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What's a VPN?

What's a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) connects far-flung locations together to provide private and secure communications and data transfer over a public network (usually the Internet) instead of using much more expensive dedicated connections such as a “leased lines” or specially installed cables or microwave radio systems.

A VPN uses “virtual” connections through the Internet from a company's private network to a distant office or employee’s home or data gathering site. With a VPN, employees who are many miles apart can work together as if they were under the same roof.

A VPN provides privacy through security procedures and tunneling protocols. Encrypted data passes through a “tunnel” that cannot be “entered” by data that is not properly encrypted, making the tunnel function as a private pathway.

Calls using a VPN often sound beter than calls merely passed through the Internet, and are less likely to be dropped.

Panasonic strongly recommends that a VPN be used with their IP systems, and will NOT provide tech support for off-premises phones that are not using a VPN.

VPN service is may be available from the company that presently provides your broadband Internet service. There are also many VPN specialists ranging from small local operations to AT&T.