Site to Site VPN vs Remote Access VPN

As the trend for remote work grows, accessing company resources from anywhere is a must. And for businesses with multiple locations, smooth network communication is key. That's where VPNs come in.

This blog discusses Remote Access VPNs and Site-to-Site VPNs. It will cover what they do, how they work, and the best ways to set them up. Let’s explore how to make smart choices about your network security.

What is a Remote Access VPN?

A remote access VPN links individual users to specific host networks temporarily, typically used by remote employees accessing files in a central hub. To establish this connection, each accessed host must have compatible VPN software configured in a remote access setup.

When data travels from the user's computer, the VPN software encrypts it before sending it over the internet. Upon reaching its destination, the data is decrypted. This encryption-decryption cycle repeats throughout the session, ensuring secure remote access.

Remote access VPNs effectively simulate users' presence within the company's LAN, even when they're off-site. Authentication for remote access VPNs typically requires either a NAS (Network Access Server) or VPN gateway to ensure only authorized connections are allowed.

Beyond business applications, a similar setup is common in consumer VPN products. These services offer anonymized public gateways worldwide for a subscription fee, providing users with secure access to the internet through their infrastructure.

What is a Site to Site VPN?

Site-to-site VPNs establish encrypted connections between two networks, such as multiple offices or a central hub and branch offices. Picture it as linking two LANs over the internet, merging them into one broader network (which you could consider a WAN). 

This setup, known as site-to-site VPN, is handy for businesses with various in-house resources. For example, one office might host an email server while another stores critical data. With site-to-site VPNs, each branch can access these resources securely, without relying on external providers.

There are two main types of site-to-site connections: intranet-based and extranet-based.

• Intranet-based site-to-site connections merge company LANs securely, making it seem like all devices are in one physical location, even if they're miles apart. This setup is perfect for organizations where different departments need access to specific resources. 
  For instance, imagine one department creating blueprints, another manufacturing products, and others handling marketing and sales. Each department can securely access its data, facilitating coordination.
• On the other hand, extranet-based site-to-site VPNs share only selected resources while keeping others private. Each site decides which resources to share with specific branches. 
  This setup is ideal for collaborating with contractors or clients, allowing selective data sharing while protecting sensitive client information.

So, whether you're coordinating internal operations or collaborating externally, site-to-site VPNs offer secure connectivity tailored to your business needs.

Differences Between Remote Access VPN Vs. Site-to-Site VPN

Here are the main differences between Site-to-Site VPNs and Remote Access VPNs:

Advantages of Using a Remote Access VPN & Site to Site VPN

Here are the advantages of using both Remote Access VPNs and Site-to-Site VPNs:

Advantages of Remote Access VPN:

Remote Connectivity: Allows employees to securely access company resources from anywhere, promoting flexibility and productivity.

User Authentication: Ensures only authorized users can access the network, enhancing security.

Simplified Setup: Typically easier to set up compared to Site-to-Site VPNs, making them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.

Scalability: Can easily accommodate a growing number of remote users without significant infrastructure changes.

Cost-Effective: Often more cost-effective for organizations with dispersed workforce compared to establishing dedicated site-to-site connections.

Advantages of Site-to-Site VPN:

Network Integration: Seamlessly integrates multiple office locations into a single network, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.

Enhanced Security: Provides a secure and encrypted connection between networks, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.

Centralized Management: Simplifies network management by centralizing security policies and configurations.

Consistent Access: Ensures consistent access to shared resources across all connected sites, regardless of physical location.

Cost Efficiency: This can be more cost-effective for larger organizations with multiple locations compared to maintaining separate connections for each site.

Choosing Between Site to Site and Remote Access VPN

Remote Access VPNs are perfect for remote workers needing secure access to company resources from any location. They offer flexibility and security through secure logins and traffic encryption. 

On the other hand, Site-to-Site VPNs are best for connecting multiple office locations into a centralized network for seamless communication and resource sharing. They work well when employees share a lot of data locally.

How Does PureDome Help You?

With increasing data breaches every day, additional reassurance is crucial. That's where PureDome  comes in. The solution offers a complete security package, combining elements of both site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN. Moreover, it incorporates Zero Trust policy segmentation, mitigating further risks associated with remote connections.