All about IP Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Many of us have been working from home these days. Some of us seem to love it but a recent survey shows that if you have chosen this mode of working, it may not help in your career ambitions as folks working form home are least likely to be promoted. Even if you decide you start going to office again you may still be using IP Virtual Private Network (VPN), the enabling technology for working from home.

Today, I am going to write about different ways of implementing IP VPN. Three basic IP VPN technologies are used today to create network architectures: Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), IP Security (IPSec), and Secure Socket Layer ( (SSL). They may be used as stand alone or in combination. Each of them is used for a specific purpose and you may be using one or more of these technologies.

MPLS is a site - to-site connectivity based on mesh network topology which allows multiple network services. When you are connected through a MPLS network each packet that traverses through it is identified through a VPN membership. It has very good in-built network security. Probably if you are working in a branch office you would be connected to your HQ over a MPLS.

IP Security is a way to establish VPN connection through the internet and most of are using this method when we log into office network from our home. You need a client on your machine to run this and a secure ID to get connected. It offers extra level of protection through encryption and authentication.

SSL is most commonly used for e-commerce applications, it is a “client less” network access technology used for secure financial transactions through web browsers. It can also be used to access corporate resources. Some applications may require some downloadable client components. It is important to encrypt and remove any cookies when using SSL clients in public area.