What Is a VPN Router?
A VPN router is a router equipped with VPN (Virtual Private Network) functionality.
VPN is a function that sets up a virtual private line on the internet to create a dedicated network that only certain people can use. People who want to connect to the VPN router install a VPN router to access the VPN.
A VPN connection provides enhanced security and secure communication. For this reason, it has rapidly penetrated society along with the demand for remote work. On the other hand, it is also important to have the right knowledge and be prepared for the risk of information leakage; some companies that have introduced VPNs assign dedicated technicians to manage the communication status.
Uses of VPN Routers
VPN routers are mainly deployed by companies to access data at their headquarters from remote locations such as regional branches or homes. Since it is like being connected to a common LAN, files can be shared and worked on.
Encryption, which is an essential security measure, is all handled by the dedicated VPN routers, so there is no significant burden on the individual. In addition, because it uses the existing Internet, the installation cost is low, and demand for VPN routers are increasing among companies that promote remote work.
Principle of VPN Routers
The basic principles of VPN routers are tunneling and encryption plus authentication. It is also the most important item in terms of preventing information leakage.
Tunneling refers to the process of encapsulation and sending this encapsulated data. Encapsulation makes the data unreadable by simple capture, but this alone is not sufficient security.
There are several types of encryption techniques, and there is still active development of secure and functionally superior methods and software. The following are examples of encryption technologies.
1. IPsec VPN
Encryption and authentication are performed at the network layer. While highly secure, it is necessary to consider compatibility with firewalls.
2. SSL VPN
Encryption and authentication are performed at the session layer (SSL encryption). This is often used when deploying remote work but is slightly less secure than other methods.
3. L2VPN
SSL encryption and authentication are performed, and communication is encapsulated in the data link layer. It can be installed at a low cost and is suitable for Windows OS.
In addition to the above, port forwarding and other methods to overcome the compatibility with firewalls are emerging. Furthermore, two-step authentication (sending a security code to an e-mail after entering an ID/password) can be introduced to significantly reduce risk.
Other Information on VPN Routers
1. How to Set Up VPN Routers
In order to use VPN routers to establish a VPN connection, it must be configured in advance. VPN routers that is not properly configured can become a security hole and cause unauthorized access.
Configure the type of encryption to be used for the VPN.
Generally, select from IPsec and PPTP. For home use, the open source OpenVPN is another option. For commercial use, IPsec with a high level of security is preferred. In addition, for IPsec, set a pre-shared key string of at least 32 characters.
Set up users who can connect to the VPN.
Register user names and passwords for the number of people to be allowed access. If necessary, consider more complex authentication methods such as matrix authentication or two-factor authentication.
Perform a connection test
Once the VPN routers are configured, the client needs to test the connection. At this time, you will need to register the IP address or server name of the router. Once you have confirmed that you can successfully access the VPN routers, the setup is complete.
2. Price of VPN Routers
VPN routers are available in a variety of products depending on their specifications. Prices vary depending on the full range of security features and the number of protocols supported.
The price range for VPN routers for home use can be several hundred dollars. For office use, the price can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
For routers for large-scale VPN networks used in data centers, the main price range can approach $5,000-$10,000. Such VPN routers are designed to a higher specification, with a larger communication bandwidth than cheaper products.