Mobile Virtual Private Network

A mobile virtual private network (mobile VPN or mVPN) provides mobile devices with access to network resources and software applications on their home network, when they connect via other wireless or wired networks.




Mobile VPNs are used in environments where workers need to keep application sessions open at all times, throughout the working day, as they connect via various wireless networks, encounter gaps in coverage, or suspend-and-resume their devices to preserve battery life. A conventional VPN cannot survive such events because the network tunnel is disrupted, causing applications to disconnect, time out, fail, or even the computing device itself to crash.



Makers of mobile VPNs draw a distinction between remote access and mobile environments. A remote-access user typically establishes a connection from a fixed endpoint, launches applications that connect to corporate resources as needed, and then logs off. In a mobile environment, the endpoint changes constantly (for instance, as users roam between different cellular networks or Wi-Fi access points). A mobile VPN maintains a virtual connection to the application at all times as the endpoint changes, handling the necessary network logins in a manner transparent to the user.



Functions

The following are functions common to mobile VPNs

• Persistence – Open applications remain active, open and available when the wireless connection changes or is interrupted, a laptop goes into hibernation, or a handheld user suspends and resumes the device

• Roaming – Underlying virtual connection remains intact when the device switches to a different network; the mobile VPN handles the logins automatically

• Application compatibility – Software applications that run in an "always-connected" wired LAN environment run over the mobile VPN without modification

• Security – Enforces authentication of the user, the device, or both; as well as encryption of the data traffic in compliance with security standards such as FIPS 140-2

• Acceleration – Link optimization and data compression improve performance over wireless networks, especially on cellular networks where bandwidth may be constrained.

• Strong authentication – Enforces two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication using some combination of a password, smart card, public key certificate or biometric device; required by some regulations, notably for access to CJIS systems in law enforcement



Industries and applications

Mobile VPNs have found uses in a variety of industries, where they give mobile workers access to software applications:

• Public Safety

• Home Care

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Field Service

• Utilities

• Insurance



In telecommunications

In telecommunication, a mobile VPN is a solution that integrates all offices and employees in a common network that includes all mobile and desk phones. Using mVPNs the company has the following advantages:

• Direct connectivity – the corporate network becomes part of mobile operator's network through direct connection

• Private numbering plan – the communication is tailored to company organization

• Corporate Business Group – all offices and employees are part of one common group, that includes all mobile and desk phones

• Short dialing – a short number to access each employee

• Smart Divert – easy divert within company group

• Groups and subgroups – Several sub-groups could be defined within the group with different changing as well as with separate numbering plan

• Calls control – certain destinations could be allowed or barred both on mobile and desk phones.



References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_private_network