A way for a company or group to communicate securely with remote users. Instead of running expensive wiring to all remote field locations, VPNs use a few security technologies and the Internet to ensure that communication between their home office and remote users remains secure. A few of the more commonly utilized security technologies used by VPNs include firewalls, encryption, secure protocols (IPSec) and/or AAA (authentication, authorization, accounting) servers.
For more information on VPNs please feel free to visit:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/vpn.htm
http://www.intranetjournal.com/foundation/vpn-1.shtml
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/largeent/learn/technologies/VPNs.html