Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a cost-effective,
relatively secure means of transporting data between a number of connected points. And Linux can be
used quite easily to set up and administer such a network. Using simple tools created by the folks
at LinuxCare, someone with a basic Linux background can set up and maintain a VPN for either
corporate or personal use.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a cost-effective, relatively secure means of transporting data between a number of connected points. And Linux can be used quite easily to set up and administer such a network. Using simple tools created by the folks at LinuxCare, someone with a basic Linux background can set up and maintain a VPN for either corporate or personal use.
What is a Private Network?
Figure 1
A private network is a network of computers that is not accessible to the outside world. A corporate WAN is usually a good example of a private network. Let’s look at a fictional company called BigCo, illustrated in Figure 1. They have four campuses, one in New York, one in London, one in Miami, and one in San Francisco. Each campus has its own LAN, which means that people on one campus can communicate with other people on the same campus. In addition, there are dedicated communications lines be- tween each office and the New York office. These dedicated lines are usually leased lines, or frame relay connections that are “circuit-switched” — in other words, it’s as if they’re just fast telephone lines connecting any two campuses to each other. These circuit-switched lines are considered private — only company data is…
Please log in to view this content.
Not Yet a Member?
Register with LinuxMagazine.com and get free access to the entire archive, including:
