Site-to-Site VPNs: Securely Connecting Networks Across Locations
What is a Site-to-Site VPN?
A site-to-site VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection between entire networks at different physical locations. Think of it as a digital bridge enabling seamless communication and resource sharing across separate sites.
Common Use Cases for Site-to-Site VPNs
Connecting Branch Offices: Businesses with multiple locations use site-to-site VPNs to link their offices, creating a unified, secure network.
Extranets: For collaborating with partners, suppliers, or clients, site-to-site VPNs provide controlled access to specific resources while maintaining overall network security.
Cloud Connectivity: Integrate on-premises data centers with cloud resources using site-to-site VPNs offered by some cloud providers.
Benefits of Site-to-Site VPNs
Enhanced Security: Data transmitted between sites is protected by strong encryption, reducing security risks in transit.
Unified Network: Creates a single, extended network allowing devices on geographically distinct sites to communicate as if they were on the same local network.
Traditional site-to-site VPNs can sometimes rely on a "hub-and-spoke" architecture, potentially leading to latency or bandwidth bottlenecks. Overlay cloud networks alleviate these issues. Consider an overlay network solution for large, complex networks where flexibility and low-latency direct connections are paramount.
Related Article
To address connectivity needs for individual remote users, check out our article on Remote Access VPNs.