Which type of network creates secure “tunnels” over regular Internet networks?
A a firewall
B a virtual private network
C a spectrum
D an extranet
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. A Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a technology that creates secure “tunnels” over regular Internet networks. These tunnels are encrypted, meaning that any data passing through them is protected from unauthorized access or surveillance. VPNs allow users to securely connect to a remote network over the public internet, which is particularly useful for employees accessing company resources from different locations.
The concept of tunneling in VPNs involves encapsulating data packets within other packets. This encapsulation hides the original data and its destination, making it difficult for hackers or third parties to intercept or read the information. The encrypted data travels through this tunnel and is decrypted at the receiving end. This process ensures confidentiality and integrity of the data in transit.
VPNs are commonly used for several purposes. Businesses use them to give employees remote access to internal systems securely. Individuals use VPNs to protect their personal information on public Wi-Fi networks or to maintain privacy by masking their IP address. Additionally, VPNs can help bypass geo-restrictions and censorship by routing internet traffic through servers in different locations.
Unlike a firewall (option A), which acts as a barrier to block unauthorized access to a network, or an extranet (option D), which allows external users to access part of an organization’s internal network, a VPN focuses specifically on securely transmitting data across untrusted networks like the internet. Option C, a spectrum, refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used in communication and has no relevance to secure network tunnels.
In conclusion, the type of network that creates secure tunnels over the internet, ensuring safe and private communication, is the Virtual Private Network (VPN).