As data privacy regulations have gotten stronger and data breaches more pervasive, virtual private networks (VPNs) have become more popular as a way to keep online business communications secure.

A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your office computers/devices and less secure networks, like the internet, to ensure safe data transfer no matter where you’re connecting from.

This secure portal can add an extra layer of security to VoIP calls, mobile office connections, as well as any data transfer that uses an online connection, like accessing a cloud service app such as Sales Force or QuickBooks online.

Setting up a VPN for multiple office locations or for remote worker and mobile communications is one of our network services at SchrankLABS. A VPN solution allows today’s increasingly mobile workforce to access office resources from anywhere without worry about being on an unsecure Wi-Fi or other unsecure connection.

When it comes to virtual private networks for companies, you’ll often hear two types mentioned, Site-to-Site VPN and Remote Access VPN. Both provide that same layer of secure communications for your organization, just in slightly different ways.

We’ll get into how each type of VPN works below, but first we’ll go over the reasons you may want to consider installing a VPN at your office.

Why Should My Office Use a VPN?

VPN use is on the rise, and many cite privacy concerns and data breach incidents as reasons they start using a virtual private network for secure communications.

35% of PC users and 42% of mobile users connect to a VPN nearly every day. 

Here are a few of the key benefits of using a VPN at your office.

• Access information remotely when you’re away from the office
• Easy to share files securely with a group
• Online anonymity
• Better network performance
• Enhanced security
• Allows connection to free Wi-Fi without security issues

How Do Site-to-Site VPN and Remote Access VPN Work?

While both site-to-site and remote access VPN will offer you the same list of benefits, such as extra security and improved network performance, they each offer a unique set of skillsets.

Our IT consultants at SchrankLABS often help companies in Southeast Wisconsin and beyond decide which type of VPN is the best for their business needs. Our goal is to help them save money and stress with our managed IT services.

Let’s take a look at each VPN and how it works.

Site-to-Site VPN

Site-to-Site VPN is just what it sounds like, it uses a secure gateway to connect a network at one office location to one or more at another office location. When using this type of VPN, each device at the end location doesn’t need to have the VPN client installed because the gateway handles the traffic.

This type of virtual private network can also connect servers in separate data centers as well as computers, printers and peripherals, and mobile devices. Each location is able to connect to each other over the internet without worry about their data transfers being unsecure.

A site-to-site VPN also allows companies with multiple locations to more efficiently use their resources by allowing one location to share the computer resources of another through the encrypted VPN channel.

Companies with multiple locations that have multiple computer users at each will benefit from Site-to-Site VPN.

Remote Access VPN

Rather than connecting whole locations through gateways, a remote access VPN connects individual computer or mobile device users to the private network. When using this type of VPN every device needs to have the VPN client app downloaded onto it.

The remote access VPN uses a public telecommunication infrastructure to provide remote users secure access to their company’s network. The main gateway then requires those individual devices to authenticate their identity to join.

Each device needs to have the VPN turned on, then when connecting to the internet, even if through an unsecure Wi-Fi like at an airport, the software encrypts the traffic allowing a secure connection.

Companies that have staff that travel frequently or have remote workers will benefit from the remote access VPN.

What Else Should You Know about VPNs?

A few other considerations when choosing a VPN include:

• Cost savings: VPNs typically cost much less than traditional physical private networks

• Set up: the initial VPN set up needs to be done right, so it’s wise to have an IT professional assist you with the installation and staff training on how to use it.

• Security protocols: A VPN can greatly increase the security of your company network connections, but it’s not a failsafe for all cybersecurity, so you want to ensure other IT security protocols (like virus scanning) are also in place.

Contact SchrankLABS for a Free VPN Consultation

Interested in learning more about virtual private networks and how they can boost your company’s security and productivity? We’re here to help! Schedule a free consultation with our experts at 262-347-3199 or by using our appointment scheduler.