A virtual private network, or VPN, is a technology that creates a secure connection over a less-secure network. A VPN enables users to connect to a private network across the internet as if they were on the same local area network.
This technology is often used in combination with other kinds of networks to create even more complex connections.
VPNs can be used in many different ways. They can provide privacy and security by encrypting all data transferred over the internet and hiding your location from those who may want to monitor your activity.
They can also be used to connect remote users or provide connectivity for those who aren't physically on the same network, such as for companies that have a global presence. University VPNs are designed primarily to allow students and staff from the university's main campus access to university servers and services when they are away from the campus.
University VPNs will generally use a service provider in the same country as the main campus of that university. The VPN will be configured so that it routes all traffic through the university's network and will be configured to handle large amounts of traffic.
It is common for university VPNs to handle a peak traffic load of over 60 Mbit/s, which is more than ten times the typical VPN traffic load. Campus VPN services are typically purchased with the intent that they are primarily used by staff and students on the campus that they serve.
The campus typically sets up its own networking equipment to provide routing between campuses, providing a segmented private network that only staff and students from that organisation have access to.
Campus VPNs are commonly configured to handle a peak traffic load of over 40 Mbit/s, which is more than three times the typical VPN traffic load.
University VPNs also provide connectivity for external users who use the university's network remotely, such as faculty and companies that have offices near the campus.
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