What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, serves as an encrypted private network that is configured within the public Internet. This technology allows users to securely connect to the Internet as if they were on a private network, providing an additional layer of security and privacy. Through encryption protocols, a VPN creates a secure tunnel for data transmission, protecting information from potential interception and ensuring that online activities remain confidential.

In a VPN, the connection to the public Internet is made safer by masking the user's IP address and encrypting the data being sent and received. This capability makes VPNs particularly useful for remote work, bypassing geo-restrictions, and safeguarding sensitive information in public Wi-Fi environments.

The other options present concepts that do not accurately define what a VPN is. For instance, a dedicated network may be secure but lacks the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of a VPN. Secure communication methods like Telnet are not inherently secure, as they do not encrypt data, making them unsuitable for secure communications purposes. Lastly, an Internet-based voice service refers to VoIP technology, which is entirely different from the functionality and purpose of a VPN.