A virtual private network (VPN) allows secure access to a private network over a public network like the internet. An example of a VPN is employees at a branch office using a VPN to connect to the main office's internal network.
Common VPN Use Cases
VPNs offer secure access to a network from a remote location. Here's a breakdown of some typical scenarios:
- Remote access to a private network: This is the most common use case. For example, employees working from home can use a VPN to securely connect to their company's network.
- Connecting branch offices: A company with multiple offices can use VPNs to connect the networks of different offices, as the reference says: "employees at a branch office could use a VPN to connect to the main office's internal network."
- Accessing restricted applications: Remote workers might need to use a VPN to access internal company resources or applications that are not publicly available.
- Bypassing geographical restrictions: While not always the primary use case, VPNs can be used to access content that is restricted in a specific geographic region by routing your internet traffic through a server in a different location.
In summary, VPNs are a versatile tool for secure and private network access, enabling connectivity for remote workers, branch offices, and other scenarios where secure communication is paramount.
