Organizations are rapidly discovering that a virtual private network (VPN) over a public network such as the Internet is a cost-effective solution for providing remote access to the corporate network as well as for remote networks to communicate with each other across the Internet.

A VPN can allow users remote access to critical network services such as e-mail and enable users to share data, video, and voice in situations where the underlying network is potentially insecure. Enterprises can employ a VPN to conduct secure high-value electronic transactions as well as to transfer sensitive data to partners and customers.