Always-on VPN explained – What is it, and why use it?

For over ten years, Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections have been a staple in providing organisations and individuals with unparalleled online privacy and protection. They offer secure remote access, maintain network safety on private networks, and enable users to tap into online content securely. However, traditional VPNs have had their share of issues: connection difficulties, steep start-up costs, and insecure access for remote users. 

That’s where Always on VPN comes into the picture. This groundbreaking advancement in VPN technology guarantees smooth connectivity with little to no effect on the performance of a company’s network. In this piece, we will explore how this new form of VPN outperforms its predecessors regarding efficiency, security, and reliability.

Understanding always on VPN – An overview

Always on VPN, a cornerstone in the realm of VPN technology, offers users continuous connectivity and safe access to business resources. It is a departure from traditional VPNs that necessitate manual initiation. 

Instead, Always On VPN is engineered to create and sustain a secure connection, guaranteeing that users are consistently connected to their corporate networks. This groundbreaking technology operates continuously, regardless of network alterations or interruptions, delivering an uninterrupted and dependable experience. 

Moreover, the fundamental design principle of Always on VPN is constant connectivity, and it primarily caters to users who require continuous access to resources and constant connection, like remote employees. An Always VPN connection bolsters network security by keeping the VPN tunnel active continuously, thus never leaving a security gap in the connection.

The importance of continuous connectivity

In today’s world, where everything is interconnected, the significance of ongoing connectivity cannot be emphasised enough. Individuals and businesses’ increasing reliance on digital services necessitates uninterrupted network access for all VPN users. A brief disruption could result in a loss of productivity or potential security breaches. 

For those working remotely, steady connectivity is vital as they rely on a consistent VPN solution to utilise company resources, collaborate with colleagues, and perform tasks effectively. Any downtime or disruption can interfere with workflows, postpone project schedules, and negatively affect overall business performance.

Additionally, our reliance on cloud-based applications has never been greater; maintaining constant access to these applications ensures a smooth user experience. Whether accessing files from shared drives, engaging in virtual meetings, or using enterprise applications, a trustworthy and continuous connection forms the foundation of contemporary business operations. 

An always-on VPN caters to this crucial need for constant connectivity by automating the connection request to the network and preventing manual initiation, thereby offering a more reliable and seamless network experience.

How always on VPN enhances security for remote work

In a remote work environment, security is paramount. This is mainly because remote workers depend more on VPN gateways than their in-office counterparts. They often work from locations with unsecured public Wi-Fi, making them vulnerable to security breaches. To mitigate this risk, Always On VPN solutions have emerged as one of the top choices for ensuring safe remote access. 

One of the critical safety features of Always On VPN is the creation of an encrypted tunnel for data transfer. With encryption in place, any data exchanged between the company network and the remote worker is protected from online risks.

By encrypting data at its origin and decrypting it only upon reaching its intended destination, Always On VPN significantly reduces unauthorised access and potential data breach risks.

Additionally, Always On VPN employs sophisticated user or device authentication techniques. Remote user verification poses a significant challenge, and relying solely on passwords can compromise security. 

Therefore, Always On VPN employs advanced verification methods like multi-factor authentication to enhance overall security levels further. For those working remotely on public or insecure Wi-Fi networks, Always On VPN protects against possible vulnerabilities while maintaining a constant connection that monitors data flow to ensure its integrity and confidentiality during transmission.

The role of always on VPN in network reliability

The Always On VPN technology is designed to automatically establish and maintain a persistent VPN connection, eliminating the need for manual user initiation. It significantly reduces the chances of disruptions or downtimes. 

Unlike conventional VPN solutions, where users often face connectivity issues when toggling between cellular data and Wi-Fi, Always On VPN ensures uninterrupted connectivity. It offers a seamless user experience despite changing network conditions. 

Besides, the persistent connection offered by Always On VPN enhances the overall network reliability, minimising potential service interruptions and providing a stable platform for users to access vital resources.

Balancing speed and security with always on VPN

Striking the proper equilibrium between speed and security can be complex in Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. This complexity is due to the probable connection issues that may arise due to increased security protocols. 

Nonetheless, Always On VPN reconciles these formerly incompatible aspects efficiently. Although safety remains paramount, it should not hinder the network’s functionality to an extent where users can’t operate effectively. 

Always On VPN establishes this intricate balance by employing encryption algorithms that safeguard data without negatively impacting network performance. Its constant connection framework minimises latency often linked with conventional VPN setups and enhances access speed to business resources. 

Besides, this sophisticated strategy guarantees users experience both heightened security benefits and a swift network. As companies aim for operational excellence, Always On VPN’s capability to flawlessly merge speed and security makes it an essential tool in today’s digital environment.

Integrating always on VPN into your business infrastructure

Integrating an Always VPN solution into your business framework is a savvy decision to augment your network’s security status and positively influence its operation. The objective is to incorporate this solution smoothly into your current system. The ability to adapt configuration is a crucial advantage in the merging process. Always On VPN can be customised to meet business requirements, fitting various network configurations and security necessities. 

Moreover, this adaptability simplifies the integration, enabling companies to introduce the solution without completely revamping their entire framework. Centralised supervision adds another benefit, providing administrators with a unified perspective of user behaviors and network efficiency.

Administrators can observe and rectify issues and apply security protocols through one unified platform, promoting enhanced governance over the network environment.

Case studies – Success stories of always on VPN implementation

Kemp Technologies supplied an Always VPN solution to KeepMoat Homes, a leading home-building firm in the UK. This transition was part of their shift towards a remote working model, which required providing secure remote access for their staff. 

As a result, they saw an increase in productivity due to the smooth connection of their remote workforce to the company network. It led to improved teamwork and more efficient project completion. 

Another instance demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology is that of a financial institution that managed to enhance its security significantly. Always On VPN helped ward off potential threats and protect sensitive customer data. Given that financial institutions constantly handle online transactions and financial information, Always On VPN proved itself to be an optimal solution for them.

The future of VPN technology

The forecast for VPN technology is that it will continue to advance in response to our increasingly interconnected world. These advancements will likely focus on enhancing the user experience through quicker and more efficient connections while bolstering security measures to combat new cyber threats. Incorporating advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence could revolutionise the field, offering innovative solutions for encryption and privacy.