How do VPN concentrators and network access servers (NAS) differ?

Is a VPN concentrator the same as a network access server (NAS)?

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

A virtual private network or VPN appliance is a device that functions as an access control point for users in remote locations connecting to a company's internal network or to an ISP.

Also called a media gateway or a remote access server, a network access server or NAS may include its own authentication services or rely on a separate authentication server. Both of these are separate services that are integrated tightly to each other providing reliable and secure remote access.

For more information, view my response on how a VPN concentrator works.

This was first published in January 2009

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
    Back to top