A VPN Concentrator acts as a bidirectional tunnel endpoint among host machines.

A VPN Concentrator is a network device designed to manage VPN traffic for multiple users. It acts as a bidirectional tunnel endpoint among host machines and has several key functions. Firstly, it assigns user addresses to enable individual identification within the network. Secondly, it manages security keys which are essential for the encryption and decryption processes, ensuring secure data transmission. The concentrator is responsible for authenticating remote users and granting access to the network after verifying their credentials. It also handles the heavy lifting of encryption and decryption, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data traffic12.

References:

The Palo Alto Networks article on “What Is a VPN Concentrator?” provides a detailed explanation of how a VPN Concentrator works, including its role in managing VPN connections and ensuring secure remote access1.

Privacy Affairs’ article on “What is a VPN Concentrator and How does it Work?” discusses the functions of a VPN Concentrator, including user authentication and management of cryptographic keys2.