Is that part of a CN that provides corporate networking using shared switched network infrastructures. This is split into VPN architecture and VPN services.
The VPN architecture is that part of a CN that provides corporate networking between customer equipment where:
– the shared switch network infrastructure takes the place of the traditional analogue or digital leased lines and the function of the transit node irrespective of the network type, e.g. the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), ISDN or a separate network;
– the customer premises may be served in terms of end node functionality with any combination of PBX, Centrex, Local Area Network (LAN) router, or multiplexer;
– the CN user may also be served by terminal equipment connected to end node functionality residing on customer premises, or provided by public network equipment; and
– the VPN architecture in one network, or multiple networks, comprise a part of the total national or international CN.
VPN services offered by the switched network infrastructure provide:
– VPN end-user services to CN users;
– VPN networking services to support the interconnection of PINXs;
– service interworking functionality;
– inter-VPN services to provide co-operation between the VPN services of two networks; and
– VPN management services to enable service subscribers to control and manage their VPN resources and capabilities.