What is a Remote Access VPN? | How do remote access VPNs work
If you’re a remote worker or starting as a freelancer who works with various clients worldwide, this blog is for you. This guide includes why remote access VPNs are best suited for remote workers and why you should consider using one.
What is a Remote Access VPN?
A remote access VPN is a type of VPN that allows users to connect to a private network from a remote location. This type of VPN is often used by employees who need to access their company’s network from outside the office or by individuals who want to connect to a private network from a public location securely.
Remote access VPNs use a variety of protocols to encrypt and tunnel data traffic over the internet, ensuring that only authorized users can access the private network. Once connected, users can access all of the resources on the private network as if they were physically present on the web.
And if you’re a company, you can also consider employing remote access VPN for businesses to provide a secure connection to your office network for both remote and in-office employees. That way, you can ensure that all the teams can access protected corporate data securely and simply.
Remote access VPNs are a convenient and secure way to connect to private networks from anywhere. However, choosing a reputable and trustworthy VPN provider is essential, as not all VPNs are created equal. Do your research before selecting a VPN service, and always connect to a server located in a country with strong privacy laws.
Difference between site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN
There are two primary types of VPNs: site-to-site and remote access.
Site-to-site VPNs provide a secure connection between two locations, usually between two office locations. Remote access VPNs offer employees a safe way to connect to the company network from outside the office.
Both site-to-site and remote access VPNs have their advantages and disadvantages. Site-to-site VPNs are more expensive and complex to set up, but they offer a higher level of security and are more scalable. Remote access VPNs are less costly and easier to set up, but they may be less secure.
It is essential to consider your needs and budget when choosing a VPN. If you need a high level of security and scalability, a site-to-site VPN may be the best option. If you need a less expensive and easier-to-set-up solution, a remote access VPN may be better.
How to set up a VPN for remote access
There are a few things you’ll need to set up a remote access VPN:
- A router that supports VPN connections. This is typically a business-class router, and most home-use routers don’t support VPNs
- A computer can connect to the router and has the necessary software installed. This could be a laptop, desktop, or even a smartphone.
- An Internet connection. This is required so that the computer can connect to the router and then to the VPN server.
- A VPN server. Your employer could provide this, or you can set up your own using software such as OpenVPN or SoftEther VPN Server.
- VPN client software. This is installed on the computer and is used to connect to the VPN server. Many VPN servers will provide their client software, but many third-party options are also available
Once you have all of these things, you’ll be ready to set up your remote access VPN. The exact steps will vary depending on your router and VPN server, so it’s best to consult your specific documentation. But in general, the process goes something like this:
- Configure the router for VPN connections. This usually involves enabling the “VPN passthrough” setting and creating a user account for each person using the VPN.
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Install the VPN client software on the computer and connect to the VPN server. This will usually require entering the server address, your username and password, and other required settings.
- Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to access the resources on the VPN server as if you were physically on the same network. This includes things like shared folders, printers, and other devices.
- When you’re done using the VPN, disconnect from the server and close the client software.
That’s all there is to it! Setting up a remote access VPN is a great way to securely connect to another network, whether for work or to access files while away from home. Just make sure you have all the necessary components before getting started.
How to connect to an office network using a VPN
If you need to connect to your office network from outside of the office, you can use a VPN service. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection between your computer and the office network. This allows you to access all the duplicate files and applications you would if you were inside the office.
To connect to your office network using a VPN, you will first need to install a VPN client on your computer. Once you have installed the VPN client, please open it and enter the address of your office’s VPN server. You will also need to enter your username and password for the VPN.
Once you have connected to the VPN, you should be able to access your office network just as if you were inside the office. If you have any trouble connecting to your office network using a VPN, contact your service provider for help.
Benefits of using a remote access VPN
A remote access VPN is beneficial for corporations with numerous employees spread across the globe. The VPN remote access requires a user to provide authentication credentials to sign in to the VPN network established by the organization.
Moreover, a remote access VPN is employed by institutions that have a running Local Area Network (LAN) and use a Wide Area Network (WAN) due to the growing size of the corporation.
For instance: If a company is based in New York and opens its branch in Texas, using the same network, the employees from the Texas office can remotely access the company’s network.
Giving employees secure remote access will increase a firm’s productivity and help it achieve efficiency. A VPN remote access proves to be a valuable long-term tool to reduce the cost of developing and updating two separate networks.
However, when choosing secure remote access VPNs, many security and data theft threats must be eliminated before remote access can be allowed securely.
It is by far the most secure way to ensure the security of your files and the identity of the users accessing the network remotely. Virtual Private Network (VPN) for remote access works evenly well for home-based employees and connects branch offices and the central system (headquarters) through dedicated IP VPN.
Is VPN safer than a remote desktop?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Both VPN and remote desktop can offer increased security and privacy for your internet connection, but which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and threats.
If you’re worried about someone snooping on your traffic, a VPN can help. VPNs encrypt your data before leaving your device, making it much harder for anyone to intercept and read your information.
On the other hand, a remote desktop is better suited for accessing resources on a remote network. For example, if you need to access a work computer from home, you can use a remote desktop to connect to it. A remote desktop creates a secure connection between your two devices, so you can be confident that your data is safe.
Both VPN and remote desktop have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the right one for you. If you’re not sure which one to use, talk to your IT department or a security expert.
Get PureVPN for secure remote access solution
If you’re looking for a remote access solution that’s both easy to use and reliable, PureVPN is perfect. With our intuitive interface and round-the-clock live support, getting up and running with PureVPN is a breeze. And because we have servers in 78+ countries, you can be sure that you’ll always have a fast and secure connection no matter where you are.
Further, PureVPN offers Dedicated IP as an add-on to help you get a static IP address hidden from your internet service provider and allows you to transfer files from your client’s server securely to your computer at home. Plus, you can enhance protection against digital threats on every communication channel.
Why choose PureVPN?
There are many reasons to choose PureVPN for your remote access VPN needs. Here are just a few:
- Provides AES-256 bit encryption to keep your data safe and secure
- Has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your privacy is always protected
- Offers Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding add-ons
- Has a 31-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a VPN for remote access?
If you want to access your home or work computer from a remote location, you’ll need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN is handy if you’re using public WiFi because it’ll help keep your data safe from hackers. Even if you’re not using public WiFi, a VPN can still help protect your privacy. If you’re concerned about someone monitoring your online activity, a VPN can help prevent that.
Is remote access VPN safe?
Yes, remote access VPNs are safe. VPNs use encryption to protect your data, and they offer a secure way to connect to the internet. However, you should always be cautious when using any VPN and make sure that you trust the provider. Some free VPNs are not a good choice for remote access VPNs because they sell data to the highest bidder and make money in exchange for ads.
Is remote access and VPN the same?
The most significant difference is that a VPN allows access to a specific network. Whereas remote desktop access lets you control the device you wish to use. VPNs are safer to use because they encrypt incoming traffic and hide your real IP address from ISPs.
Sameed Ajax
March 15, 2023
2 months ago
