VPN Solution, Virtual Private Network, VPN, telecommunters/teleworkers

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Two or more geographically different locations can be linked up through the setup of VPN "tunnels" over a public network (such as Internet)
Point-to-point or point-to-multi-point configuration
The "tunnel" virtually functions as a private circuit
Through VPN, machines at geographically different locations can use IP addresses in the same sub-net.
Encryption can be applied to provide confidentiality and integrity during transmission
Applicable for network interconnection between headquarters and branch offices or for telecommunters/teleworkers - extend your company's LAN to your home
Client/Server, file-sharing, & database application
Through the use of Internet rather than using an expensive IPLC, great cost-saving achieved

Comparison Between IPLC and VPN

IPLC	VPN
Very Expensive (over HK$10,000 for 64K point-to-point)	Cheap (main cost is Broadband rental)
Fixed bandwidth	Bandwidth not guaranteed. Subject to Internet traffic
Very reliable for transmission	Reliable for transmission
Single point of failure (normal implementation)	Multi-path & re-routing of Internet backbone
Need to conduct path tracing in case of a failure	Easy to find out if a fault is on the access circuit

Last update: 30 April 2003