VPN Technology

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual remote users with secure access to their organisation's network. A VPN is a cost effective alternative to privately owned or leased lines that can only be used by one organisation. The purpose of a VPN is to provide the user(s) with the same connectivity capabilities as fixed or leased line solutions, but at a much lower cost.

Laptop

HBC have 3 recommended VPN solutions which are as follows :-

SonicWALL Global VPN Client

The SonicWALL Global VPN Client software provides mobile users with secure, reliable access to corporate resources through broadband, wireless and dial-up connections. The client software is loaded onto the remote user's machine and configured to securely connect with an appropriate SonicWALL firewall at the company site. The solution provides a secure encrypted tunnel from the user's remote machine directly into the firewall and onwards to the organisation's network, where user defined facilities are available. To verify the user, the remote user is prompted to enter a user name and password to gain access, it should also be acknowledged that the Global VPN client is proprietary to the SonicWALL brand....

Microsoft VPN Client

The Microsoft Windows Operating System has a built in VPN Client which can be used to connect to a VPN Server. The built in VPN Client comes with Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Whilst the Windows built in VPN client will connect to the VPN Server, it does not support encryption and therefore is not as secure as the SonicWALL equivalent. However the Microsoft VPN client is more of a generic solution and is therefore better suited for use across a wide range of firewall platforms.

SonicWALL SSL VPN Device

The SonicWALL SSL-VPN device provides organisations with a simple, cost-effective alternative to traditional remote access products with one that requires no pre-installed client software. Utilizing only a standard Web browser, users can easily and securely access e-mail, files, intranets, applications, remote desktops, servers and other resources on the corporate LAN from any location. The device is available in two models, firstly the SSL VPN 200 is suitable for organisations with up to 50 employees, whilst the corporate model - the SSL VPN 2000 will suit organisations with up to 1000 employees.

Because there's no requirement for a pre-installed VPN client, users are free from the task of deploying, configuring and updating software, this in turn reduces maintenance and support costs. Additionally, granular access controls enable the user to extend connectivity beyond the boundaries of the organisation by providing trusted partners and customers with remote access to specific and defined resources. A further benefit is that the SSL VPN will integrate with most third party firewalls negating the necessity to have to migrate to a specific brand and increasing the longevity of existing equipment.

If an organisation includes remote users who require varying levels of access to resources on the corporate network, the SSL-VPN device extends secure remote access beyond remote offices and corporate controlled laptops. Secure, user defined access can extend to network environments and remote computers that are not controlled and managed by the corporate IT department. Built-in granular access controls enable customers to provide not only company employees, but also trusted contractors, partners and customers with remote access to specific and defined resources based on company policy.

Click here for details on SonicWALL or Microsoft VPN technology