VPN - Virtual Private Network   A secure private network that uses the public telecommunications infrastructure to transmit data. In contrast to a much more expensive system of owned or leased lines that can only be used by one company, VPNs are used by enterprises for both extranets and wide area intranets. Using encryption and authentication, a VPN encrypts all data that passes between two Internet points, maintaining privacy and security. In order to take advantage of a VPN service, you will need a static IP number, a dedicated connection to the Internet, and a router (or switch) that supports VPN protocol.