What Are VPNs?

VPNs are a virtual private network that extends a private network across a public network, such as the internet.  It enables a computer or network-enabled device to send and receive data across shared or public network as it were directly connected to the private network, while benefiting from the functionality, security and management policies of the private network. A VPN is created by establishing a virtual point to point connection through the use of dedicated connections, virtual tunneling protocols, or traffic encryption.