A VPN network connecting branches is a connection established between several networks, which can be within a corporate network that connects multiple offices or a branch network that connects a central office and several branches.
Branch VPN networks are beneficial for companies prioritizing private and secure traffic, particularly for organizations with multiple offices spread across vast geographical locations.
These companies often need access to resources hosted on the main network, which may include servers facilitating email or storing data. In some cases, the server may be the operational center for a critical business application.
Therefore, a VPN network connecting branches can provide complete access to the application as if it were within their physical premises.
Types of VPN Networks for Connecting Branches
1- Internal VPN Network for Connecting Branches
An internal network VPN connects more than one local area network (LAN) to form a wide area network (WAN). A company can use this type of connection to include a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), and virtual private networks based on internal networks are useful tools for securely integrating resources across multiple offices as if they were all in the same location.
A branch VPN network is especially beneficial if each site develops its own resources or hosts unique operations that benefit the entire company.
For example, if each office has continuously updated design plans for clients, a VPN network connecting branches would grant decision-makers at several offices secure access to all the products, regardless of their actual location.
2- External VPN Network for Connecting Branches
An external VPN is a type of virtual private network used by two or more companies to exchange information while keeping certain data confidential. Each company connects to its private VPN, providing a secure and encrypted connection.
Each company defines the information it wants to share with others, ensuring data protection. This facilitates collaboration between companies without worrying about the security of confidential information.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Implementing VPN Services for Connecting Branches?
Several factors need to be considered when deciding whether to implement VPN services for connecting branches.
In some cases, traditional IPsec protocols may be sufficient for communication between two or more locations. However, certain considerations may push a company to use VPN network connections instead:
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Number of Locations: The more locations there are, the greater the need for VPN network solutions to facilitate communication and resource sharing.
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Size of the Business: If the company is large and has many branches, using a VPN network becomes more important.
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Distance Between Locations: If locations are distant, VPN network provides a reliable and secure means of connection.
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Resources to Be Shared: If critical resources need to be accessed securely by all employees, branch VPN networks are the ideal solution.
A VPN for connecting branches is a good solution if your company consists of several locations where employees at each site need to share resources provided by the main offices.
For example, if you have a company based in Saudi Arabia with several branches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, with 15 to 20 employees at each site, and the company’s email system is hosted on a central server alongside a data server holding important information, using a VPN network for connecting branches would allow every employee to access the same resources.
The data would also be encrypted, ensuring its safety from potential attackers who might want to exploit it.
5 Key Elements of a VPN for Connecting Branches
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Tight Security
Your chosen VPN network should have strict security measures to protect data while connecting branches, and also while at each location. This requires proper identity verification, access management, and support for all security practices across each site’s IT teams.
Properly configured VPN gateways allow only data with the correct authentication to pass through. If the data is not authenticated, it is rejected, contributing to the network's protection in many cases.
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Ease of Use
Branch connections become easier and more effective when the VPN network is user-friendly. Employees at different locations can access the network through an internet browser or mobile devices, such as laptops or smartphones, simply and securely.
The company can manage and monitor the entire network from the central office regardless of the distance between branches. This means that security measures can be updated or new features can be added for all branches from one central location, making communication between branches simpler and more secure.
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Branch Connection Expansion
VPNs are known for their ability to expand networks securely and efficiently, making them a suitable choice for connecting multiple branches in large organizations.
You can add new locations or offices, or even other partners, to the VPN network in a few minutes without needing to install additional VPN software at each new site. This means you can expand the network quickly and at a low cost.
The VPN technology makes it easy for employees in connected offices to access central resources securely, as if they were at the same location. This flexibility is also useful if the company wants to relocate a branch office. The new connection can be set up quickly and without complication.
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Business Continuity
Business continuity is crucial for companies, especially in the event of natural disasters or infrastructure problems that might disrupt daily operations. It's essential to restore operations quickly to maintain business continuity and minimize the financial impact of downtime.
A VPN dedicated to connecting branches provides an ideal solution by enabling employees to access resources remotely, contributing to business continuity even if one of the offices goes down.
If a particular branch is affected by a disaster, employees can connect to the VPN to access resources from the main office and continue their work from remote locations or home. This type of branch connection reduces downtime and ensures business flexibility, improving business continuity during crises.
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Flexibility in Solution Deployment
VPN network technology enables companies to deploy new solutions widely across different devices at multiple locations.
This flexibility allows the company to determine which branches or sites will receive the solution first and which will follow, enabling resource distribution and support in stages, rather than overwhelming teams with everything at once.
This gradual deployment model is helpful for teams, allowing them to provide training and support in an organized manner, ensuring the new solution is used efficiently and maximally for branch connections.
How is a VPN Network for Connecting Branches Created Using the Internet?
To create a VPN network for connecting branches using the internet, you need a VPN gateway that secures the data moving back and forth and creates a tunnel between two networks. This requires three essential components:
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A primary network at one site
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A subnet at another site
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A tunnel with security gateways at both ends
To set up this tunnel, you need to create a VPN gateway at each location you want to connect. When the data enters the tunnel, it first encounters the first gateway, which encrypts the data. Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable format, which helps protect information from potential threats such as malware or unauthorized users.
When the data reaches its destination, it meets the second gateway, which decrypts it. This means the data becomes readable by the other network, and the data remains unreadable to any entity on the regular internet during this process because decryption can only occur through the second gateway.
Additionally, the gateway may include a network access server and secure access service (SASE), requiring users to enter credentials such as passwords before gaining access to the network. A firewall can also be used as an extra protection, acting as a barrier between the private network and the internet, determining the type of data traffic allowed through.
Conclusion
It is evident that connecting branches through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is a critical strategic step in enhancing security and operational efficiency for businesses.
Whether these branches are located in geographically dispersed areas or need to share specific resources, using VPN network technology offers a secure and reliable environment for communication and information exchange.
Investing in building a reliable and secure network is one of the key factors influencing business success. Therefore, companies must seriously consider implementing branch connection strategies to ensure their continuous growth and prosperity in an ever-changing work environment