Remote Access
Running a network affords us
another tremendous benefit, remote access. Remote access allows company
personnel to log into the network from any location, providing they have a
modem and a telephone connection. It is even possible to connect to the
company LAN by using cellular communications techniques. This requires a
mobile phone with an in-built modem connected to the users laptop. The
phone-to-laptop connection can be done via a cable or infrared interface.
The Nokia 7110 is a good example. This type of connection is currently very
slow, and it is recommended for sending and receiving e-mails only.
If remote access is required
from a permanent location, e.g. home users, then a faster technology can be
installed, like ISDN, ADSL etc. This will allow teleworkers (those who work
from home) to connect to the network and us its resources as though they
were directly connected at an office location in the company's premises.
This technique is known as Virtual Private Networking (VPN).
Special software is required to
facilitate this process called VPN software. This is installed on the users
remote system and not only manages the connection, but ensures that the
connection remains private. Even though the user is using a public
communications medium (the Internet), their transmissions are shielded from
others. This is done using a protocol called PPTP (point-to-point tunnelling
protocol). This protocol gives the data security, by encapsulating the data
in encrypted packets, in effect building a tunnel that the data passes
through, shielding it from other users. This is what puts the term "Private"
in VPN.
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