Remote Office
Virtual Private Networks used for remote office access enable companies to provide connectivity for branch to branch access, or branch to headquarters access. VPNs also provide connectivity to the Internet, all through one connection, either a low cost ISDN or frame relay connection to a local Network Service Provider.
The benefits to a company is the ability to simplify and insure rapid connections of new branches and simplifies network design and consolidation costs by enabling the branches to access the corporate network and Internet from a single WAN interface. This resulting single connection is to the local Internet's Point of Presence, saving dollars in comparison to both long haul leased line services as well as multiple line connections.
The VPN options for remote office are either virtual leased lines (corporate branches create a secure VPN tunnel for branch office connectivity), or through managed network services (a Network Service Provider provides the remote office equipment, leased line, security, and the network management of these devices).