Overview

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a virtual network built on a physical network, typically the Internet. This means that virtual connections are built to connect offices and people together into a virtual network using an existing network to carry the traffic. The advantage of this approach is you don’t have to build a new network, which can be expensive, and allows flexibility in adding and removing pieces of the network at short notice and as business needs change.

Typically VPNs are built over the Internet by creating virtual links between VPN devices at different locations. These devices manage the transmission of information between the different LAN’s and computers without the users having to know about how to use the VPN.

As these VPNs are typically deployed over the Internet, security of the traffic is important which is where the word ‘private’ comes in. Internet based VPNs typically use encryption technologies to encrypt the traffic before it is transmitted onto the public network (i.e. Internet).

It should also be noted that the term VPN is also commonly used to describe private networks that do not necessarily involve encryption or the Internet. These networks are also referred to as IP networks or private layer-2 or layer-3 networks. Primus also provides networks in this category. Please refer to our Private IP Networks and other data network services.

Primus defines VPNs as a virtual network, built over the Internet, created through the use of tunnelling and encryption technologies by VPN devices.

Primus Internet services are the perfect foundation for Internet-based VPNs.  Primus ADSL, SHDSL, EFM (or Ethernet over copper), Ethernet Over Fibre and other Internet access services provide cost-effective and high performance bandwidth for VPN’s. In particular, symmetric bandwidth is important for sites where VPN’s are used, especially sites where the majority of servers or data is located.

An alternative to a customer managed and deployed VPN, Primus can provide fully installed and managed private data networks that are cost effective, reliable and support modern converged communications and applications. Please refer to our Primus Private IP Network solutions for further information.

Features & Benefits

• Inexpensive method of connecting LANs
• Uses existing Internet connections
• New sites can be added quickly
• Users can gain remote access to their office data & applications

Pricing

VPNs are built based on specific business and technical requirements. Please contact Primus on 1300 65 44 24 for a consultation on all your business Internet and VPN needs.