What are the basic features of VPNs?

A VPN is a virtual private network. This is a network that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes. For example, there are a number of systems that enable you to create networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data. VPNs use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.

Aside from supporting basic LAN interfaces, a good VPN should have high-availability features such as redundant power supplies. Also, all VPNs require some kind of authorization protocol and encryption, although some companies may choose to opt out of the latter.

Other advanced functions can be useful, such as data compression, routing ability, network address translation, and bandwidth management capabilities and fail-over redundancy. When purchasing a ready-made VPN package from a solutions provider, it is often possible to get other bundled services to complement the network, such as voice over IP and other hosted applications.