A VPN creates a secure connection over a public network like the Internet by using encryption, authentication, and tunneling. It allows remote users to securely access a private network. There are different VPN protocols like PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec that use encryption, encapsulation, and authentication to securely tunnel network traffic over the public Internet. VPNs can be used for remote access VPNs, intranet VPNs between offices, or extranet VPNs for partners and suppliers.