Chapter 3: The Downside to VPNs

Chapter 3: The Downside to VPNs

Overview

At this point, you are probably thinking that a VPN is just the thing for you. It sounds like the greatest invention since sliced bread. It will save you money. It will connect you with the world.

Not to dash cold water on the idea, but there are issues in implementing a VPN that you must take a close look at before diving in. Is a VPN what you need? Can you make the connections needed to a public network? How vital is security to you, particularly if your VPN would be on the public Internet? In addition, there are issues of performance and quality of service, particularly on the Internet. Will you have to train your personnel, and if so, how much time can you afford for that?

What about the problem of interoperability? How easy is it going to be to connect what you've got? What if you've got an AppleTalk network in Topeka and a NetWare network in Kalamazoo and you want to connect them? Are you thinking of an extranet, and if so, what does your proposed partner have? What costs are you likely to incur if you go the VPN route?

Let's take a close look at some of these issues and, as we go through them, realize that this is not an all-inclusive list. There are sure to be factors particular to your situation that we have no way of even guessing at.

3.1 Do You...

< Previous Excerpt Next Excerpt >

Purchase This Book

Virtual Private Networks: Making the Right Connection

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 3: The Downside to VPNs

Contact Preferences

This is embarrasing...

Customize Your GlobalSpec Experience

Select Your Free Newsletters

Industry Newsletters

Select Your Free Product Alerts

This is embarrasing...