Implement Virtual Private Networks [Paperback]

Steven Brown (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 007135185X | ISBN-13: 978-0071351850 | Edition: 1

The first complete guide to the installation, operation, and management of Virtual Private Networks (VPN), a fast-growing technology framework that lets organizations use the Internet as their own private network. Shows how all the pieces of VPN architecture fit together: encryption, authentication, special network security considerations, and more. Takes readers step by step through VPN implementation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and ongoing security.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Those considering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a way of linking geographically separate installations should check out Implementing Virtual Private Networks. This book takes a close look at VPN suitability and constructing a VPN network and presents various off-the-shelf solutions.

VPNs remain poorly understood, so the first order of business is an explanation of what VPNs do and how they do it, with some emphasis on the economic pros and cons of choosing a VPN over other networking solutions. Brown documents several VPN architectures (routers, firewalls, and remote-access arrangements), details Network Address Translation (NAT) and its relationship with Internet routing schemes, and explores security issues.

The book covers cryptography, encryption, the Remote Access Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), and other VPN safety measures. Brown provides information on several commercial VPN and extranet solutions, including products from Aventail, Compatible Systems, Nortel Networks, RadGuard, VPNet, and others. --David Wall

From the Publisher

You'll learn how to compare costs of VPN technologies, and get a model you can use for comparing cost-benefit ratios, as well as complete guidance on maintenance and troubleshooting VPNs, including help with the author's most-frequently-encountered problems.

In these pages, you'll find indispensable guidance on staying on top of present and future security threats.

Whether you're an executive considering a VPN for your organization, an engineer charged with designing and installing the system, or an administrator whose job is overseeing performance, security, and modifications, this guidebook is the most comprehensive, informative, and useful reference you can own.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 594 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies; 1 edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007135185X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071351850
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,716,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well written, information packed resource book on VPNs, May 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Implement Virtual Private Networks (Paperback)

This book is a well written book, filled with a lot of information on VPNs. The author has illustrated many VPN concepts in a very simple easy to understand manner. The book also illustrates so many other requirements with VPNs, not always discussed in other places. Usually you only hear about IPSec, L2TP or something else. While the author doesn't go into exacting minute detail on how to setup, say PPTP, or a Cisco PIX, [my only fault with the book, but I guess you could use the installation manuals for that] the benefit is that after reading and studying the fundamental concepts presented, you will be able to install and maintain any VPN technology. Then after that, the author presents so many security topics effecting VPNs. You could tell this wasn't a rushed project. I think a credit to McGraw-hill

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Look at VPN Technologies, February 17, 2000

By 

Michael Barnes (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Implement Virtual Private Networks (Paperback)

I purchased this book about 6 months ago, and I still review it. Mr. Brown had done an excellent job of looking at VPN technology, and made a difficult concept easy to understand. Like any book, they become outdated and should be updated.

I disagree completely with the last reviewer, and that of "Robert Slade", noted reviewer. If you look at all the Amazon reviews about the O'Reilly VPN book, you will see that while all the Amazon reviewer's totally dislike the book, Mr. Slade's review gives it a major endorsement.

But the last review is also right in that you need a foundation, you need a good solid understanding of routing/IP addressing/DNS, etc. Without this foundation, you will not be able to understand the topics and shouldn't even try to install a VPN.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit dry but covers the basics VERY well, June 5, 2001

By 

Andrew A. Grgich (Gilbert, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Implement Virtual Private Networks (Paperback)

You'll understand the concepts if not exactly the execution of VPNs and the various methods of implementing them. Be sure to get training specific to your product and methodology before considering this your only purchase.