what is 'vpn'???

  • Thread starter Thread starter Uncle Vinnie
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U

Uncle Vinnie

Would someone explain what is Cisco's 'VPN' client? I know someone who used
that as well as PC Anywhere to log onto their company computer. Our company
is working on internet access to the company computer, but without the VPN
software.

I appreciate your help- I know this is a hardware NG, but I figure some of
you may have built these systems...

Thanks again!
 
pc anywhere is a remote pc controller program. not sure if you`ve seen it,
but you need it running on both PC's, and it sends the remote screen to the
pc your accessing it on - so you see the dektop, and you see the start
menu, and see my computer/explorer etc.

VPN is (afaik) much the same as a LAN setup - where you can see other PC's
and tranfer files, but the difference between LAN and VPN, is basically VPN
is LAN via the internet.

VPN = virtual private network. i`m sure you can find out more about it in
google/net search

tim
 
Uncle Vinnie said:
Would someone explain what is Cisco's 'VPN' client? I know someone who used
that as well as PC Anywhere to log onto their company computer. Our company
is working on internet access to the company computer, but without the VPN
software.
Click to expand...

VPN = Virtual Private Network it uses 'Tunnels' (LT2P etc) through the
normal IP (Internet) Network to hide traffic to and from your Machines from
the rest of the Network hence providing 'private' Network capability over a
Public Network.
Think of it as hiding (encrypting etc) your Networks Traffic in Public IP
frames so that other Devices just see normal Traffic and route it between
your two Networks without being able to see the Data (or Addresses) hidden
inside.

excuse the simplified vague explanation as VPNs covers a fairly broad range
and strictly speaking ATM and Frame Relay connections are VPNs (again they
provide connections over a public Network that are not visible to other
users).

If your Company is looking at connecting their Private Network to the
Internet - presumably so you can access work from home or remote sites my
first piece of advice is : Dont if you have any sensitive or vital Data on
those machines
my Second Piece of Advice is : Invest in a Firewall
my Third piece of advice is Dont !

Regards
Richard Freeman
 
Thank you very much!

My wife does hook up to the company's network... they do have a fire wall,
they do have Cisco VPN... all is secure... and yes, they've been hacked!

In my case, the company I work for.. I can only access their AS400 and
retrieve data... cannot get into their network.. the software they are
running dictates what I can and cannot retrieve- cannot change anything..
they have never been hacked! Ok, only online 1 day!

I suggested VPN sofware as a layer of security...not that I know what it
is... figuring my wifes company uses it.. they told me we don't need it...
Ok...
 
Uncle Vinnie said:
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...

No Problem........
My wife does hook up to the company's network... they do have a fire wall,
they do have Cisco VPN... all is secure... and yes, they've been hacked!
Click to expand...

Yes it does still happen although not often via the VPN
In my case, the company I work for.. I can only access their AS400 and
retrieve data... cannot get into their network.. the software they are
running dictates what I can and cannot retrieve- cannot change anything..
they have never been hacked! Ok, only online 1 day!
Click to expand...

well if the data cannot be changed only viewed that is probably OK then -
provided there are no work arounds known to Hackers although many Hackers
nowadays seem to be kids with hacking 'tools' who dont really know what they
are doing ...


Regards
Richard Freeman
 
UV;

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

With a vpn client you can log on to a VPN private port on your
firewall/server and encrypt the data between the two computers.

Doug
 
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