(VPN) Virtual Private Network

You can now use your computer account with the help of a virtual private network (VPN) client to access restriced resources from a remote location.

VPN - this is a method of creating a private network by tunneling data through a shared network infrastructure such as the Internet. It is a very effective and secure way to expand networks to other companies, remote offices or remote access users. See the diagram below.



VPN diagram from Cisco Systems.


In the above diagram, various remote users access the "Main Office" corporate network across a public "cloud" of data, such as the World Wide Web. This is accomplished by creating private "tunnels" between networking devices such as routers or firewalls, as depicted.

Note: You will need the user name and password that were assigned when you requested your VPN account to download any of the software listed below.