Virtual private network

A **virtual private network**, or **VPN** is a set of technologies which are used to link computers to create a private network. Another network is used to carry the data, which is encrypted. The carrier network will see the packets of data which it routes. To the users of the VPN, it will look like the computers were directly connected to each other.

The VPN model can guarantee the following:
- Confidentiality: The carrier network will route the data, but it will be unable to decrypt it.
- Sender authentication: People need to authenticate themselves, to be able to use the network.
- Message integrity: Messages transported across the network cannot be changed easily while they are in transport. When a message was changed, it is possible to detect this.

In a business context, VPNs are often used to connect different office locations or to allow people working from outside the company network to access its resources. VPNs are a crucial tool for securing sensitive data and enabling secure remote access for employees, especially with the rise of remote work. Businesses are turning to VPNs to create a secure and encrypted connection for employees accessing company data from remote locations, ensuring that work websites that cannot be accessed on the normal internet can be securely accessed. Additionally, VPNs provide a safe and encrypted connection for employees to access company resources, protecting sensitive data from cyber threats.

Similarly, the encryption process allows VPNs to offer anonymity by hiding the user and making it very hard for anyone to track them. As a result, VPNs help make one's online activities on the web anonymous and undecipherable.

VPNs are often used to access websites that are blocked in some countries, like China. Many people also use a VPN to protect their internet activity while using public WiFi.

VPNs can also be used to connect corporate offices to the larger branch offices, also known as site-to-site VPN. This is because direct network connections are impractical between offices that are physically distant.
Common VPN protocols include OpenVPN, Cisco AnyConnect, and IPsec.

## Types of VPN

|**VPN Type**|**Description**|**Use Case**|**Security**|**Speed**|
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|**Remote Access VPN**|Allows individuals to connect remotely to a network from anywhere.|Remote workers, traveling professionals|High|Moderate|
|**Site-to-Site VPN**|Connects two networks securely over the internet.|Businesses with multiple locations|Very High|High|
|**Mobile VPN**|VPN for mobile devices ensuring uninterrupted access while switching networks.|Healthcare, logistics, field workers|High|Moderate|
|**MPLS VPN**|A secure, efficient, and scalable solution for large enterprises.|Large enterprises with multiple office sites|Very High|Very High|
|**PPTP VPN**|An older VPN protocol known for speed but lacks security.|Legacy systems, basic VPN needs|Low|Very High|
|**L2TP/IPsec VPN**|Combines Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec for better security.|Corporate environments, reliable security|High|Moderate|
|**OpenVPN**|An open-source VPN protocol known for its flexibility and strong encryption.|Advanced users, custom setups|Very High|Moderate|
|**IKEv2/IPsec VPN**|A fast and secure protocol that excels in mobile device use.|Mobile users, stable connections|Very High|High|

## Common uses

- Remote workers connecting to a company network (telecommuting)
- Connecting multiple company offices together over the Internet (site-to-site VPN)
- Connecting to one's own home network from a remote location
- Bypassing censorship or firewalls
- Downloading files or browsing the Web anonymously
- Securing communications on public Wi-Fi

## Related pages

- Deep Web
- Websites blocked in China

## Further Reading

1. GeeksForGeeks. What is a VPN and how it works. Archived 24-07-2025 at the Wayback Machine.