Telecommuting Solutions.

• Author: TORII, JIM
• Position: Brief Article

Looking for a cheaper, better, faster telecommuting solution? Why not--this is the Internet age, isn't it? Historically, telecommuting solutions have relied on the analog phone line as their mode of operation. For example, remote-control software such as pcAnywhere can be used very effectively over a regular phone line. However, telephone charges can grow rapidly if you use pcAnywhere via a long distance phone call. Using pcAnywhere over the Internet can reduce your telephone charges. However, its security can be a hassle to implement and once security is implemented, performance suffers greatly.

VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS

In terms of addressing security over the Internet, virtual private networks have emerged as a cost-effective piece to the modern telecommuting puzzle. With a VPN, the Internet can function as an extension cord connecting two PCs. These PCs become their own little network, a 'virtual, private network." VPNs are cost effective because you can connect to the Internet with a local call, regardless of where you are. Once online, using VPN technology, you'll be able to access your office PC.

Imagine you're at the Cannes International Film Festival in France (http://www.festival-cannes.fr). With a local call you connect to the Internet and using the magic of VPN, voila, you connect to your office PC in California and take care of some business.

IN A NUTSHELL

At a minimum, a VPN requires two PCs, with VPN software that is connected to the Internet. A VPN secures private information that is transmitted over the Internet by adding the following qualities: confidentiality (encryption), authenticity (proof of sender), integrity (detection of data tampering) and replay protection (defense against unauthorized re-sending of data).

One or both sides of a secure VPN connection can be a local area network. PCs on a LAN do not need VPN software installed, rather, a device on the LAN (either a PC or a special VPN software or hardware appliance) contains the VPN software and all PCs on the LAN share the VPN connection created by this device. In a VPN environment, the LAN is connected to the Internet, quite often with DSL or some other "always on" technology. Because the LAN is always connected to the Internet, installing a firewall is highly recommended. A firewall is software that prevents unauthorized access to the LAN.

GETTING YOUR WORK DONE

Once you've created the VPN, how do you use it to get your work done? Typically, you'll want to run...