Implement Virtual Private Networks

Those considering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a way of linking geographically separate installations should check out Implementing Virtual Private Networks. This book takes a close look at VPN suitability and constructing a VPN network and presents various off-the-shelf solutions.

VPNs remain poorly understood, so the first order of business is an explanation of what VPNs do and how they do it, with some emphasis on the economic pros and cons of choosing a VPN over other networking solutions. Brown documents several VPN architectures (routers, firewalls, and remote-access arrangements), details Network Address Translation (NAT) and its relationship with Internet routing schemes, and explores security issues.

The book covers cryptography, encryption, the Remote Access Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), and other VPN safety measures. Brown provides information on several commercial VPN and extranet solutions, including products from Aventail, Compatible Systems, Nortel Networks, RadGuard, VPNet, and others. --David Wall