Data communications and Network Fundamental - Assignment Example

The existing situation in the company's network infrastructure does not allow achieving best performance and security that are necessary at current stage of its development. Virtual Private Network technology should be used in Brilliant Boats network infrastructure to solve a number of issues, such as remote access over the Internet, connecting computers over an intranet and connecting networks over the Internet. VPNs provide remote access to Brilliant Boats' resources over the public Internet to most important clients, while maintaining privacy of information.

Rather than making a long distance (or 1-800) call to Brilliant Boats or outsourced network access server (NAS), the client may dial a local ISP. Using the connection to the local ISP, the VPN client creates a VPN connection between the remote access computer and the Brilliant Boats' VPN server across the Internet. VPNs allow the sales department's LAN to be physically connected to the Brilliant Boats' intranet but separated by a VPN server. The VPN server is not acting as a router between the Brilliant Boats' intranet and the sales department LAN.

A router would connect the two networks, allowing everyone access to the sensitive LAN. By using a VPN server, the network administrator can ensure that only those users on the Brilliant Boats' intranet who have appropriate credentials can establish a VPN connection with the VPN server and gain access to the protected resources of the sales department. Additionally, all communication across the VPN can be encrypted for data confidentiality. Those users who do not have the proper credentials cannot view the sales department LAN.

Connecting Networks over the InternetThere are two methods for using VPNs to connect local area networks at remote sites:Using dedicated lines to connect a branch or client office to Brilliant Boats' LAN. Using a dial-up line to connect a branch or client office to the Internet. The VPN client uses the connection to the local ISP to create a VPN connection between the branch office router and the Brilliant Boats' corporate hub router across the Internet. This is known as a site-to-site VPN connection.

In both cases, the facilities that connect the branch office and Brilliant Boats' corporate office to the Internet are local. The Brilliant Boats' corporate hub router that acts as a VPN server must be connected to a local ISP with a dedicated line. This VPN server must be listening 24 hours a day for incoming VPN traffic. 3. Introducing VPNA virtual private network (VPN) is the extension of a private network that encompasses links across shared or public networks like the Internet. A VPN enables you to send data between two