concepts
type: Collection
type: ConceptGroup
member: virtual private network

information technology
type: Concept
narrower: virtual private network

virtual private network
type: Concept
broader: information technology
definition: A virtual private network uses secure paths, often called tunnels, to create a private network environment inside of public networks such as the Internet. Until the creation of VPNs, companies had to either lease dedicated lines or build and maintain their own lines to confidentially communicate information with business partners and associates. [Source: Encyclopedia of Health Care Management; Virtual Private Network (VPN)]