Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Service

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) has been in use by Businesses to secure their employees roaming internet connections to the office networks for years. A VPN is a private network that uses a public network (usually the Internet) to connect remote sites or users together privately. Instead of using a dedicated, physical connection such as leased line, a VPN uses "virtual" connections routed through the Internet from the company's private network to the remote site or employee. VPN connections encrypt all transmitted data to prevent malicious programs, and people, from accessing your personal information, or communications. The Sonic.net VPN concentrator is configured to give you a secure connection from anywhere on the internet, back to the Sonic.net core network.

What you need to use the service

To use the VPN service provided by Sonic.net, you will need a Sonic.net account in good standing, and VPN client software that supports IPsec VPN, without PPTP, or L2TP. The Cisco VPN client is available for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh OSX. In some cases, using built in clients may be preferable. For more information see the link to the wiki below.

Instructions for various devices are available on the Sonic.net Wiki

Are static IP addresses available?

Yes, you can upgrade to a static IP address for your VPN for an additional $5.00 a month. Please contact support for more information or to upgrade to a static IP address.

How you can use the service

Using a VPN client, you can securely transmit data over open wireless hotspots, you can secure connections on networks of unknown security, and you can avoid malicious attacks on your computer. Potential attackers will think your computer is our VPN concentrator here at Sonic.net, and will not be able to access any further information about your connection.

Support

Step-by-step installation instructions for the Cisco VPN Client are available for Windows XP and Mac OS X.