4 Common VPN Types and How To Use Them

There are four common types of Virtual Private Networks (VPN): site-to-site VPNs, personal VPNs, mobile VPNs, and remote access VPNs.

But first, why should you Consider a VPN?

Since the advent of Virtual Private Networks, it has proven crucial for the security of your online activities today. With the shocking rate of attacks on the internet, it is very risky for a business owner to start a business without plans to secure their database and online activities. Choosing the right VPN service will help secure businesses from attacks and offer benefits such as bandwidth, speed, cost-effectiveness, and VPN protocols.

And even when your understanding of VPN features is detailed, it may still appear difficult to choose the best performing service from the sea of VPNs.

VPNs are grouped into different parts based on their setup, location, features, and protocols. VPNs are best selected based on your projected needs. However, here are the most popular VPN types to consider in 2022

Find out About These VPN Types and How to Use Them.

1. Site-to-Site VPNs

A site-to-site VPN, also known as a network-based VPN, connects two networks on different sites together. So, if a company operates multiple office branches, they could harness this VPN type to combine them into a single network.

Network security technologies such as L3VPN, IPsec, and Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) can be used to effect a site-to-site VPN. Site-to-Site VPNs are majorly in two forms: Intranet-Based VPNs and Extranet-Based VPNs.

A single company often uses an intranet-Based VPN to connect networks. This helps the company create a single Wide Area Network (WAN) that extends over two or more branches, allowing the employees to access resources from different sites conveniently.

On the other hand, an Extranet-Based VPN involves connecting multiple company networks on a combined VPN. For instance, a company may want to connect with a client or supplier network for smooth trading.

How to Use Site-to-Site VPNs Site-to-Site VPNs can be implemented using either IPsec tunnel, Layer 3 VPN, or Dynamic MultiPoint VPN.

IPsec tunnel is used to link sites just as people connect with it to a private network within remote-access VPNs. But unlike remote access, the VPN is effected through routers from the sites combining networks – a reason why it is also referred to as router-to-router VPN.

Dynamic MultiPoint VPN (DMVPN) allows different sites to connect after a small configuration is implemented. It often requires DMVPN architecture. Like the IPsec tunnel, this VPN method both sit on top of the internet, meaning their performance is not consistent.

L3VPNs are also occasionally referred to as Virtual Private Routed Networks (VPNs). It can be created using a Multi-Protocol Label Switched (MPLS) for a guaranteed quality of service. ‘Layer 3’ signifies that the VPN is created in what is known as the ‘network layer.’

2. Remote Access VPNs

A remote-access VPN allows remote users to connect to a private network from diverse locations. The data is transferred between the remote worker and the company office network and is encrypted to conceal data from being tapped by external parties.

Remote access VPNs can be used by someone working from home and needs to access resources required to carry out their duty at the company office. It allows safe connection and data transfer. It can also be used by a business traveler who needs to connect all files and software available on a company network from their hotel lobby.

How to Use Remote Access VPNs

This VPN type requires you to configure your device’s operating system (OS) or install client software to connect to the VPN service provider and manage connections.

Usually, there is an authentication process where the user’s credentials are verified to ensure they have permission to use the network. For example, a user might need to provide their password or biometrics such as a fingerprint as a means of identification. Some other solutions require security certificates to authenticate the user in the background to speed up the connection.

This process particularly helps a user connect to different servers at a time to access multiple site networks. Once the authentication process is completed, the server and clients create an encrypted tunnel that helps to secure the information being transferred. The user can also access a company’s internal network to use network resources. A company may want to create a single network across its branches globally.

They can combine remote access VPNs with site-to-site VPNs to achieve this. The site-to-site VPN can be used to create the network, while remote access VPN could grant network access to the remote employees from various locations.

3. Personal VPN

A Personal VPN is sometimes referred to as a commercial or consumer VPN. It helps a user establish a connection to a VPN server and then mediates between your device and the destination service. Private individuals commonly use it to browse the internet with their identity and location disguised and access geographically restricted content.

Unlike the remote access VPN that offers access to a company network, the personal VPN grants internet access to a user over a public internet through an encrypted channel.

How to Use Personal VPNs

Install VPN software on your smart device to use a personal VPN. Personal VPN software is available for all devices. You can also install the software on your router to secure internet connection on linked devices.

Personal VPNs often offer a wide array of free or paid server networks you can harness to secure your privacy. So, if you need a VPN to secure your access or view restricted content, consider connecting to a local server for a fast network experience. To access geographically restricted content, you’ll need to select a server located in an area where the content can be accessed.

4. Mobile VPNs

A mobile VPN should be considered instead of a remote access VPN if the user is not likely to experience a steady connection. Even when a user switches between cellular or Wi-Fi networks, the connection remains.

How to Use Mobile VPNs

A user’s connection to a mobile VPN might require passwords, biometrics such as fingerprints, or physical tokens such as smart cards. Sometimes these certificates affect automatic authentication in the background.

After a user is successfully authenticated, an encrypted tunnel is created with the server. The VPN connection remains even while the user switches between networks.

VPN users also enjoy browsing the internet without being identifiable and can view content that has been restricted in certain locations. A P2P VPN should be best for users who engage in file-sharing and torrenting large files without fear of being restricted. However, businesses that want to secure communications between offices located far from each other should go for site-to-site VPNs.nnel. Unauthorized third-party access will be practically impossible with data transmitted through the secure tunnel.

Virtual Private Networks are crucial to uphold a safe and coordinated private and work atmosphere in today’s world. You can find out more about VPNs on this blog.