This also explains the nature of a virtual private network: A fixed, physical connection between the devices of the type required for a direct connection does not exist at any time. Rather, the data flows via suitable routes through the Internet. With the proper technology, third parties can monitor and even record data traffic. As the packets are encrypted by VPN, the actual content of the packets is inaccessible. Experts compare this state to a tunnel: it's open at either end, but perfectly shielded in between. Secure connections within public IP networks are thus also referred to as "tunnels".
The goal of modern network structures has thus been achieved: secure connections via the largest and most low-cost public IP network, the Internet.
