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Date Revised: 05/21/2008

Overview of Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

Introduction:

This article describes Virtual Private Networking (VPN) and provides answers to several frequently-asked questions.

Procedure/Solution:

For information on specific topics, click any of the following links:

1. What is VPN?
2. Does VPN work with HughesNet?
3. Does Hughes Network Systems provide technical support to VPN customers?  
4. Can I use a client/server VPN to access my network drives on my corporate network?
5. Can I contact Hughes for support and or to troubleshoot my VPN Client software?
6. How do I check for a virtual NIC and disable it?

1. What is VPN?
   A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure data tunnel between two computers over public networks like the internet. A VPN is created by special software which:
   • Authenticates users
   • Establishes a temporary connection between two computers
   • Encrypts data on one side while decrypting it on the other.

   This process creates a secure conduit between the two computers, allowing them to privately pass data back and forth, even over public resources.
    

2. Does VPN work with HughesNet?
   HughesNet. Home Service plan is not compatible with VPNs.
   You may use a VPN with HughesNet, but you will likely experience reduced speeds as much as 50-75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.
   Note: HughesNet Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.
    
3. Does Hughes Network Systems provide technical support to VPN customers?
   No. Hughes Network Support does not provide any technical support for setup or troubleshooting for any VPN products. Support for these applications should be acquired from the respective vendor.
    
4. Can I use a client/server VPN to access my network drives on my corporate network?
   The inherent latency in satellite networks makes disk sharing difficult but not impossible. Each network type would have to be evaluated by their company IT administrator to function on the HughesNet network.
    
5. Can I contact Hughes for support and or to troubleshoot my VPN Client software?
   No. Support should be offered by the VPN Client software manufacturer.
   
   
6. How do I check for a virtual NIC and disable it?
   In order for HughesNet Tools to function correctly you MUST disable/delete any virtual network connections.
   1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel
      
   2. Locate the Network and Dialup connections icon and double click on it.
      
   3. A list of network connections will be displayed. An indication of a virtual network connection is one that is "grayed" out. To verify this is a virtual network connection, right click on the icon and select Properties.
      
      .
   4. The Incoming connections Properties window will open. Verify on the General tab that the Virtual Private Network radio button is checked. This will identify this network connection as a virtual NIC.
      
   5. To disable this virtual connection, un-highlight the Virtual private network radio button then click on OK.
      

      As an alternate method, right click on the "grayed" out network connection then select Delete.
      .