Overview of Access VPNs and Tunneling Technologies

A virtual private network (VPN) is a network that extends remote access to users over a shared
infrastructure. VPNs maintain the same security and management policies as a private network.
They are the most cost effective method of establishing a point-to-point connection between remote users and an enterprise customer’s network.

There are three main types of VPNs: access VPNs, intranet VPNs, and extranet VPNs.

• Access VPNs—Provide remote access to an enterprise customer’s intranet or extranet over a shared infrastructure. Access VPNs use analog, dial, ISDN, DSL, mobile IP, and cable technologies to securely connect mobile users, telecommuters, and branch offices.
• Intranet VPNs—Link enterprise customer headquarters, remote offices, and branch offices to an internal network over a shared infrastructure using dedicated connections. Intranet VPNs differ from extranet VPNs in that they only allow access to the enterprise customer’s employees.
• Extranet VPNs—Link outside customers, suppliers, partners, or communities of interest to an enterprise customer’s network over a shared infrastructure using dedicated connections. Extranet VPNs differ from intranet VPNS in that they allow access to users outside the enterprise.

This document focuses solely on access VPNs.

From svetulcho.org

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