Defining VPN in Computer Networking

The purpose of this paper is to provide a definition and explanation of a virtual private network (VPN) which is a key concept in information technology (security and network technologies). The explanation that follows includes selected quotes to provide some definitional clarity of the term and the key concepts that are involved as well as the different types of VPNs and how they are related to other relevant concepts. Finally, a description of an example based on this writers empirical experiences with VPNs is followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning these issues in the conclusion.

Two different definitions of VPN and commentary concerning how it is defined, highlighting the key concepts involved

Although there is no universally agreed upon definition, the cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky define a VPN as a protected network connection when using public networks [which] encrypt your internet traffic and disguise your online identity [making] it more difficult for third parties to track your activities online and steal data (What is a VPN?, 2022, para. 3). By contrast, Cisco defines VPNs as an encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network [which] helps ensure that sensitive...

…be blocked from access otherwise. For instance, users in the United States may not be able to access Web sites in the UK and vice versa, but a VPN allows them to gain such access by changing their country of origin.

Conclusion

There was a high degree of congruence between the above-cited definitions of VPN, differing only in their respective descriptions of its various features and their relative importance for users. The research also showed that VPNs are related to other concepts such as encryption, data security and data collection. Finally, VPNs were shown to be significant for information security based on their ability to encrypt…