VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS (VPN)
Traditional Connectivity
What is VPN?
Virtual Private Network is a type of private
network that uses public telecommunication, such as the Internet, instead of leased lines to communicate.
Became popular as more employees worked in
remote locations.
Terminologies to understand how VPNs work.
Private Networks vs. Virtual Private Networks
Employees can access the network (Intranet)
from remote locations.
Secured networks. The Internet is used as the backbone for VPNs
Saves cost tremendously from reduction of
equipment and maintenance costs.
Scalability
Remote Access Virtual Private Network
(From Gartner Consulting)
Brief Overview of How it Works
Two connections one is made to the
Internet and the second is made to the VPN. Datagrams contains data, destination and source information. Firewalls VPNs allow authorized users to pass through the firewalls. Protocols protocols create the VPN tunnels.
Four Critical Functions
Authentication validates that the data was
sent from the sender. Access control limiting unauthorized users from accessing the network. Confidentiality preventing the data to be read or copied as the data is being transported. Data Integrity ensuring that the data has not been altered
Encryption
Encryption -- is a method of scrambling
data before transmitting it onto the Internet.
Public Key Encryption Technique
Digital signature for authentication
Tunneling
A virtual point-to-point connection made through a public network. It transports encapsulated datagrams.
Original Datagram Encrypted Inner Datagram Datagram Header Outer Datagram Data Area
Data Encapsulation [From Comer]
Two types of end points: Remote Access Site-to-Site
Four Protocols used in VPN
PPTP -- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol L2TP -- Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
IPsec -- Internet Protocol Security
SOCKS is not used as much as the
ones above
VPN Encapsulation of Packets
Types of Implementations
What does implementation mean in VPNs? 3 types
Intranet Within an organization Extranet Outside an organization Remote Access Employee to Business
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Basic Architecture
Device Types
What it means 3 types
Hardware Firewall Software
Device Types: Hardware
Usually a VPN type of router
Pros Highest network throughput Plug and Play Dual-purpose Cons Cost Lack of flexibility
Device Types: Firewall
More security?
Pros Harden Operating System Tri-purpose Cost-effective Cons Still relatively costly
Device Types: Software
Ideal for 2 end points not in same org. Great when different firewalls implemented
Pros
Flexible Low relative cost
Cons
Lack of efficiency More labor training required Lower productivity; higher labor costs
Advantages VS. Disadvantages
Advantages: Cost Savings
Eliminating the need for expensive long-distance
leased lines Reducing the long-distance telephone charges for remote access. Transferring the support burden to the service providers Operational costs
Cisco VPN Savings Calculator
Advantages: Scalability
Flexibility of growth Efficiency with broadband technology
Disadvantages
VPNs require an in-depth understanding of public network security issues and proper deployment of precautions Availability and performance depends on factors largely outside of their control Immature standards VPNs need to accommodate protocols other than IP and existing internal network technology
Applications: Site-to-Site VPNs
Large-scale encryption between multiple fixed sites such as remote offices and central offices Network traffic is sent over the branch office Internet connection
This saves the company hardware and management expenses
Site-to-Site VPNs
Applications: Remote Access
Encrypted connections between mobile or
remote users and their corporate networks Remote user can make a local call to an ISP, as opposed to a long distance call to the corporate remote access server. Ideal for a telecommuter or mobile sales people. VPN allows mobile workers & telecommuters to take advantage of broadband connectivity. i.e. DSL, Cable
Industries that Use VPN
Healthcare: enables the transferring of confidential patient
information within the medical facilities & health care provider
Manufacturing: allow suppliers to view inventory & allow
clients to purchase online safely
Retail: able to securely transfer sales data or customer info
between stores & the headquarters
Banking/Financial: enables account information to be
transferred safely within departments & branches
General Business: communication between remote
employees can be securely exchanged
Statistics*
Remote access for employees working out of homes Remote access for employees while traveling Site-to-site connectivity between offices Access to network for business partners/customers
90% 79% Percentages 63% 50% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
0%
% of Respondents
*Source: www.cisco.com
Some Businesses using a VPN
CVS Pharmaceutical Corporation upgraded their frame relay network to an IP VPN ITW Foilmark secured remote location orders, running reports, & internet/intranet communications w/ a 168-bit encryption by switching to OpenReach VPN Bacardi & Co. Implemented a 21-country, 44location VPN
Where Do We See VPNs Going in the Future?
VPNs are continually being enhanced. Example: Equant NV As the VPN market becomes larger, more applications will be created along with more VPN providers and new VPN types. Networks are expected to converge to create an integrated VPN Improved protocols are expected, which will also improve VPNs.
