Tech Primer

IP VPN

What is an IP VPN?

An IP VPN is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that uses the Internet Protocol for routing data packets. It is used in connecting dedicated sites and providing access to a company’s network by authenticating remote users. While VPNs can run on ATM and Frame Relay, IP VPNs run on IP networks.

What are its benefits?

Organisations have two options—to create a private network using leased lines or to use the broader public Internet. The first option is secure but expensive, while the second offers inexpensive access, but it can result in potential security problems.

IP VPNs offer the best of both worlds—companies can enjoy the security of a private network using access control and encryption, while taking advantage of the economies of scale and management capabilities of large public networks. IP VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) offer a cost-effective and secure alternative to leased lines, and they are an effective means of exchanging critical information for employees working in branch offices or from home. They enable organisations to extend secure and cost-effective connectivity to customers, suppliers and business partners.

What are the types of IP VPNs?

There are three types of IP VPNs:

Private IP VPNs are supported by a private IP network—usually Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based that have been built to support users within a closed user group. These are secure, high-performance network configurations. Typically, private IP VPNs employ MPLS technology to speed up and improve the switching of network traffic across various data protocols.

Public IP VPNs are available through the Internet network of a provider and usually supported by IPSec. These offer an inexpensive alternative to private services.

Hybrid IP VPNs use a mix of private and public components. For example, a public IP VPN could be mixed with a secure private IP VPN for cost-effective WAN access to remote sites.

How does MPLS improve IP VPN functionality?

MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) is the next step in the convergence of network infrastructure, it supports both time-sensitive and time-insensitive applications on the same pipe. IP networks using MPLS and related protocols have quality of service (QoS) capabilities that permit users to establish different priorities for different packets of data, depending upon their time sensitivity. IP MPLS can enable a Class of Service (CoS) data service across multiple IP VPN backbones to extend the reach and service capabilities for enterprises—without purchasing additional customer premises equipment (CPE). By utilising protocols like MPLS to guarantee quality of service, IP VPNs are more scalable and cost-effective than legacy wide area networks (WANs).

How secure is this technology?

IP VPNs offer superior security by incorporating standards such as IPSec that enforces security by using digital certificates and PKI for authentication. IPSec also supports several encryption standards including DES and triple DES. Encryption protects VPN users from other Internet users and provides high levels of authentication and integrity. It is a relatively inexpensive way to extend services to sites on the Internet or, likewise, sites supported by third-party providers on the Internet.

Which Indian companies offer IP VPN services?

Sify, Wipro Infotech and Comsat Max offer this service.

For a list of sites on VPN visit www.vpn.org