Virtual Private Network (VPN)

What is a VPN?

Basically, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private network that uses a public network (usually the Internet) to connect remote sites or users together. VPN provides you access to campus services that are restricted from off-campus.  

Why you need a VPN? 

Occasionally you will find you cannot connect to VT network for some services such as the Exchange server when using Outlook off-campus, either at home or when traveling. This is because the local network provider which you use to connect to the internet restricts or blocks certain ports when you connect to the internet. VPN solves this problem. It creates a tunnel which bypasses those restrictions and allows you to remotely access to restricted on-campus services from off-campus. VPN can also provide encryption which provides a more secure connection to VT network.
 

More Information

How Virtual Private Networks Work?
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/vpn.htm

CNS’s Information on Configuring a connection to the Virginia Tech VPN
http://www.computing.vt.edu/internet_and_web/internet_access/vpn.html