What is VPN?

When it comes to networking, there are a lot of acronyms thrown around that can be confusing for somebody who is just starting to learn how they work. A VPN, or a virtual private network, is set up with one centralized private network in a set location running off of a public network (usually the world wide web) to connect everyone. You see these types of networks in retail stores, business and schools.

VPNs allow workers to connect to a company-based network. Sometimes they can access the Internet, sometimes they cannot, even though they are using it to access their company's files, folders and applications. Companies do this to help increase productivity and to keep company assets private from the rest of the world. If a WAN, a wide area network, was used, then anybody could access the company's applications and files which would cause an uproar among customers, clients and others.

Why would a company want to use a VPN? Well, VPNs can help a company organize itself over an entire country and even different parts of the world. Somebody working for the company traveling overseas for work can access the network, files and folders they need to do their job efficiently even though they may not be in their actual office hardwired to the network. This allows companies to take advantage of telecommuting, and this has become an asset to many companies in today's world.

If you work for a company that uses a VPN, you already know how it works for the most part. If you do not, you may not experience the benefits of using one. However, after using one, you see just how important this type of network can be for the general infrastructure of a company. When the VPN goes down, the entire company is affected. When they are running smoothly, you can reach out to your company and take advantage of the efficiency and resources your company offers.