VPNs and Secure Remote Access

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure remote access technologies allow users and sites to communicate securely over untrusted networks such as the public internet. In modern network security architecture, remote access is no longer optional — it is a core design requirement.

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What is a VPN?

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between two endpoints over an untrusted network, providing confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for the traffic that passes through it.

Remote User                                    Corporate Network
    │                                                │
    └──── [Encrypted VPN Tunnel] ────────────────────┘
          over the public internet

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VPN Types

Type	Description	Use Case
Remote Access VPN	Connects individual users to the corporate network	Remote workers, travelling employees
Site-to-Site VPN	Connects two entire networks	Branch office to headquarters
Client-to-Site	Software client on user device connects to VPN gateway	BYOD, contractors
Clientless VPN	Browser-based access to specific applications (typically SSL/TLS)	Quick access without client software

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VPN Protocols