A VPN (Virtual Private Network) server is one that is connected to a Virtual Private Network in order to allow remote users to access files on the server. Companies, government agencies, and various institutions use VPN servers in order to provide users who are away from the server with consistent access to important files and software. Likewise, VPN servers are used domestically to ensure that users have access to computer files while they are away from their home or office.

How VPN Servers Work
A VPN server is simply one that is connected to a Virtual Private Network. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) channels through the Internet in order to connect a multitude of users, servers, and devices together. VPNs can also include other networks, such as local area networks, and are encrypted to ensure that only users who have the proper authorization can access them. VPN networks are dependent on both a server and client. The server hosts the main files and the client is all other devices that connect to the server.

Applications
Virtual Private Networks and VPN servers have many uses. A school may use a VPN server to provide both students and teachers with access to specific sections of a website, such as personalized user accounts. Companies may also use VPN servers to allow their employees to submit work or access files when they are away from the office. Government agencies also use VPN servers to allow law enforcement officials to submit reports, statistics, and other information to a central office while on patrol or at home.

Advantages
VPNs and VPN servers have several important advantages. A VPN server is completely encrypted and secured from the general public and people who do not know the server’s specific URL address cannot see it. Anyone can set up a VPN anywhere and VPN servers can either be a large mainframe or a simple computer hard drive. Generally, once a VPN is setup between a server and a client, the client can access the VPN server by simply accessing the connection in My Computer and entering the correct username and password.