LDCircuit can help you compare VPN service providers or MPLS service providers. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the hottest and most talked about methods of data transmission available today. A VPN is based upon sending data across a public network or the Internet; Data is kept secure by some method of encryption and encapsulation. The physical interface for a user to a VPN can vary in speed from a simple analog line to a high-speed digital connection.
Let's compare the two types of VPN service:
1. Un-Managed VPN service refers to a simple local connection to a public network combined with some type of VPN Access Device. These VPN Access Devices can be a piece of hardware or software located at the customer's end of that Internet connection. There are a number of VPN hardware and software products available on the market, each one providing it's own unique type of solution. Un-Managed VPN services fall completely upon the customer to design, implement and manage: The Internet Service Provider (ISP) or carrier treats the data being sent as standard IP-only traffic to the Internet.
2. Managed VPN services are a much more robust offering from a carrier. The exact benefits and components of this service will vary from carrier to carrier, but it typically involves the provider managing everything from the router out through the connection to the public network. Detailed usage reporting and monitoring is typically delivered on a regular basis and available for analysis to adjust the VPN service to maximum customer benefit. The rest of this section will define the physical architecture and components of Managed VPN service and detail how this service is priced.
Comparing Virtual Private Network is a challenge since there are some of the most difficult types of networks to design and implement because of the numerous components and options available. With the customer sending data over the inherently unsecured public network, it is crucial that the VPN be implemented properly or all of the organization's data may be compromised.
A VPN can be used to connect any number of users from a single remote worker with a laptop and analog line to a large corporate office with hundreds of simultaneous users. The applications / pricing pagewill detail the components of a VPN or MPLS network and how the service is priced, making it easy to compare VPN service or MPLS services.