Why is it important to set up site-to-site networking?
Site-to-site networking allows you to connect two or more private networks to each other. This can be useful for a variety of reasons.
You might use site-to-site networking in your business to:
- Connect remote offices or branches to your corporate network. This allows employees at remote office locations to access resources on the corporate network, such as files, applications, and servers.
- Connect your network to the cloud. This allows you to use cloud-based services, such as storage, computing, and databases, without having to build and maintain your own infrastructure. After establishing site-to-site connectivity, these cloud-based services can be accessed from your office network like any other IT resource.
- Connect your network to a partner's network. This allows you to share resources, integrate IT systems, and collaborate with your partners.
Recommended Reading: 7 Best Practices to Consider for Site-to-Site Networking
Technology options for site-to-site networking
There are a variety of technology options available for site-to-site networking. Some of the most common options include:
- VPNs (virtual private networks): VPNs are the most common type of site-to-site networking solution. VPNs create a secure tunnel over the public internet between two or more networks. All traffic between the networks is encrypted, which helps to protect your data from being intercepted by attackers.
- MPLS (multiprotocol label switching): MPLS is a high-performance networking technology that is often used by businesses with large networks. MPLS provides dedicated bandwidth and quality of service between two or more locations, which can improve performance and reliability.
- SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network): SD-WAN is a newer networking technology that is becoming increasingly popular. SD-WAN uses software to manage and optimize network traffic and to create a virtual network over the public internet while also being able to manage multiple types of connections, including MPLS, broadband, LTE and others. It can be a good option for businesses that need to connect a large number of locations or that have complex networking needs.
Comparing costs and requirements of site-to-site networking solutions
Typically, the most cost-effective solution for networking is a VPN, which can be set up using a variety of both software and hardware solutions.
By contrast, options such as MPLS and SD-WAN are generally more expensive.
MPLS, in particular, stands out as the costliest choice due to its need for dedicated hardware and specific services from a network provider.
While SD-WAN can vary in cost — and has the potential to be less expensive than MPLS — it may still require new hardware, adding to the overall expense.
The hardware requirements for site-to-site networking will ultimately depend on the selected technology option, with VPNs typically allowing for a more budget-friendly approach given their compatibility with less expensive hardware and software.
Why choose CloudConnexa® for site-to-site networking?
1. Cost-effective connectivity
We charge per connection, and your first three connections are free. So you can connect three sites together at no cost.
2. Router compatibility
Many economical routers that are ideal for small remote office locations support the OpenVPN protocol and are compatible with CloudConnexa®.
3. Hardware flexibility
You can run our Connector software on general-purpose computers to set up a site-to-site connection. No special hardware or router needed.
4. Global network reach
With 30+ points of presence (PoP) for our service, you can be sure that one of them is located close to your site.
5. Reliable uptime
The core network that supports our service is connected in a mesh topology. This means there are always redundant routes among our PoPs. Each site can also have multiple connections to our service to increase redundancy.
6. Enhanced performance
Our data channel offload (DCO) technology increases performance even when used with general-purpose computers. In addition, incoming traffic is load-balanced among multiple connections, improving throughput performance.
7. Access control
You can establish policies that allow a site to access only specific subnets or applications from another site.
8. Advanced security features
All the traffic transmitted by CloudConnexa can be protected with the use of our built-in IDS/IPS.
Site-to-site networking solutions from OpenVPN
Our cloud-delivered service, CloudConnexa, boasts flexible internet routing, multiple isolated overlay networks, cloud protection, ZTNA, application-based domain routing, and more. Our self-hosted VPN solution, Access Server, offers access control, multiple authentication options, fast installation, automation, and more. Plus, you can deploy from anywhere.
Ready to take your business to the next level with CloudConnexa or Access Server? Work from anywhere and from any device with confidence. Create an account today for three free connections with CloudConnexa or two free connections with Access Server. No credit card required.
