

An intranet site-to-site VPN describes a configuration where the sites connected by the VPN belong to the same organization, whereas an extranet site-to-site VPN joins sites belonging to multiple organizations. Extranet-based site-to-site In the context of site-to-site configurations, the terms intranet and extranet are used to describe two different use cases. The interconnecting link may run over a dissimilar intermediate network, such as two IPv6 networks connected over an IPv4 network.

This configuration expands a network across geographically disparate offices, or a group of offices to a data center installation. Site-to-site A site-to-site configuration connects two networks. This may be employed for remote workers who need access to private resources, or to enable a mobile worker to access important tools without exposing them to the public Internet. This type provides access to an enterprise network, such as an intranet. Remote access A host-to-network configuration is analogous to connecting a computer to a local area network. Virtual private networks may be classified into several categories:

VPN connectivity overview, showing intranet site-to-site and remote-work configurations used together From a user perspective, the resources available within the private network can be accessed remotely. A VPN available from the public Internet can provide some of the benefits of a wide area network (WAN). Ī VPN is created by establishing a virtual point-to-point connection through the use of dedicated circuits or with tunneling protocols over existing networks. Encryption is common, although not an inherent part of a VPN connection. It provides access to resources that are inaccessible on the public network and is typically used for remote workers. The benefits of a VPN include increases in functionality, security, and management of the private network.
