A remote access VPN is an essential tool for securely accessing resources from companies, schools, or other public organizations remotely. It helps to encrypt and redirect your traffic, allowing you to safely access company files while away from the office.
However, how does it work and how does it differ from other types of VPNs? Keep reading to learn more details about this type of VPN.
What Is Remote Access VPN and How Does It Work?
Typically, some companies configure a local area network (LAN) for sharing resources among devices, including printers, computers, and other equipment. In this setup, devices only need to connect to the same LAN to share resources.
However, employees may work remotely due to situations like the pandemic or business trips. In such cases, they can access resources on company devices by downloading a remote VPN and obtaining the company’s authorization.
The function of this VPN is to route your traffic into the LAN, making your device appear as if it is on the same network as those devices. Additionally, during the traffic transmission, the VPN provides encryption to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
Benefits of Remote Access VPN
Firstly, a VPN for remote access can reroute your traffic to the company’s local area network, allowing you to access specific resources on company devices. This is very helpful for secure remote work, and accessing school documents, or other materials.
You might say that files and information can also be transferred through various messaging apps or cloud platforms, so why is an additional VPN needed for remote access?
In fact, a VPN for remote access can encrypt your traffic. Like a typical VPN, a remote VPN can establish an encrypted tunnel between your network and other networks, allowing your traffic to pass through securely. It’s akin to copying files onto an empty USB drive and then delivering it safely to your hands.
Transferring important company resources through chat software or cloud storage can easily be intercepted by others. As you know, for an average person, their information is essentially fully exposed to internet service providers or website servers.
Lastly, this type of VPN enhances centralized management, allowing you to effortlessly access company-authorized resources. You don’t need to have someone send you files one by one; you can access everything yourself.
How to Set Up Remote Access VPN
To set up a remote VPN, you’ll need two essential things first.
First, download a VPN to access the remote. If you want to connect to the LAN of the company, download the VPN software that your company asks for. However, if it is for personal use, try a reliable VPN provider with a remote access function.
Second, gain the credentials or authentication of your company or school. You’ll need to ask the company or school for a VPN server address, username, password, or other settings files.
Once the two things are prepared, you can start the setup process. Here is the general remote VPN setup on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Windows
Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
Step 2. Click “VPN” from the left menu.
Step 3. Click “Add VPN Connection”.
Step 4. Then, enter the VPN provider, credentials, connection name, server address, and other information. Last, turn on the VPN. Now, the remote access VPN is set up on your PC.
macOS
Step 1. Go to Preferences > Network.
Step 2. Click the “+” button in the bottom left.
Step 3. Select “VPN” as the port.
Step 4. Enter the VPN type and name.
Step 5. Then, enter the server address, remote ID, and other credentials.
Step 6. Then, turn on the VPN to complete the setup of the VPN for remote use.
iOS
Step 1. Go to Settings > General > VPN.
Step 2. Select “Add VPN Configuration”.
Step 3. Enter the VPN type, server, password, and other credentials.
Step 4. Go to the VPN app and switch it on.
Android
Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Connections.
Step 2. Tap “VPN”
Step 3. Tap “Add” or “+”
Step 4. Enter the VPN provider name, server address, and login information.
Step 5. Select the VPN and connect to it.
Differences Between a Personal VPN and a Remote Access VPN
Since remote access VPNs are primarily used to access resources at specific locations, they involve a local area network (LAN) and cover nodes at a particular site. Additionally, accessing resources from a company, school, or other organization requires obtaining access permissions.
On the other hand, a personal VPN covers more server nodes and accesses resources across the entire internet but cannot access private resources that require permissions. Therefore, if you just want to access geo-restricted content, using a personal VPN is recommended.
For example, LightningX VPN employs high encryption algorithms and robust VPN protocols to ensure you leave no trace while browsing the internet. Moreover, LightningX VPN provides over 2,000 nodes in more than 50 countries, allowing you to enjoy internet resources freely.
What’s more, LightningX VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Android TV. It now offers a one-day free trial for you to test it out.
Remote Access VPN vs Site-to-Site VPN
The biggest difference between VPN for remote access and site-to-site VPN lies in their intended users. A company will install a VPN client or software for remote access on employees’ computers. If one day an employee is on a business trip or working from home, they can use this VPN client or software to access company resources.
On the other hand, a site-to-site VPN is used for resource sharing between groups located in different physical locations, such as a parent company and its subsidiary. This type of VPN does not need to be individually installed on employees’ computers; instead, it is configured on routers for use by the entire company.
According to their intended use, site-to-site VPNs handle large volumes of traffic over long durations, thus requiring higher performance. In contrast, remote access VPNs typically redirect individual traffic, which generally demands lower performance. However, both types of VPNs are used to encrypt and redirect traffic to access specific resources.
Conclusion
A VPN for remote use is a powerful tool for accessing specific resources from far away. It is used by companies, schools, or other public organizations. Also, you can use it to access files on your home computer when you’re traveling. However, if you just want to unlock geo-restrictions, try LightningX VPN, an excellent VPN tool.
