VPN - What is a virtual private network?

[reggiep]

OK, I have had enough, it's time to come clean. Whenever anyone discusses a VPN I normally nod along sagely and keep my mouth shut.

I have never had the need for a VPN so they have never really concerned me but I thought it was time to find out more!

 

Can someone please let me know what they use them for and why?

 

Thanks

[Jona]

Virtual private network - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

It allows you to connect say your home computer securely to your work network.

 

Example: When I want to remote desktop to my workstation at work I first VPN onto the network which gives me a work IP Address then just remote desktop to my work station as though I was sitting somewhere on the work network.

 

So basically vpn useful for people working from home, or anyone else external that needs secure access to your network. It can also be used to connect to sites together across a WAN link.