4 Different Types of VPNs Explained

A Virtual Private Network or VPN is the most common cybersecurity measure. It is both easy to use and to implement. Furthermore, it is effective and accessible. These are the features that make VPNs so popular.

However, there are different kinds of VPNs that you can choose as a security method. As we all know choosing a cybersecurity measure can sometimes be complicated. Luckily, VPNs are easy to understand. In this article, we will look at 4 different types of VPNs and explain how they work.

Site to Site VPN

Site to Site VPN is a connection established between multiple networks. A Site-to-Site VPN allows companies to extend their network to different locations by using the public internet. There are two different types of Site to Site VPNs.

The first type is an Intranet-based Site to Site. It allows companies to combine LANs located in different offices into a single Wide Area Network ━ WAN. With combined LANs devices can access the connection as if they are in the same physical location.

The second type is an Extranet-based Site to Site. An Extranet-based VPN allows users to only share the information they choose. It is generally used when companies collaborate, with this service they can choose which data they want to share and which ones to keep private.

Companies with many offices in different physical locations that need to connect and use the company network on a regular basis generally implement Site to Site VPNs. A Site to Site VPN allows a company’s corporate network to securely connect with its remote branches, allowing them to interact and share resources as a single network.

Remote Access VPN

Remote Access VPN establishes a connection between a user and a private network. Since it allows users to connect to a remote LAN or cloud as if they are at the place where that LAN is present it is generally used by companies. It makes it possible for remote workers to connect to the company network by using client software installed on the host. ( Smartphone, laptop, desktop, etc.)

Remote Access VPN uses either a VPN gateway or Network Access Server to allow only authorized users to connect. Network Access Server ━ NAS refers to any device that utilizes remote logins to create a point-to-point protocol connection. These devices are also known as media access gateways or remote access servers.

On the other hand, a Virtual Private Network or VPN gateway communicates with the client software installed on a remote device and establishes a secure “virtual” tunnel between LAN and gateway. Remote Access VPN encrypts any data you send or receive and the VPN gateway decrypts them.

Remote Access VPNs, as part of a sophisticated security solution, provide companies with a flexible and cost-effective approach for businesses to secure their remote workers’ connections and protect important assets.

Point to Point Tunneling Protocol ━ PPTP

The Point to Point Tunneling Protocol also known as Virtual Private Dialup Network ━ VPDN is a technology used to create VPN tunnels between public networks. PPTP allows one point to connect to another point through the internet. The term “tunneling”, on the other hand, refers to how a protocol is encapsulated within another protocol.

Point-to-Point Protocol ━  PPP packets are encapsulated by PPTP using a Transmission Control Protocol control channel and a Generic Routing Encapsulation Tunnel. For the same purpose, several current VPNs use different forms of User Datagram Protocol.

To secure the internet connection, the Point to Point Protocol is wrapped inside the TCP/IP protocol. This protocol creates a direct connection between the two locations, providing for a secure connection, even though the connection is established across the Internet.

It can be said that the Point to Point Tunneling Protocol is the fastest of all VPN protocols which means it is better to use it when speed is important. However, since PPTP uses 128-bit encryption it has many vulnerabilities because of its weak encryption standards which makes it not as secure as other VPN protocols.

Client to Site VPN

A Client to Site VPN creates a secure connection between clients and a company network while preserving the network’s security and resources. It offers a new VPN tunnel that enables users to connect to a network while maintaining safety and confidentiality.

Client to Site VPNs encrypt the connection from the client to the provider and that protects data from Internet Service Providers and third parties, Client to Site VPNs secure connections while using insecure Wireless LANs.

Since the server does not know the client’s IP only clients can initiate the connections. Only client-to-site connectivity is allowed; in most cases, the site can not create a connection with the client. The server’s and client’s configs are different from each other.

Conclusion

As a cybersecurity measure, VPNs provide you with speed, security, and protection. It is generally seen as the first step to securing an internet connection. Also, it is for everyone, whether for you as an individual or for your company.

Since they all offer different services for different uses, it is important to understand what they provide.