This document provides information about virtual private networks (VPNs). It discusses that VPNs create encrypted connections over less secure networks like the internet. There are two main types of VPNs: remote access VPNs that allow users to securely connect to private networks, and site-to-site VPNs that connect networks of geographically separate offices. Common VPN protocols include IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP. VPNs provide benefits such as security, remote access, file sharing, anonymity and bypassing filters. However, VPNs can also cause performance issues, legality concerns if content is censored, and loss of privacy if providers track activity. Popular VPN services used in India include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Private
2. ABOUT VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that
creates a safe and encrypted connection over a less
secure network, such as the internet. VPN technology
was developed as a way to allow remote users and
branch offices to securely access corporate applications
and other resources. To ensure safety, data travels
through secure tunnels and VPN users must use
authentication methods -- including passwords,
tokens and other unique identification methods -- to
gain access to the VPN.
3. TYPES OF VPN
There are two basic types of VPN-
Remote Access VPN- It allows a user to connect to a private
network and avail its services and resources securely. The
connection between the user and the private network
happens through the internet and the connection is secure
and private. It is useful for business as well as home users.
Site to Site VPN- It is also called as router-to-router VPN
and is mostly used in corporate businesses. Companies,
located at different geographical locations connect to the
network of one office location to the network of another
4. office location. When networks of the multiple
offices of the same company are connected using
site-to-site VPN, it is called as intranet based VPN.
When companies use site-to-site VPN to connect to
the office of different company, it is called as
extranet based VPN. Basically, a site-to-site VPN
creates a virtual bridge between the networks at
geographically distant offices and connects them
through the internet and maintain a secure and
private communication between the networks.
5. TYPES OF VPN PROTOCOLS
Internet Protocol Security or IPSec- Internet Protocol
Security or IPSec is used to secure Internet communication
across an IP network. IPSec secures Internet Protocol
communication by authenticating the session and encrypts
each data packet during the connection.
IPSec operates in two modes, Transport mode and
Tunneling mode, to protect data transfer between two
different networks. The transport mode encrypts the
message in the data packet and the tunneling mode
encrypts the entire data packet. IPSec can also be used with
other security protocols to enhance the security system.
6. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP):L2TP or Layer 2
Tunneling Protocol is a tunneling protocol that is usually
combined with another VPN security protocol like IPSec to
create a highly secure VPN connection. L2TP creates a
tunnel between two L2TP connection points and IPSec
protocol encrypts the data and handles secure
communication between the tunnel.
Point – to – Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP): PPTP or
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol creates a tunnel and
encapsulates the data packet. It uses a Point-to-Point
Protocol (PPP) to encrypt the data between the
connection. PPTP is one of the most widely used VPN
protocol and has been in use since the time of Windows 95.
Apart from Windows, PPTP is also supported on Mac and
Linux.
7. ADVANTAGES OF VPN
• Enriched Security- When you connect to a network like
the VPN, the data is kept secured and encrypted. In this
way, the information is kept away from the hacker’s eyes.
• Remote Control- In case of a company, the advantage of
having a VPN is that the information can be accessed even
from home or any other place. That’s why VPN can increase
productivity within a company.
• Share files- A VPN service can be used if you have a
8. group that needs to share data for an extended period.
• Online Anonymity- Through a VPN you can browse the web
in complete anonymity. Compared to hide IP software or web
proxies, the advantage of a VPN service is that it allows access
to both web applications and websites in complete
anonymity.
• Unblock websites and bypass filters- VPNs are great for
accessing blocked websites or for bypassing internet filters.
That is why there is an increased number of VPN services
used in countries where internet censorship is applied.
9. Change IP address- If you need an IP address from
another country, the VPN can provide it.
Better performance- Bandwidth and efficiency of the
network can generally be increased once a VPN solution
is implemented.
Reduce Costs- Once a VPN network is created, the
maintenance cost is very low. More than that, if you opt
for a service provider, the network setup and surveillance
is no more a concern.
10.
11. DISADVANTAGES OF VPN
Performance Issues- If you are using a VPN service, it may
create a problem while taking to the website one wants to get
access. The VPN service connects the user to a private
network. Some Virtual Private Networks might take a longer
time to load the website which is to be accessed. This is the
most common disadvantage which may be seen in using a
VPN service.
Matter of legality- The use of Virtual Private Networks
(VPNs) may not be legal in a country. Local organizations
and companies may face the problems of censorship to a
particular website. This is mainly due to the absence of direct
control over the Internet while
12. Using a VPN. So a reliability of a VPN comes under
question. However, it is not illegal in India as there is not
any specific law regarding VPN.
VPN might intrude in one’s online activity and use his
data- Some VPN providers might ask for data in exchange
of service. There is no complete protection of your online
browsing as it can be tracked by the VPN service providers.
Even though a VPN can hide the real IP address and
remove internet restrictions, but there is no security of
one’s online browsing. So the care must be taken while
using a free or a low cost VPN.
13. Difficulty in its Set-Up:- It might not be very difficult for
Individual users to use a VPN service which can simply
be achieved by downloading it in the form of any app or
software. But companies may find it difficult to set-up a
virtual private network over their premises which may ,
in result, bring complexity to their network connections
and affect each device used in the companies.
Add more costs- VPN is a premium service which is not
available free. If one wants to use a VPN router, he will
also need an additional router hardware with it. There
are a lot of private connections but they are generally not
reliable and have lots of limitations.
14. VPNs in India
How does an Indian VPN work?
If you are living in India and plan to travel to any part of
the world, you can connect back to your home
network. You can connect back to home with your
family and friends. This means that if you are an
Indian living in any part of the world, can securely and
privately get access to internet. Some of the frequently
used VPNs in India are-
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
15. PrivateVPN
IPVanish
ProtonVPN
The above mentioned VPNs in India provide more
than a thousand servers and locations with respective
average speeds, allow torrents and number of
connections at the same time with supported systems
like MacOS, Windows, Android, iOs and windows
Phone. So VPNs
16. Case Law
Internet Service Providers vs. UOI (2005):-
" We observed that though VPN is being defined and discussed by
both the parties, on access through Internet as well as on direct
leased line. The Respondent mentioned that the VPN provided
on direct leased line by ISPs is not allowed. This stand of the
DOT we accept because by basic definition of ISP, it has to be
only Internet based activity. License of ISP permits them the
activity concerned with access of Internet and use of its content
for IT enabled services. As rightly contended by DOT, VPN was
not allowed as a part of ISP license, it is fair for us, therefore, to
hold that it becomes a separate service. The quantum of entry fee
and revenue share to be charged for a separate service from the
service provider would require the recommendations of TRAI as
per Sec 11 (1)(a)(i)(ii) of TRAI Act.”
