A vitual private network (×××) is a private network that is constructed within a public network infrastructure such as the global Internet. Using ×××, a telecommuter can remotely access the network of the company headquarters.
    Through the Internet, a secure tunnel can be built between the PC of the telecommuter and a ××× router at the company headquarters.
 
    A ××× is a service that offers secure, reliable connectivity over a shared public network infrastructure such as the Internet.
    ×××s maintain the same security and management policies as a private network. The use of a ××× is the most cost-effective way to establish a point-to-point connection between remote users and an enterprise network.
 
The following are the three main types of ×××s:
  • Access ×××s provide remote access for mobile and small office, home office (SOHO) users to an Intranet or Extranet over a shared infrastructure. Access ×××s use analog, dialup, ISDN, DSL, mobile IP, and cable technologies to securely connect mobile users, telecommuters, and branch offices.
  • Intranet ×××s use dedicated connections to link regional and remote offices to an internal network over a shared infrastructure. Intranet ×××s differ from Extranet ×××s in that they allow access only to the employees of the enterprise.
  • Extranet ×××s use dedicated connections to link business partners to an internal network over a shared infrastructure. Extranet ×××s differ from Intranet ×××s in that they allow access to users outside the enterprise.