Dynamic virtual private network definition
A dynamic virtual private network (DVPN) is a flexible on-demand VPN that can securely connect to new nodes that don’t have pre-configured static IP addresses. DVPNs use dynamic multipoint VPN (DMVPN) and similar technologies to enable connectivity in environments where IP addresses are frequently shifting (like branch offices).
See also: personal VPN, stealth VPN, VPN appliance, VPNaaS
How dynamic virtual private networks work
In terms of user functionality, dynamic VPNs work the same as other VPNs — they improve online privacy and security by encrypting online traffic and hiding the user’s IP address. However, dynamic VPNs offer considerably more flexibility when it comes to connectivity.
In a dynamic VPN, connections are established and torn down based on user real-time user requests or changing circumstances. To adapt network alterations and route traffic efficiently, these VPNs often employ dynamic routing protocols like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) or OSPF (Open Shortest Path First).
What are the benefits of a DVPN?
- Support for dynamic IPs: Devices don’t need a pre-configured static IP address to connect to a DVPN, making such networks more suitable to situations where there is a rapid turnover of users.
- Scalable: The fact that DVPNs support dynamic IPs means that these networks can be scaled easily, adding or removing devices based on the circumstances.
- Easier configuration: New spokes or nodes can be added to the network without exhaustive reconfiguration of the hub router.
- Spoke-to-spoke communication: In hub-and-spoke topologies, DVPNs allow direct tunnels to be established between spokes (like branch offices) without going through a central hub.
Dynamic virtual private network use cases
- Remote work: Dynamic VPNs allow remote employees to establish secure connections to the corporate network as needed.
- Secure mobile connections: Dynamic VPNs allow users to safely reach confidential information and remote locations on mobile devices — for example, by connecting to their work environment on their phone.
- Disaster recovery: In disaster recovery situations, dynamic VPNs can be used to quickly establish temporary connections between recovery sites and primary data centers.
- Startup growth: Dynamic VPNs may be desirable for growing organizations due to their inherent scalability.
What is the difference between a dynamic VPN and a static VPN?
The main difference between DVPNs and static VPNs is that dynamic VPNs support dynamic IPs, which allows them to automatically adapt to new network configurations. By contrast, static VPNs require fixed, pre-defined IP addresses for each connection.
