A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private network that connects remote sites or users together over a public network, like the Internet. The most common type of VPN is used to access a corporate private network. The VPN uses dedicated secure connections, routed through the Internet, from the corporate private network to the remote user. When connected to the corporate private network, users become part of that network and have access to all services and resources as if they were physically connected to the corporate LAN.
Remote-access users must install the VPN client on their computers to form a secure connection with the corporate private network. The VPN client software encrypts data before sending it over the Internet to the VPN gateway at the corporate private network. VPN gateways establish, manage, and control VPN connections, also known as VPN tunnels. Basic VPN connection software is shown in the figure.
To set up and configure Windows 7 and Windows Vista to use a VPN connection, follow these steps:
- Step 1. Select Start > Network and Sharing Center.
- Step 2. Select Set up a new connection or network.
- Step 3. After the New Connection Wizard window opens, select Connect to a workplace and click Next.
- Step 4. Select Use my Internet connection (VPN) and type the Internet address and the destination name.
- Step 5. Select Don’t connect now; just set it up so I can connect later and click Next.
- Step 6. Type the username and password and click Create.
- Step 7. In the login window, enter the username and password and click Connect.
To set up and configure Windows XP to use a VPN connection, follow these steps:
- Step 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.
- Step 2. Select Create a new connection.
- Step 3. After the New Connection Wizard window opens, click Next.
- Step 4. Select Connect to the network at my workplace and click Next.
- Step 5. Select Virtual Private Network connection and click Next.
- Step 6. Type the name for the connection and click Next.
- Step 7. Type in the name or IP address of the VPN server andclick Next and Finish.
- Step 8. In the login window, enter the username and password and click Connect.