EDI Connection via Virtual Private Network
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a network technology that creates a secure network connection over a public network such as the Internet or a private network owned by a service provider. Large corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies use VPN technology to enable remote users to securely connect to a private network.
VPN can connect multiple sites over a large distance, just like a Wide Area Network (WAN). VPNs are often used to extend intranets worldwide to disseminate information and news to a wide user base. Educational institutions use VPNs to connect campuses that can be distributed across the country or around the world.
This technology is also used for EDI connection between computers in a definite private network.
In order to gain access to the private network, an EDI user must be authenticated using a unique identification and a password. An authentication token is often used to gain access to a private network through a personal identification number (PIN) that a user must enter. The PIN is a unique authentication code that changes according to a specific frequency, usually every 30 seconds or so.
Advantages:
- No limitations in files quantity and size
- Safe encrypted connection between two partners
- Flag files can be used.
Disadvantages:
- Absence of files reception statuses
- Excellent branch knowledge is required for reliable and safety implementation.
VPN ensures data security by:
- Authentication (Identification of the remote user before establishing a VPN connection – digital certificates and passwords are commonly used).
- Encapsulation (Data transmission in the form of Internet Protocol datagrams).
- Encryption (Data security is provided by using encryption keys. In order to encrypt and decrypt data, encryption algorithms, hash functions and secret keys are used).
- Access control (Access rights are defined for different users depending on their requirements).
In a VPN, an Internet service provider is used to connect to the Internet. To access the local area network (LAN) at the corporate office, a remote user logs on to the local Point of Presence (POP) of an ISP. A POP is an access point to the network of the ISP with an IP address. The ISP provides a local telephone number to log on to the Internet and establish a connection with the corporate LAN. The branch offices and the corporate office are connected to the local POP of the ISP through dedicated leased lines. Mobile users are provided local dial-up access to a POP.
To learn more about EDI Connectivity and become a certified EDI Professional, please visit our course schedule page.