Mobile VPN

A Mobile VPN is a virtual private network designed specifically for use with mobile devices.

Differentiation to VPN

With a conventional VPN, the locations of the clients and networks involved are fixed and unchangeable. Each client receives a fixed IP address that does not change. If one tried to use such a VPN in mobile applications, the connection would often break off, for example, because a device would be put into hibernation or restarted, because the user would change his location and move into a new network cell or switch back and forth between several public networks. However, disconnecting the connection would cause open applications to crash.

Technical Structure

A mobile VPN is an extension of the classic VPN. A communication server is inserted between the application server and the client for this purpose. The connection is first established between the application server and the communication server. The client, on the other hand, connects to the communications server. If this connection between the client and the communications server is now terminated, for example, if the device has been restarted, it remains between the communications server and the application server. The started applications can be maintained.

As soon as the mobile client is back on reception, it reconnects to the communications server and the user can continue working without interruptions. In contrast to the normal VPN, the mobile devices are not assigned a fixed IP address by the provider, but instead receive a virtual IP address. This is managed by the Mobile VPN Server and can either be assigned via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) or assigned to IP addresses from a specific area reserved on the server.

Areas of Application of Mobile VPN

In practice, mobile VPNs are used whenever employees need to access data quickly while on the move. These include the following areas of application, among others:

• The police accesses driver's license and license plate databases, criminal records or computer-aided operations control systems while on the move.
• Employees in the home care department (e. g. care services, doctors during a home visit) view patient records or billing data via a mobile VPN.
• Within hospitals, patient admissions or patient records can be viewed via mobile devices.
• Sales representatives (e. g. sales representatives, service technicians, engineers) access the company server to order spare parts, schedule appointments, retrieve customer data, plan assignments or call up documentation.

Importance for online marketing

Thanks to encrypted data transfer, a mobile VPN makes it possible to surf the Internet securely. In addition, anonymous accesses can be realized through which the user leaves no trace in the network. Mobile VPNs also play a role in online marketing in view of the increasing mobilization of the industry. In many areas, permanent or freelance employees work remotely in their own homes or on the move. For them, a mobile VPN is the right way to use the company network without interruptions.