Full form: Virtual Private Network
Also known as: Virtual Private Network
Quick Definition
An encrypted tunnel over a public network that provides secure connectivity.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel across an untrusted network (typically the Internet) to provide secure, private communication. VPNs can connect two sites (site-to-site) or allow remote users to access corporate resources (remote access). VPN protocols include IPsec (for site-to-site and remote access), SSL/TLS (for clientless web VPN and AnyConnect), and GRE (unencrypted tunnelling, combined with IPsec for security).
GRE tunnels alone are NOT encrypted — they just encapsulate packets. IPsec provides encryption. GRE over IPsec combines tunnelling with security. The CCNA focuses on site-to-site IPsec VPN and concepts.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel across an untrusted network (typically the Internet) to provide secure, private communication. VPNs can connect two sites (site-to-site) or allow remote users to access corporate resources (remote access). VPN protocols include IPsec (for site-to-site and remote access), SSL/TLS (for clientless web VPN and AnyConnect), and GRE (unencrypted tunnelling, combined with IPsec for security).
GRE tunnels alone are NOT encrypted — they just encapsulate packets. IPsec provides encryption. GRE over IPsec combines tunnelling with security. The CCNA focuses on site-to-site IPsec VPN and concepts.
VPN falls under the WAN domain of the 200-301 exam. Understanding it in context with related terms like ipsec and site-to-site-vpn is essential for answering scenario-based questions correctly.