Best Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Solutions

The goal of an enterprise VPN is to make sure business data is protected from data breaches or other cyberattacks. An enterprise VPN is also used to provide security for remote workers when logging on to an office network. Access controls and permissions further secure networks by enabling enterprises to authenticate and authorize users and evaluating required credentials. Because data breaches are happening more and more often, the amount of compromised data is rapidly increasing. When using an enterprise VPN, companies can be more proactive about cybersecurity, and attacks can be prevented.

The three most common VPN solutions that are managed by an enterprise are:

1. IPsec (internet protocol security): IPsec is recognized as one of the most traditional VPNs. It applies configurations to virtual rather than physical interfaces and supports multiple sites. An IPsec VPN solution involves passenger, carrier, and transport protocols. Additionally, IPsecs do not explicitly specify encryption of connections.
   
2. SSL (secure sockets layer): An SSL VPN is the more current method for implementing VPNs. It does not require any software installation and it uses public key infrastructure and digital certificates. SSLs only require a web browser on a host and also default to encryption of network traffic. It is also user-friendly, and most web browsers already come with SSL support.
   
3. DMVPN (dynamic multipoint virtual private network): With a DMVPN, an enterprise can rapidly scale access securely across the organization. It is a solution that makes it possible to transfer data between sites without having to deal with the verification process of traffic. DMVPNs are easy to deploy and are a cost-effective and scalable alternative to IPsec and SSL VPNs.

While both enterprise VPNs and self-hosted VPNs provide end-to-end encryption across unsecured Wifi networks, the two have stark differences, one of the main ones being anonymity. A key advantage of hosting your own VPN is that it allows you to view VPN data, see how it is handled, and review its quality, reliability, and anonymity while an enterprise VPN does not. An enterprise VPN is generally more reliable and can sometimes be cheaper. However, a self-hosted VPN can operate faster than an enterprise VPN since only one user is using the service. By using an enterprise VPN, organizations don’t need to worry about patches or the security of software like one would have to do with a self-hosted VPN. Unlike an enterprise VPN, a self-hosted VPN guarantees that only your hosting platform is aware of your IP address.

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, works by combining multiple network and security technologies into one solution. It is an identity-centric secure access platform, it utilizes zero-trust capabilities, and ensures secured access among applications, services, endpoints, and distributed users. Unlike VPNs, SASE gives users the ability to access applications without needing to connect to the network.

The traffic created by concurrent users causes VPN capacity to become strained. For large enterprise organizations, this can cause a disrupted and poor VPN experience as multiple users try to route internet traffic to the same data center. With SASE, however, a VPN capacity is already pre-built, and therefore allows companies to easily expand their VPN platforms. The SASE model enables thousands of remote employees to do their jobs successfully without compromising security. SASE also has another advantage over an enterprise VPN because traffic travels through a private network and not via the public internet.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions enhance security by encrypting your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. This encryption protects sensitive business information as it travels over the internet. VPNs also provide secure access to on-premises applications and resources, mitigating the risk of security breaches from remote access points. The use of advanced authentication mechanisms ensures that only authorized personnel can access the network.

A dedicated Enterprise Infrastructure VPN offers several benefits such as improved security, enhanced privacy, and controlled network access. Dedicated VPNs optimize bandwidth usage, leading to better performance and reliability. They allow you to customize security policies and access controls according to your organization's needs, providing a tailored solution for secure remote communication.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN optimizes remote work performance by providing a seamless and stable connection to corporate resources, no matter where you are. By maintaining a consistent experience across locations, it minimizes downtime and latency. VPNs facilitate efficient data transfer and access to shared files, driving productivity for remote teams. They also enable IT departments to troubleshoot and support devices remotely, which streamlines operations.

When selecting an Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solution, consider the scalability and flexibility to accommodate your growth. Evaluate security features, such as encryption standards and authentication protocols, to ensure robust protection. Assess the VPN's compatibility with your existing network infrastructure and its ability to support remote workers. Cost-effectiveness and vendor support are also key factors in making an informed decision.

Split tunneling is important because it allows you to prioritize traffic through your Enterprise Infrastructure VPN. It lets certain data access the internet directly without passing through the VPN, which can free up bandwidth and improve speed for high-priority applications. This capability is crucial for maintaining efficient network performance and ensuring that mission-critical traffic receives dedicated resources while still securing sensitive data through the VPN tunnel.