A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be implemented in several ways, primarily differing based on who is connecting and what they are connecting to. Based on common types, three key implementations include connecting networks to networks, allowing individual remote access via a web browser, and enabling users to securely access cloud resources.
Here are three common ways a VPN can be implemented:
1. Site-to-Site VPN
A Site-to-Site VPN is implemented to connect private network to another private network. This type is often used by organizations with multiple locations (like branch offices) that need to share resources securely over a public network like the internet.
- How it works: Gateways (like routers or firewalls) at each site establish encrypted tunnels between the networks. Traffic between the sites is routed through these tunnels, making it appear as if both networks are directly connected and part of the same private network.
- Use Case: Connecting a company's main office network to its branch office network, allowing seamless and secure communication and resource sharing between them.
2. SSL VPN (Remote Access via Web Browser)
An SSL VPN is an implementation where devices establish a secure remote access VPN connection with a web browser. This allows individual users to access internal network resources from remote locations using a standard web browser equipped with SSL/TLS encryption.
- How it works: Users typically log into a secure gateway via a web portal. Access can be provided at the application level (web-based) or the network level (requiring an agent installation). The connection is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols.
- Use Case: Providing remote employees, contractors, or partners with secure access to specific internal web applications or resources without requiring full client-based VPN software installation on every device.
3. Cloud Based Remote Access VPN
A Cloud Based Remote Access VPN implementation allows a user connects to a company's applications, data, and files in the cloud. This approach focuses on securing access to cloud-hosted resources, often through a cloud-based VPN service or gateway.
- How it works: Users typically connect to a cloud-based VPN service or a VPN gateway hosted within the cloud environment (like AWS, Azure, or GCP). This connection secures the path from the user's device to the applications and data residing in the cloud, ensuring data privacy and integrity during transit.
- Use Case: Organizations that heavily rely on cloud services for their operations can use this to provide secure access for remote workers to these cloud applications and data stores.
These different implementation types cater to various networking needs, from connecting corporate networks to providing secure access for individual remote users, whether accessing on-premises resources or cloud-based services.
Here is a summary based on the reference:
| VPN Type | Connection Type |
|---|---|
| Site-to-Site VPN | Private network connects to another private network |
| SSL VPN | Devices establish a secure remote access VPN connection with a web browser |
| Cloud Based Remote Access VPN | User connects to a company's applications, data, and files in the cloud |
