A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private computer network that uses public communications lines. Computers in a VPN are spread across multiple locations. Rather than going through the expense of provisioning private network lines, many companies will use a VPN to create a virtual private line on public Internet connections. This is typically achieved by creating secure communications tunnels that only allow access to authorized users. Using a VPN can sometimes have a noticeable effect on the speed of your Internet connection. This problem can be corrected by optimizing the performance of your VPN.
Materials:
Windows XP
Step 1:
Increase the Maximum Transmit Unit. Data that is transmitted over VPN connections is sent in packets that are referred to as transmission units. To prevent system overload, the transmission units have a maximum size assigned to them, which is referred to as the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU). Windows XP has a default setting of 1500 bytes for the MTU, or 2000 bytes for an XP VPN. Increasing the size of the Maximum Transmission Unit means that fewer units are required for each data transmissions.
Step 2:
Choose the appropriate tunneling protocol. Virtual Private Networks typically come with two different tunneling protocols: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). Layer 2 tunneling has more advanced security features, as well as a higher standard of encryption. This makes L2TP the ideal tunneling method for VPNs that transmit confidential information from one device to another. However, this added security comes at the cost of heavier server load and increased latency time for those using the network connection. Users who have their needs met by a basic security layer will benefit from using a PPTP connection, which carries a lighter server load and consumes a smaller amount of available bandwidth.
Step 3:
Monitor your hardware topology. A VPN typically involves site-to-site connections involving two or more remote offices. It is important for each office or connection point to have hardware that is dedicated to maintaining the VPN tunnel. The servers that are dedicated to each connection point on the VPN give you the ability to increase the available bandwidth on any particular part of the VPN, thereby increasing the size of the tunnel and allowing more users to utilize the system. Most Network Administrators will use special VPN monitoring software that will analyze the traffic flowing over the network and determine when a bandwidth increase is required.
Tips:
Many VPNs come as part of a managed service, where a third party designs and maintains your secure network.
References:
- Microsoft: How to Change the Default MTU Size Settings
- Tech Republic: Factors that can Boost VPN Performance
- Windows Networking: How to Optimize Network Connections in Windows XP
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