VPN Gateway: Meaning, Types, Benefits, Deployment & More!

Cloud-based systems have revolutionized work dynamics. But do you know that with such flexibility, there lurks the danger of cyber insecurity as well? 

If your internet connection isn’t secure, cyberattackers might steal your confidential data, causing you extreme losses. Thus, to save you from that, in this article, we will elaborate on the VPN gateway, a great tool for secure virtual communications. To learn more, go through all the sections below till the end. 

What is a VPN Gateway?

A VPN gateway is a specific type of network gateway that provides a secure connection between two remote users or systems over the internet. This connection allows them to interact with each other privately without allowing any third parties to interfere with the transmission of data. 

When two remote users try to establish a connection through the internet with a shared purpose, they both have to traverse public boundaries, full of malicious activities or malware. In that case, a secure connection is a must, as cyberattackers always watch for insecure connections to steal private information. 

Thus, the VPN technology is used to create an encrypted tunnel through which the sender and receiver can interact without any problems. This is the best way to secure an online connection through a strong layer of encryption.

Also Read: The Future of Remote Access: Is VPN Still the Best Solution?

How Does a VPN Gateway Work?

The main work of a VPN gateway is to create encrypted and highly secure virtual tunnels between two or more internet users, systems, or networks. When the connection is secure with VPN software, the ultimate purpose of data sharing can be achieved with minimal hassle.

• The minute the VPN software is turned on, it creates a fully secured data pathway between the concerned users. 

• Next, how the tunnel is created is totally dependent on the VPN protocol. There are more than one type of protocol, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPsec, etc. The protocol is an elaborate document on how something should be done in the most optimal way possible.   

• Protocols in use also have a major role to play when it comes to the speed of the connection and the strength of the encryption. 

• Different rules and process-defining guidelines come with their unique sides. For example, for the users of local systems, the IKEv2 Protocol is deployed for access security. However, in the case of two independent networks situated remotely, the IPsec protocol is utilised. 

• Yet, modern protocols have made the work much easier, as they are versatile enough to serve every user case. To name a few, these protocols are OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Webavior VPN.   

• Besides securing connections, the next task that the getaway performs is to verify users from remote ends. Every time a user deploys the software for encryption, they will have to authenticate their identity first and then be provided access. These days, authentication has even become more robust with the worldwide application of two-factor authentication.   

VPN devices also register and provide IP addresses. Moreover, DNS resolution and DNS filtering are also ensured as a way to protect against malicious virtual dangers, such as phishing!  

Also Read: Best Remote Access VPNs for Business – 5 Best Remote Access VPNs Listed

Real-World Applications of VPN Gateways (Use Cases or Usage) 

VPN gateways can be utilised in a variety of commercial settings, such as remote work, branch communication, international operations, and cloud integration. Besides, VPN software makes public networks secure and also helps eliminate geographical restrictions, as elaborated below. 

• Remote Work Arrangements: The rise of cloud networking has forced big companies worldwide to save huge costs by operating remotely. So, such businesses utilise VPN devices for network security.

• Branch Communication: Large organisations have multiple branch offices, thus requiring a secure pathway for regular communication and data-sharing needs. 

• International Operations: Virtual interactions between users, systems, or networks situated in two different countries also require a safe connection through a VPN tool.  

• Cloud Integration: Businesses operating in hybrid modes require secure connections to merge on-premises servers with cloud-based systems.

• Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage: Whenever one has to use the public network, even for a moment, they must first secure the connection, or their data security will be compromised.

• Bypass Geographic Restrictions: With the help of VPN facilities, users can even remove geographical boundaries virtually and access online resources banned in their native regions. 

So, these have been specific real-world applications of VPN technologies. By using such tools, a higher level of internet security can be achieved and then maintained throughout particular online sessions.  

Also Read: What is SOAR and its Importance in the Digital Age? Explore all the Critical Components of Security!

Different Types of VPN Gateways

Four major forms of VPN gateways are site-to-site, remote access, cloud, and SSL. Each one is used in a specific virtual setting to ensure maximum security and uncompromised data transportation between two remote networking points.   

Type	Application
Site-to-Site VPN	Helps establish a link of security between 2 or more independent, remote networks.
Remote Access VPN	For remote users trying to access resources from a particular company’s central, on-premises data centre.
Cloud VPN	Also known as a hosted VPN, users can access company data on the cloud with safety, without losing any information en route.
SSL VPN	Provides security when a remote user tries to establish a connection with one or more private networks.

Business owners use site-to-site and remote access VPNs more than the other options due to the growing trend of remote work culture in a highly globalised world.   

Benefits of Using a Cloud VPN Gateway

There are multiple benefits of using a cloud-based Virtual Private Network gateway, such as ease of deployment and management, high scalability, affordability, high flexibility, enhanced security, increased bandwidth, centralised control, protection from public Wi-Fi, and access to geo-restricted content.   

• Deployment & Management Ease: Using a VPN device doesn’t require the installation of any additional special hardware on premises. A normal computer is all you need with a stable internet connection. Also, all the management-related tasks can be easily done through a web-like interface, accessible over the internet (SaaS or Software as a Service).  

• High Scalability: Not just a VPN gateway, but all types of cloud-based services are highly scalable. Within minutes, your service provider will configure (increase or decrease) your service scale. This cutting-edge feature helps businesses keep their infrastructure updated as per the fluctuating demands and other related factors.  

• Affordability: This option is cheaper compared to hardware VPN concentrators, as there are no upfront or maintenance costs. You just have to pay for cloud services accessed over the internet, as the provider is responsible for maintaining and scaling the hardware infrastructure.  

• High Flexibility: Your geographical location doesn’t matter as far as the usage of cloud-based VPN services is concerned. A user can access it from anywhere around the world with optimal latency and privacy. 

• Enhanced Security: Users can take advantage of sharing data with confidentiality, due to high-end encryption ensured at both ends, namely, from the sender to the receiver. 

• Increased Bandwidth: Cloud gateways are known to improve the internet speed due to streamlined inner workings. 

• Centralised Control:  A user can control all its networks and related devices from one location, leading to centralisation of power and configuration ease. 

• Public Wi-Fi Protection: Before using a public Wi-Fi, connect to a VPN service first. And, it will make the connection secure to be used for all types of legitimate purposes. 

• Access to Geo-Restricted Content: Some resources on the internet might not be available to you just because of your current location. In that case, you can use a cloud VPN software to alter your location and get safe access to the materials, accessible only in particular companies. 

Additionally, such a software piece also provides the facility of data inspection that helps eliminate corrupted files or resources travelling through the encrypted tunnels, enhancing the level of safety and privacy. 

Also Read: Industrial Remote Access VPN: Secure Connectivity for Remote Operations

Pro Tip: Always choose a gateway that is closest to your location if you want the most optimal results. This helps ensure better latency.

Final Thoughts 

VPN gateways have proven to be a real blessing in an increasingly connected and globalised world. Data sharing and remote access are two major aspects of everyday business operations these days! And, with that, if connections aren’t secure, it will lead cyberattackers to take advantage of the compromised networks. 

Thus, for highly encrypted data routing facilities, always use VPN technology. For quick access, cloud-based services that can be accessed over the internet are the best.    

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