A virtual private network (VPN) is a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization‘s network. A virtual private network can be contrasted with an expensive system of owned or leased lines that can only be used by one organization. The goal of a VPN is to provide the organization with the same capabilities, but at a much lower cost.

A site-to-site VPN connects two or more geographically separated offices using your existing Internet connections. A VPN-capable device is installed at each location, creating a secure encrypted “tunnel” to transmit private data across the public Internet.