Virtual Private Networks

Virtual Private Networks using FireWall-1's encryption are a less expensive alternative to private line networks over a long distance. Here's how it works:

At each end of the network, FireWall-1 is installed with encryption enabled. All network data that leaves the firewall is encrypted at one end and deciphered at the other. If network traffic is intercepted, the encryption makes it extremely difficult and time consuming to decipher without the appropriate key. The encrypted connection then makes a Virtual Private Network.

Each firewall on the VPN is connected via the Internet. Connecting via the Internet lowers the monthly cost of a VPN and adds a level of redundancy not available on a single leased line. In fact, it is usually the low monthly cost that convinces our clients to use a VPN instead of a private line connection.



Below are a few figures that we gathered to demonstrate the financial
advantages of a VPN. These figures show the costs for setting up the
services listed between Kansas City, MO and Houston, TX with a 250 user network on one side and a 50 user network on the other.

Beyond the obvious financial advantages, the biggest difference between a VPN and a private line comes to the surface when you want to expand your network. With a VPN already in place, your initial setup costs include only one side, or about half, of the estimated cost listed above. Although a private line still costs less to setup, the annual costs are about double because an additional line must be run between an existing site and the new site. With three sites networked together, you can expect an estimated annual cost of $155,000.00 for the two private T1's, $64044.80 for two direct Frame Relay connections or an estimated annual cost of $27,000.00 for a VPN.

In addition to it's ability to make expansion easy and feasible, a VPN has the following benefits: 

• No need for additional connection to the Internet Remote clients can connect to Host from anywhere through the Internet. 
• Will not incur any Long Distance Charges Provides a completely Secure encrypted transport
• Provides Firewall Services at each end
• Ability to log all traffic entering and leaving the Firewall
• More redundancy than a single leased line
• Ability to reduce cost with different speed connection at each end
  

If you are seriously interested in a VPN, give us a call and we will give you some quotes that fit your particular situation.

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