Setting Up a VPN

If you are connecting to a home network using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, using a virtual private network (VPN), which acts as a kind of tunnel through the Internet, is a great way to enhance security.

Earlier in this chapter, I explained that using a VPN to isolate the Wi-Fi access point from the rest of the network and to restrict access to authorized users, is a great way to beef up network security.

You can buy dedicated remote access servers that provide VPN functionality. For example, the Watchguard SoHo Firebox that I mentioned earlier is a good dedicated box for the SoHo class network that provides firewall and VPN capabilities. You can also buy sophisticated software to enable a VPN.

But why pay for it if it is available ...

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