More facts about VPN you should know

VPN is a useful tool you might be interested in applying in your routine of using the Internet. Previously, we talked about its purpose and architecture. Now, it is time to explore the protocols used by VPNs and the way you can use it on your machine.

The PPTP protocol

One of these tunnel protocols is PPTP VPNs. But how are these IP addresses are made? Certainly not out of thin air. Microsoft played a big role here. They got this rolling with the Point-to-point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP) which is an advanced and modern version of the old school PPP, which was heavily used for those old school dial-up connection.

With the PPTP, all of these procedures are done right out of the box. But the trick lies in the endpoints. The way Microsoft sees it, VPN is intended for enabling each of the individual clients to connect back to the office network. Hence, Microsoft places the PPTP endpoints on the client and on the other side a special kind of remote access server known as Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) available on all server versions of Windows.

Adding VPN on Windows

On the client side, Windows 7, type VPN into the search bar from the start and hit enter. In latter version of window type in VPN in the search bar and select Manage virtual private networks (VPN) available on window 8/8.1 and ‘VPN settings’ on Windows 10. You will be taken to the respective window. There you will see bunch of other options and ways to add VPN.

Clicking the + button , you will be prompted with a screen full of input field. There you configure your VPN settings and put in the necessary information. Most of the time a network administrator is the one who provide you with such information. Upon successfully setup the VPN, results in a complete virtual network card like any NIC, gets the IP address from the DHCP server back at the office.

Speed of connection with VPN

A connection to VPN is generally slower than the direct connection without a VPN. A computer connected to the RRAS server on the private network, PPTP provides a secure tunnel through the Internet back to the private LAN. The client have an IP address for the network acting as if the computer are plugged into a different location. Even if the Internet go directly through your home or office or any device in general. For any employees that need to be on the corporate network can totally use the virtual network.

VPN types

There are types of VPN available, Remote access, site-to-site. Remote access VPN enable a secure remote connection outside the corporate network. Although, advance configuration may ask for authorization before you can access those network. Site-to-site VPN enable corporate office to branch offices through the Internet. This is used primarily when there is distance involved between offices that makes the direct network impractical. Kind of dedicated gears are used to establish such connection.