Virtual Private Network or VPN that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes. The VPN uses "virtual" connections routed through the Internet from the business's private network to the remote site or employee. These systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted. VPN technology via the public Internet has replaced the need to requisition and maintain expensive dedicated leased-line telecommunication circuits once typical in wide-area network installations. It also reduces costs because it does not need physical leased lines to connect remote users to an Intranet. By using a VPN, businesses ensure security -- anyone intercepting the encrypted data can't read it.
