VPN stands for Virtual Private Network : as you might expect, it's a private virtual network that provides a confidential communication channel that guarantees data security and anonymity between devices, whether or not they're connected to the same LAN. VPNs are particularly popular among public administrations and businesses because they significantly reduce the costs of setting up a secure network. However, many private users also use VPNs to browse the internet , for example, to exchange data or browse the web without geoblocking and without having to worry about any restrictions.
Where to find information about VPNs
For more information on the meaning of VPN , as well as how virtual private networks work and the benefits of using them, the VPNOverview website is an excellent source of information. It explains what VPNs are and why they're a good idea: not only to browse the Internet anonymously, but also to be more secure and free, since different IP addresses allow you to access online services and websites that otherwise wouldn't be accessible. It also provides recommendations for the best VPNs to try.
VPN Services
The list of available services is extensive and includes, among other things, the ability to choose the connection protocols: specifically, you can decide whether to use a third-party VPN server or one set up within your own network, whether private or corporate. If not properly secured, internet data is at risk of being intercepted using sniffing techniques by a wide variety of parties, for fraudulent or even purely commercial purposes.
VPN networks
There are two types of VPNs you may encounter: remote access and site-to-site. Remote access connections allow users to use a server on a private network, perhaps for remote working. This type of connection connects the company server to the VPN client PC : in short, it's like using a private connection. Site-to-site connections, on the other hand, are used to connect offices located in different locations on a private network using a public network: the advantage is secure communication.
How Site-to-Site VPNs Work
With a site-to-site VPN connection , each location has a dedicated router: it acts as a network node, allowing data packets to be routed to their intended recipients based on a client/server model . The most significant benefit is the transparency with which information can be shared with remote networks.
The tunneling
The operating mechanism of a VPN is related to tunneling : this means that a tunnel is created between two endpoints, enabling the creation of a virtual private network. From a technical standpoint, however, this tunnel corresponds to a logical connection made via an IP network. During the logical process, the two ends of the tunnel, despite being distant, become virtually adjacent. The tunneling protocol encapsulates data packets even if they are part of different protocols; then, once the encapsulation is removed, they reach their destination.



