Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions have become increasingly popular over the years due to the increased number of digital threats. However, we believe that it is important to understand the specific use cases of a VPN solution before adopting it. In order to maximize the ways you utilize the VPN, you need to understand how it works and for what it is used. In this article, we’ll give a detailed example of a site-to-site VPN, and some of its benefits for your business network.
To explain, site-to-site VPN is one of the most common VPN types used by big enterprises and remote working companies. We’ll explain this further, but what you need to know from the beginning is that site-to-site VPN can be adopted for a variety of purposes, and it improves the overall security of a network. Let’s jump into the article to learn more.
What is a Site-to-Site VPN?
A site-to-site VPN is a type of private connection that securely connects two or more remote networks. This VPN type creates a secure and encrypted link between the endpoints to let them work with the same resources, share data securely, and be protected from outside threats.
Site-to-site VPN uses the IPSec protocol to secure the network. This protocol encrypts the data at one of the endpoints before it is sent, and then decrypts when it is securely transmitted to the other endpoint. In addition to encrypting the information shared between parties, VPN also handles the authentication and authorization process of the networks and their users.
Companies usually prefer this type of VPN with branch offices that are remote from each other so they can work on the same network without any security concerns. On that note, site-to-site VPN is also used to allow remote workers to connect business resources from wherever they are. This capability is especially important since the remote work model is a trending topic in business life.
7 Benefits of a Site-to-Site VPN
In this part, we’ll go into some detail and explain how a site-to-site VPN connection can help your business network. Below are the seven specific benefits that will boost the security and performance of your organization.
Increased Security
As a cyber security solution, site-to-site VPN will prove to be successful the most in increasing the security of your network. If you have remote workers or branch offices, you’ll need to share information with them in order to provide the resources they need.
If you do not use a VPN tool, it is likely that the information will be tracked by malicious users, and it can end up in a serious data theft incident. Site-to-site VPN prevents this by creating a private tunnel and encrypting all the data.
In addition to encryption, it will also handle the authentication process of the users within the network, meaning that unauthorized users will not be allowed inside, and thus cannot access the protected resources. Digital assets are the key to a company’s success, and protecting them from outside threats is crucial.
Improved Connectivity
The connectivity of remote offices or remote employees is required to have a productive environment. Different teams will likely engage with each other and share important information on projects. If you are able to connect them to a main network and let them access shared resources, it is safe to say that tasks will get done much quicker.
Site-to-site VPN is the exact tool you need to achieve this. It can easily connect two or more endpoints together, allows them to share files securely, and improve the overall connectivity status of your network.
Cost Savings
Site-to-site VPN reduces costs in several ways. First of all, this type of VPN directly eliminates the need for costly leased lines to connect branch offices or remote users. Secondly, since the shared data is always encrypted by default using IPSec protocol, it is likely that companies will spend less on security measures if they adopt this VPN solution.
Lastly, one of the greatest upsides of a site to site VPN is that it eliminates the need for on-premises hardware and software. This VPN solution is provided by online vendors, which have the full responsibility to keep their service up and running at all times in exchange for a reasonable price. You don’t manually handle the maintenance of the software or any equipment since it is all provided by your vendor.
Increased Productivity
As we already mentioned above, improved connectivity of the remotely located networks will facilitate the daily tasks of your team members and increase the user-friendliness of your network. If they are able to easily connect to the resources they need, they will naturally be more productive as they’ll spend the last time on network issues.
More importantly, since all the parts of the private network will be connected to each other, the information stored on these smaller networks will be easier to find and act like a centralized network.
Remote Accessibility
Most traditional VPN solutions fail to deliver the needs of the remote work model. Remote employees should be able to access resources from wherever they are and whichever connection they use. They can be working at an airport or simply from the comfort of their home.
Site-to-site VPN solutions allow users to connect to private networks regardless of the location, and act as if they are in the office. Using this VPN tool, you can easily benefit from remote work while also ensuring they are as productive and secure as your in-office employees.
Scalability
Since site-to-site VPN connections are provided by online vendors, it does not require any hardware on your end. This means that the provider will have to deal with the scaling of your network when necessary as a part of their service.
In addition to this, since these solutions can work with a number of endpoints, you don’t need to tear down or change the equipment you have whenever you need to scale up or down. You can simply add another network or end-user when you need to.
Compatibility with Network Segments
Site-to-site VPN is useful because it allows organizations to connect a variety of network segments, which improves flexibility. By having a VPN that is compatible with different network segments, businesses can easily connect to different networks without having to reconfigure or change settings. Secondly, this compatibility also offers a more reliable connection since the VPN is able to adjust itself to meet different protocols and settings.
Conclusion
Site-to-site VPN is a great solution to improve the overall security of your business network while also making it perform better for all the parties involved. Traditional VPN connections simply do not make sense In a world where locations are irrelevant and remote connections are mandatory. Adopt a site-to-site VPN to extend the reach of your network and let it make your organization even more secure.
