Virtual Private Network a.k.a VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a solution to a private connection over a public network. With a VPN, we can create a network within the network or so-called tunnel. VPN solutions have several kinds, such as:

• IPSEC, VPN solutions via IP Secure Protocol. Solutions that have been standardized, but the most difficult to configure. Security level is quite good but the implementation is complex. Applications that use open source based on the Open / Free Swan.
• PPPT, early versions of VPN solutions. VPN solution with standard features built a network where the point to point like you do on the internet dial up at home. At the time of dial up internet service provider there will be built Point to point tunnel through the telephone network. OpenSource applications that use PPPT is PopTop.
• VPN with SSL, a VPN solution by applying the protocol Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption tunnel network built. This solution begins with OpenVPN application.

The advantages of VPN are:

• Connecting branch offices through public networks. With the company's VPN does not need to build their own networks. Simply connect to the Internet for example public networks. At present almost all the company's office must have Internet access. With a budget could save demikin connections to the branches.
• Mobile working, with a VPN so the employee can be connected directly with a private office network. Then the employee can perform the job can be done from the front of the computer without having to be in the office. This is a virtual office solution in the days of high mobility today.
• Securing your network. However, this solution is less secure. Because to connect does not require authentication. So that if users know the company's VPN settings so he can connect to corporate networks, but must login. Examples of VPN telkomsel only by changing the name of APN in network settings so he can be directly connected to the network with the APN name. By installing the VPN again in semi-public VPN networks are the network will be safer because before entering into the office network users must create a tunnel once the VPN and login to the new server can be connected with the office network.
• Mengamankan jaringan wireless. Jaringan wireless merupakan jaringan publik yang bisa diakses oleh siapa saja yang berada dijangkauan wireless tersebut. Walaupun wireless juga memiliki pengaman seperti WEP, WPA, WPA2 namun jaringan wireless masih saja bisa ditembus. Dengan menggunakan VPN maka user yang terhubung ke wireless harus membuat tunnel dulu dengan login ke VPN server baru bisa menggunakan resource jaringan seperti akses internet dan sebagainya.

Dari beberapa solusi yang ada saat ini yang paling banyak digunakan adalah solusi VPN dengan SSL yaitu dengan OpenVPN sebagai aplikasinya. Selain gratis karena open source juga memiliki kemudahan implementasi. Saya lebih memilih menggunakan OpenVPN karena kemudahan implementasinya serta bersifat multiplatform dapat dijalankan pada Linux ataupun Windows.

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