VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A secure network that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes. For example, there are a number of systems that enable creation of networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data. These systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.

A virtually private network that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes.

A network that connects one or more computers to a large network, such as a business network, using the Internet. A VPN is encrypted, so only authorized people have access to it. [Exchange 2007]

A private network that is configured within a public network in order to take advantage of the economies of scale and management facilities of large networks. VPNs are widely used by enterprises to create Wide Area Networks that span large geographic areas, to provide site-to-site connections to branch offices and to allow mobile users to dial up their company LANs.