What is VPN and how to configure it?

VPN stands for Virtual private network. VPN is used to connect to the corporate network to access the resources like mail and files in the LAN.

This step-by-step article describes how to configure a virtual private network (VPN) connection to your corporate network in Microsoft Windows XP Professional. A VPN connection is a connection that uses both private and public networks to create a network connection. 

Both Point-to-Point Tunneling protocol (PPTP) or Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) are automatically installed on your Windows XP-based computer. These protocols help provide security when you access resources on a network by connecting to a remote access server through the Internet or other network. This kind of connection is known as a VPN connection. 
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How to create a new VPN connection

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
2. Click Create a new connection, and then click Next.
3. Click Connect to the network at my workplace, and then click Next.
4. Click Virtual Private Network connection, and then click Next.
5. Type a descriptive name for your company, and then click Next.
6. Click Do not dial the initial connection, and then click Next.
7. Type the host name or IP address of the computer where you are connecting, and then click Next.
8. Use one of the following methods:
   • Click Anyone's use if you want to share the connection with all users.
   • Click My use only if you do not want to share the connection.
9. Click Next, and then click Finish.

Note This method works when you are connected to the Internet only. back to the top