Why Is a Remote Access VPN Better Than Point to Point?

VPN provides remote network connectivity.

A remote access-based virtual private network, or VPN, offers more flexibility than a point-to-point VPN configuration. It allows remote workers to connect to an office network regardless of their physical location.

Background

A VPN allows you to connect to a computer network using the public Internet. An active VPN connection allows you to use a private tunnel on the Internet to make a connection to a network as if you were physically connected, albeit with the speed of connectivity limited to that available via the Internet connection.

Types

Companies usually use a point-to-point VPN connection to permanently connect additional branch offices to a central office local area network. Remote and mobile workers usually use a remote access VPN to make a connection to an office network from a remote location or from home.

Connections

Site-to-site VPNs usually use a preconfigured hardware router at each end of the connection to maintain permanent connectivity. Remote access VPNs usually use VPN client software installed on your computer to create the private connection over the public Internet. You are then able to work from any location that has an active Internet connection.

References

• Encyclopedia: Virtual private networks