Remote access VPN: What it is and how it works

A remote access VPN allows users to connect to a private network over the internet and is primarily used to access a company’s internal network, including company files, databases, and internal tools. With a remote VPN, users can establish an encrypted connection from anywhere, rather than being physically in an office or an organization’s internal network.

Remote VPNs are widely used across many organizations because they encrypt users’ connections, protecting sensitive data from interception. Additionally, auch VPNs help maintain secure communication between the user and the corporate network.

In this guide, I’ll explain in detail what is a remote access VPN, how and where it is used, and the differences between a remote access VPN and a site-to-site VPN.

What is a remote access VPN?

A remote access VPN is a type of virtual private network that allows individual users to securely connect to a private network, such as a company network, over the internet. The VPN encrypts the connection between the user’s device and the organization’s network. Remote access VPNs are mostly used as enterprise tools rather than for individual use.

The main use case for a remote VPN is giving remote employees access to internal resources, such as company files, databases, servers, and business applications. Because a VPN establishes an encrypted, authenticated connection, the user can access and interact with otherwise-restricted resources securely, even when connecting from public or home networks.

How remote access VPN works

A remote access VPN connection uses a secure protocol that is straightforward and easy for users. First, the user has to launch the remote access VPN app on their device, such as a laptop, desktop, or smartphone. Then, the client authenticates the user with login credentials or other authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication, approved by their organization.

Once the user is authenticated, the VPN establishes an encrypted connection between the user’s device and the company’s network gateway. Because all traffic now passes through this encrypted tunnel, it becomes nearly impossible for unauthorized parties to view or alter the data being transmitted.

After the connection is established, the authorized user can access internal systems, files, and applications as if they were on-site and connected directly to the office network.

Remote access VPN vs site-to-site VPN

The key difference between a remote access VPN vs site-to-site VPN is that a remote access VPN connects individual users to a private network, while a site-to-site VPN connects entire networks to each other. In short:

• A remote access VPN connects individual users to a private network, such as a company’s network.
• Site-to-site VPN connects entire networks, such as multiple office locations.

A remote access VPN allows employees or other verified users working remotely to securely connect to a company network using their own devices. As the remote access VPN encrypts and authenticates the connection, users can access internal systems from anywhere.

On the other hand, a site-to-site VPN connects entire networks rather than individual users. Typically, a site-to-site VPN is used to connect multiple office locations via secure tunnels. This allows employees across organizational branches to communicate and share resources within a single network.

Common remote access VPN protocols

In a nutshell, VPN tunneling protocols define how data is encrypted and then transmitted through the VPN tunnel. Although there are numerous VPN protocols, the most often used are these three:

• WireGuard. A widely-used, modern VPN protocol favored for its high speeds, strong encryption, and a relatively simple codebase. However, in some cases, WireGuard may require additional configuration to improve privacy, which is not a concern for the end user.
• OpenVPN. A still a very commonly used open-source VPN tunneling protocol known for strong security and flexibility across different platforms and network environments. However, compared to WireGuard, OpenVPN tends to be slower due to heavier encryption and a more complex codebase.
• IKEv/IPsec. Unlike a single tunneling protocol, this combines two, providing robust encryption and excellent connection stability, especially on mobile devices that frequently switch networks. IKEv2/IPsec's downside is its flexibility, which can make it relatively easy for network administrators to block.

Ultimately, the choice of protocol affects connection speeds, reliability, and overall security of the established connection. That said, users typically cannot choose their tunneling protocol, as it is usually configured by the organization’s IT administrators.

Advantages of a remote access VPN

The biggest advantage of remote access VPNs is that they provide organizations with a secure way to connect remote employees to internal systems and resources. Ultimately, a remote access VPN helps companies support off-site employees by providing secure network access while protecting sensitive data.

Here’s a broader look at remote access VPN advantages:

• Secure remote connectivity. Employees can safely access internal systems, files, and applications from any location while maintaining an encrypted connection to the company network.
• Data protection. Due to the encrypted VPN tunnel, sensitive company data is protected from interception. This is especially beneficial when connecting from public or home networks.
• Team distribution support. A remote access VPN allows users to access a company’s network from virtually anywhere, and it enables organizations to employ off-site workers without requiring them to be physically in the office to access resources.
• Reduced infrastructure dependency. Remote access VPNs greatly reduce the need for employees to work on-site, so organizations do not need to maintain extensive office space.

To summarize, remote access VPNs are highly beneficial to organizations, enabling them to maintain operational continuity even when employees work outside office environments and physical company networks. Additionally, such VPNs are also great for enhancing the privacy and security of sensitive data.

Security risks and limitations

Remote access VPNs are not completely risk-free. Weak passwords, outdated VPN software, or poor network configuration can expose systems to potential threats even if the VPN is in use.

For this reason, it is not only advised but also essential to combine VPN access with additional security measures. In addition to remote access VPNs, organizations might also use multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint security checks, network monitoring, and strict access controls. When combined, these measures can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to internal networks, data, files, and applications.

When companies use remote access VPNs

There are several scenarios in which companies use remote access VPNs, but the most common is to support employees who work remotely or travel. Remote access VPN connections also allow IT administrators to safely manage servers and internal systems outside the office network.

Another use of remote access VPNs by companies is to enable secure access to internal databases, collaboration platforms, and applications. In simple terms, the network is configured so that access to the databases is allowed only when connected to the remote access VPN. Ultimately, it increases security and privacy of the connection, making the network overall safer to use.

Conclusion

A remote access VPN provides a secure way for users to connect to private networks over the internet, regardless of their location. Such VPNs create encrypted tunnels and authenticate users, enabling employees and administrators to securely access internal systems from off-site locations.

Ultimately, when a remote access VPN is properly configured and used in conjunction with robust security practices, such as multi-factor authentication and regular software updates, it provides secure, private access to an organization’s network and resources from anywhere.