Companies with a nationwide or even a global footprint are increasingly replacing traditional wide area network infrastructures with Internet-based solutions, giving them access to a global virtual network that securely extends the edge of the corporate network anywhere in the world.
Martin May, regional director of Enterasys Networks SA, says that by leveraging the global reach of the Internet and adopting new virtual private networking (VPN) solutions the same security, manageability, operational control and quality of service found in dedicated enterprise-class networks can be delivered for mobile access, telecommuting, branch office and regional site connectivity.
"Mobile access is a natural application for a VPN because the ubiquitous access of the global Internet can be tapped as a dialup access network replacement. With its simple-to-install, point-and-click operation, users can solve the often difficult problem of connecting travelling employees to the virtual network enabling them to utilise central applications and databases."
He says the keys to a successful VPN-based remote access solution are to be found in a strong security architecture, incorporating new generation high-performance encryption and compression of PPTP and IPsec tunnels, as well as centralised authentication, policy-based access control, together with configuration and fault management.
"Companies looking to opt for VPN solutions will require a comprehensive VPN management architecture with centralised control over policy definition and network configuration.
"In addition, intelligent client software and programmable network gateways that maximise network visibility by reporting status and tracking all VPN activities will be needed.
"These solutions should give network availability from remote user`s access point to central site network connection and facilitate control of Internet and corporate network access.
"For example, changes in policies should be automatically updated and enforced in the client PC, while link failures across the VPN should be able to be monitored, detected and corrected automatically.
"Some of the biggest benefits with the correct VPN technology come from employees being able to access the corporate network from remote sites on the move, and from their homes," says May.
"They can share databases with central site systems and integrate seamlessly with the existing network infrastructures. The company thus can leverage existing investments in routers, authentication systems and firewalls. All of these elements combine to deliver a rapid return on investment for the VPN solution."
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