Companies with locations spread across multiple sites often require secure communications between those sites. One option is to purchase multiple WAN connections to interconnect those sites. Sometimes, however, a more cost-effective option is to create secure connections through an untrusted network, such as the Internet. Such a secure tunnel is called a virtual private network (VPN). Depending on the VPN technology being used, the devices that terminate the ends of a VPN tunnel might be required to perform heavy processing. For example, consider a company headquarters location with VPN connections to each of 100 remote sites. The device at theh headquarters terminating these VPN tunnels might have to perform encryption and authentication for each tunnel resulting in a heavy processor burden on that device.
Although several router models can terminate a VPN circuit, a dedicated device, called a VPN headend, or VPN concentrator, can be used instead. A VPN headend device performs the processor-intensive process required to terminate multiple VPN tunnels. Figure 9-18 shows a sample VPN topology, with a VPN concentrator at each corporate location.
The term encryption refers to the capability of a device to scramble data from a sender in such a way that the data can be unscrambled by the receiver but not by any other party that might intercept the data. Because a VPN concentrator is able to encrypt data, it is considered to belong to a class of devices called encryption devices, which are devices (such as routers, firewalls, and VPN concentrators) capable of participating in an encryption session.
About The Author
Anthony Sequeira, CCIE No. 15626, is a Cisco Certified Systems Instructor (CCSI) and author regarding all levels and tracks of Cisco Certification. Anthony formally began his career in the information technology industry in 1994 with IBM in Tampa, Florida. He quickly formed his own computer consultancy, Computer Solutions, and then discovered his true passion-teaching and writing about Microsoft and Cisco technologies. Anthony joined Mastering Computers in 1996 and lectured to massive audiences around the world about the latest in computer technologies. Mastering Computers became the revolutionary online training company, KnowledgeNet, and Anthony trained there for many years. Anthony is currently pursuing his second CCIE in the area of Security and is a full-time instructor for the next-generation of KnowledgeNet, StormWind.com. Anthony is also a VMware Certified Professional.
CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide contains proven study features that allow you to succeed on the exam the first time. Expert instructor Anthony Sequeira shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills, essential for successful completion of the performance-based testing items on the exam. This complete, CompTIA-approved study package includes the following:
• A test-preparation routine proven to help you pass the exams
• Clearly defined chapter learning objectives covering all N10-008 exam topics
• Chapter-ending review questions and exam preparation exercises, which help you drill on key concepts you must know thoroughly
• The powerful Pearson Test Prep practice test software, complete with hundreds of well-reviewed, exam-realistic questions, customization options, and detailed performance reports
• 40 performance-based exercises to help you prepare for the hands-on exam questions
• A free copy of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Simulator Lite software, complete with meaningful lab exercises that enhance your hands-on skills
• More than 60 minutes of video mentoring
• A final preparation chapter that guides you through tools and resources to help you craft your review and test taking strategies
• An Exam Essentials appendix that quickly recaps all major chapter topics for easy reference, both in print and interactive digital format
• A key terms Glossary in both print and on the companion website, which acts as an interactive flash-card application
• Study plan suggestions and templates to help you organize and optimize your study time
• A 10% exam discount voucher (a $33+ value!)
Well regarded for its level of detail, study plans, assessment features, challenging review questions and exercises, video instruction, and hands-on labs, this approved study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that ensure your exam success.
Master the topics on the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam, including:
• Network topologies and media types
• IP addressing
• Network services
• Data center architectures and cloud concepts
• Routing, Ethernet switching, and wireless networking
• Network availability and disaster recovery
• Network security
• Remote access
• Network troubleshooting
Learn more about the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide at amazon.com
More Networking Topologies Articles:
• MPO Connector, MTP Connector, What's the Difference?
• Routing Technologies, Bandwidth Management and Traffic Shaping
• What is an Ethernet Switch?
• What Are Fiber Optic Isolators?
• Six Things You Must Know About Fiber Optic Cable Materials
• Network Topologies
• Network Storage Server Options
• Access Points and Wireless LAN Controller
• Bluetooth Basics
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Operation