\u201cWhat is a site-to-site VPN?\u201d is a question we often get asked by our readers, so in today\u2019s post, we\u2019ll discuss the benefits of these VPNs that allow you to securely connect two networks, what to look for when choosing one, and the various available types of VPNs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re exploring what type of VPN you need for your organization, or if you simply want to learn more about the technology before purchasing a subscription, you should know there are three main types of VPNs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than likely, at some point, you had to work from home and needed to access your office workstation<\/strong>. For that, you needed a remote access VPN<\/strong><\/a>. This type of VPN is also known as a virtual private dial-up network (VPDN). It uses the public internet to connect to a private corporate network. The advantage of the VPDN is that it can be used from any location, meaning employees can access their company\u2019s servers and files from anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of remote VPN connection creates an experience similar to a local network connection with ethernet cables. The user\u2019s computer is physically connected to the corporate network, and all traffic passes through the company\u2019s servers. Remote employees thus have access to the same resources as if they were in the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The disadvantage of using a VPDN is that it can be expensive<\/strong> as it requires setting up dedicated hardware and software<\/strong> on your company\u2019s network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to securely connect two computers without the need for a third party<\/strong>, you can use a peer-to-peer VPN. This type of VPN is also called a host-to-host VPN or an intranet bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a peer-to-peer VPN, two computers create an encrypted tunnel<\/a> between them. This tunnel allows them to share files and applications and access the other computer\u2019s resources. It\u2019s easy to set up and, depending on the deployment method, you can host your own VPN server<\/a> at no extra cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The disadvantage of using a peer-to-peer VPN is that it can be slow, not as secure as a site-to-site VPN, and has limited functionality<\/strong>. For example, such a setup wouldn\u2019t let you access streaming services from other countries like VPNs that specifically unlock Netflix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, let\u2019s take a look at how a site-to-site VPN works and what its advantages and downsides are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A site-to-site VPN consists of two parts: a VPN gateway<\/strong> and a VPN client<\/strong>. A VPN gateway is a device that connects devices or networks together, while a VPN client is most often an application that connects to the VPN gateway. However, it also can be a piece of hardware with installed VPN software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You create a tunnel between two networks when you set up a site-to-site VPN. The tunnel is encrypted and secure, and it allows traffic to flow between the networks. This means your communication is safe from prying eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The VPN gateway and the VPN client use a standard encryption key to encrypt and decrypt the traffic<\/strong> going through the tunnel. This key is known as the shared secret, and it\u2019s something you need to configure on both devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, you might be wondering what\u2019s the difference between a site-to-site VPN and a remote access VPN. Unlike remote VPN, a site-to-site VPN connects two networks<\/strong> rather than a single device to an external network. For example, you might use a site-to-site VPN to connect your office and home network. This would allow you to access the files and applications on your office network from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Site-to-site VPNs come with a set of distinct advantages, but there are some downsides to consider as well. In this section, we analyze both to help you decide if this is the best solution for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPeer-to-Peer VPNs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Site-to-Site VPNs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Site-to-Site VPN vs. Remote Access VPN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros and Cons of Site-to-Site VPNs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Site-to-Site VPNs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Disadvantages of Site-to-Site VPNs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Site-to-Site VPN Alternatives: Secure Access Service Edge <\/h2>\n\n\n\n