What is a VPN?
A virtual private network, or VPN, is an encrypted tunnel between a device and a network, or between two networks. Anyone watching the connection along the way cannot read what passes through it.
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What it is
A VPN makes a distant device or office behave as if it were plugged into your own network. Businesses use it in two main ways:
- Remote access: a staff laptop connects from home or a hotel and reaches file shares and internal applications.
- Site-to-site: two offices are joined by a tunnel between their firewalls, so both share one private network.
This is different from the consumer "privacy VPN" services sold to individuals. Those send your browsing through the provider's servers to hide it from your internet provider or to change your apparent location. They do not connect you to your company's systems.
Why it matters to a business
- Fewer open ports: exposing remote desktop or camera systems to the internet invites constant attack. A VPN lets those stay closed.
- Controlled access: you decide who may connect and from which devices, and you can switch access off when someone leaves.
- Shared systems: several offices can use the same servers without one in every building.
- Limits: a VPN joins a device to the network, so a compromised laptop brings its problem inside. Pair the VPN with multi-factor sign-in and endpoint protection.
How KawaConnect works with VPNs
We set up site-to-site VPN between offices on OPNsense firewalls, and Tailscale remote access for staff with multi-factor sign-in. For camera systems, remote viewing goes through the VPN and no recorder port is opened to the internet.
Two technologies we explain separately are WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol, and Tailscale, a service built on it.
Related services
Network security
VPN, segmentation and access controls with someone watching.
Networking and firewalls
OPNsense pairs and VLANs for business sites.
CCTV and security cameras
Remote viewing through VPN, not open ports.
Learn more
- Virtual private network on WikipediaA broad overview of VPN types and uses, good for readers comparing business and consumer services.
- WireGuardThe project's own site, describing the protocol many modern VPNs use.
- Tailscale documentationHelp articles for teams who want to see how a mesh style VPN is set up.
Need staff or offices connected securely?
Tell us about your sites and who works remotely. We will outline a VPN plan.
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