireless Dimensions provides several security levels to guarantee the privacy of the tunnels.
It is no longer necessary to call in for your emails or having to work through leased lines. A high level of network expansion is now possible and employees can be mobile. To make use of the VPN Internet access solutions, simply contact Wireless Dimensions, the leading broadband ISP in South Africa.
