Site to site VPN is a sort of VPN connection that is established between two different locations. It enables the linking of separate places or networks, generally over the public Internet or a WAN connection.
The primary goal of a site to site VPN is to enable secure access to critical assets and network resources, including internal customer and sales systems, SaaS apps, and local file storage, for employees who access them from several devices and potentially risky Wi-Fi connections.
How does it work?
You’re out in the open when you access the internet using a typical wired or wireless connection through a router. This isn’t an issue in and of itself, but there are a lot of safeguards that aren’t in place.
VPNs were created to help organizations secure themselves, and they still do so today. They accomplish this by forming a “tunnel” between two networks. These tunnels move from one place to another via a site to site VPN, and only users connected to the network can view the data being transported. At each site, the VPN employs gateways that encrypt all traffic passing through.
When inbound traffic is received, it is encrypted and data packets are delivered to the destination host, for example, an employee receiving confidential client information. Since the data is impermeable and the tunnel is unreachable, hackers and other cybercriminals are kept out, and any other possible bad actors are unable to use it.
Advantages of site to site VPN
Security
The most essential feature of a site to site VPN is security, as IPsec protocols ensure that all activity is encrypted while traveling via the VPN tunnel. The site to site VPN tunnel only permits traffic to go from one end to the other, preventing any attempts from the outside to intercept it.
Simple scalability
A major advantage of a site to site VPN over a standard VPN is its scalability. A site to site VPN just requires a VPN gateway at each location, rather than ensuring that each employee device is running VPN client software. This makes it simple to add a new site or office branch to the network, as well as relocate a remote office or site.
Low latency and flexible deployment
With site to site VPN, any deployment can be identified. You have the option of skipping a department or adding a new one to deploy. This option gives you a lot of control over your management. Additionally, if a company wants better performance, a site to site VPN can be set up to reduce latency by routing traffic through a VPN provider’s infrastructure rather than the public internet.
Continuity of operations
When you use site to site VPN, you don’t have to shut down the entire organization in the event of a crisis or emergency. You can grant or deny access to LANs as needed. As a result, business continuity can be ensured by disconnecting the afflicted LAN and making a new one.
More control
A site to site VPN allows a company more control over its operations. Certain network resources are frequently only accessible while a user is physically present in the workplace or at a certain location. Access control policies are easy to create since everybody who connects to the site to site VPN is considered an internal user. The VPN tunnels can access these network resources since traffic from a site to site VPN is still considered internal.
Does your company need a site to site VPN?
Site to site VPNs are used to securely connect two or more geographically distant offices’ local networks, allowing employees to safely communicate and exchange data.
A corporate security solutions provider sets up site to site VPNs for the majority of enterprises. Typically, a site to site VPN is merely one component of a bigger security solution.
The size of the organization, the number of sites, geographical spread, and resource-sharing requirements are all important aspects to consider when evaluating if a site to site VPN is ideal for your company. If your company is scattered over numerous sites and employees in each need access to resources in the main office, you should seriously consider establishing a site to site VPN.
If you’re looking for a reliable site to site VPN provider, you can take a look at NordLayer’s site to site VPN feature here: https://nordlayer.com/site-to-site-vpn/
What is required to configure a site to site VPN?
An enterprise must first decide the technique they will use to set up a site to site VPN before proceeding. If a company wants to use the internet VPN approach, it will require a good internet connection. Businesses who wish to use the MPLS VPN technique must register with the carrier and deploy their VPN. All user devices must be compatible with the network, regardless of VPN type.
To support their VPN tunnels or an established firewall, every firm needs to have at least two routers. You should consult with IT to determine which gear will complement or enhance your organization’s present technological platforms. Since technology is continually evolving, it’s a good idea to keep your present systems up to date in order to make them more secure.
To summarize…
A site to site VPN connects two networks and provides VPN protection to all devices interacting over the connection. They’re mostly used by corporations to link workplace networks in a way that isn’t visible to the end-user. Site to site VPNs are beneficial to businesses that emphasize private, secure traffic, and they are especially beneficial to businesses with many offices spread over wide geographic areas.
Site to site VPNs are critical tools for many enterprises throughout the world, and in light of the unique scenario we’ve found ourselves in, companies are evaluating what type of security safeguards they require. According to FinancesOnline, in 2024, the market for VPN services is estimated to reach $54 billion. This alone shows how much enterprises need an elevated security system to keep their sensitive data safe.