Understanding a VPN

VPN

VPN (The virtual private network) has been around for a while. A VPN is basically a network within a network, or to be more precise a virtual network within a physical network. When implemented over the internet it’s generally known as VPN. Although VPNs can be created using various type of encryption, such as IPSec, SSL and TSL, IPSEC is the most widely used between network devices.

Encryption Details

  • Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) – this was developed for IPv6 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It’s a standards-based security protocol also in widespread use with the Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol and IPv4. The design of IPsec meets many security goals including integrity, authentication, and confidentiality. IPsec makes use of encryption; its IP packets are encapsulated inside an IPsec packet. At the end of the tunnel, de-encapsulation occurs; a process which involves the decryption of the original IP packet after which it is forwarded to its intended destination.
  • Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) – this can tunnel the traffic of an entire network or just secure an individual connection. A number of vendors provide remote-access VPN capabilities using SSL. An SSL VPN is able to connect from locations in which IPsec encounters problems with firewall rules and Network Address Translation.
  • Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) – this is used in OpenConnect and Cisco AnyConnect VPN systems in order to overcome the issues with SSL/TLS in tunnelling over UDP.
  • Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption (MPPE) – this works with the Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol and in compatible implementations on a number of other platforms.
    Microsoft Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) – this tunnels Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) or Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol traffic through an SSL 3.0 channel.
  • Multi Path Virtual Private Network (MPVPN) – this is a proprietary VPN system produced by the Ragula Systems Development Company.
  • Secure Shell (SSH) – this is an open source system using OpenSSH which offers VPN tunnelling to provide secure remote connections to a network, or inter-network links. OpenSSH server is able to provide a limited number of concurrent tunnels.

VPN Benefits

  • Enhanced security.
  • Remote control.
  • Share files.
  • Online anonymity.
  • Unblock websites & bypass filters.
  • Change the IP address.
  • Better performance.
  • Reduce costs.
VPN
A VPN can keep you protected from unwanted attackers

  • on March 3, 2020