What’s a VPN client connection?

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A VPN client connection allows secure access to a local network from a remote location, such as working from home or accessing school networks. Data is encrypted and can be accessed from any internet point, making it useful for teleworking and academic research. IT staff can help set up the connection safely.

A virtual private network (VPN) client connection is a connection from a remote site to a local area network, such as an office intranet. This connection allows you to send and receive secure data that other Internet users cannot access, even if you are connecting through the Internet. Such connections can allow people to work from home, access school networks remotely, and engage in other activities where they need secure access to a private network but cannot physically be in a particular location.

Using a VPN client connection, the user can access the Internet and open the VPN client to establish a secure connection. This process is known as tunneling, because the user essentially tunnels through Internet traffic to lead directly from the remote site to the private network. Data sent by the user is encrypted by the client, and any encrypted packets received are decrypted and presented to the user in a readable format.

Home internet connections with a VPN client connection can allow people to work from home on secure or confidential materials. Encryption protects all data exchanged over the connection. Teleworking could be encouraged in some workplaces to allow workers to set their own schedules, reduce the environmental costs of long commutes, or feel more comfortable at home while working on long and complex projects. A VPN client connection can also be useful while traveling, because it allows an employee to connect securely from any Internet access point.

College students, academic researchers, and people in similar positions can also use a VPN client connection to access a closed intranet. Colleges and universities typically provide free VPN clients, along with setup instructions for students who need them. Students can check-in from home or on the go when on the go and can exchange any type of data including video and audio for secure teleconferencing via the VPN client connection.

If a VPN client connection is available and recommended, you may be able to get help setting up a computer to connect. IT (IT) staff members can set up a laptop and run a security audit to find any issues that could be affecting the connection. They can also provide detailed instructions on how to manage a home desktop. These personnel exercise caution in configuring their computers to reduce the risk of introducing viruses and other problems into the local network; any external connections could be a source of problems.




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