Virtual Private Networks (VPN) offer a solution to the problems of security and speed when doing business over the Internet. This solution uses IP Tunnelling - a point-to-point connection. This text introduces the topic, using plain English to explain the complex technology involved.

Includes tips on e-commerce and extranets

Packed with real-world Virtual Private Networks case studies

Save time and money with the hot new remote networking solution Virtual private networks let you create a secure business network over the Internet — and avoid the expense of dedicated access lines. This friendly guide walks you through this complex technology and leads you to a VPN solution that's just right for your business.

Discover how to: Make the Internet secure for business Link remote sites and customers to your network Maximize speed and reliability Understand encryption and authentication issues Choose the right hardware, software, and partners

The Dummies Way™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

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Let’s face it: the information age makes dummies of us all at some point. One thing we can say for sure, though, about things related to the Internet is that their best strengths are often also their worst weaknesses. This goes for virtual private networks (VPNs). They may reach a wide base of customers – but can also be vulnerable to viruses, hackers, spoofers, and other shady online characters and entities. VPNs may allow for super-efficient communication between customer and company – but they rely on information which, if compromised, can cause huge losses. The Internet is still a frontier – sometimes so wide open it leaves us bewildered – and, like any frontier, the risks go hand in hand with potentially huge rewards.

Virtual Private Networks for Dummies offers you a no-nonsense, practical guide to evaluating your company’s need for a VPN, understanding what it takes to implement one, and undertaking the challenging quest to set it up, make it work, and keep it safe. Whether you’re the resident expert leading the project team, or you just want to learn what makes e-commerce tick, this detailed, from-the-ground-up guide will soon have you comfortably conceptualizing:

• Security goals and strategies
• The evolution of VPNs
• Privacy in VPNs
• Extranets
• Remote-Access VPNs
• Funding
• Custom network solutions design
• Testing VPNs
• And more

With new products and technologies offering supposedly revolutionary solutions to IT departments every day, this book focuses on the real world – you know, the one full of obstacles, mishaps, threats, delays, and errors – and gives you the background knowledge to make decisions for yourself about your VPN needs. Written with a dash of humor, Virtual Private Networks for Dummies contains both technical detail (standards, protocols, etc.) and more general concepts (such as conducting cost-benefit analyses). This clear, authoritative guide will have you securely and cost-effectively networking over the Internet in no time.