VPN Rollout: How to Securely Connect International Locations

For companies operating worldwide, stable and secure connections between all locations are essential. The foundation for this is a well-designed VPN strategy. However, building a global network can feel like navigating a maze of regulatory hurdles and technical challenges.

As businesses expand across borders—whether through new offices, acquisitions, or mergers—the demand for secure, reliable data connections grows. Sensitive company data must now travel across continents, making security and stability more important than ever.

The proven solution for this is a Virtual Private Network. VPNs encrypt data, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. They also allow employees in cities like Tokyo or São Paulo to access central systems as if they were right next to the data center.

However, rolling out a VPN globally comes with its own set of challenges. For example, setting up a VPN connection from Shanghai to headquarters in California can be problematic due to China’s “Great Firewall,” which often disrupts or blocks connections and certain protocols. 

Compliance: Country-specific Regulations Can Hinder VPN Projects

Different regions have their own data protection laws—such as the GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, and LGPD in Brazil. This patchwork of regulations can be overwhelming for IT managers. Questions arise: Who stores connection data, where, and for how long? Can user log files be transferred between continents? These compliance issues can stall VPN projects before they even begin.

Companies with offices in China face even stricter challenges. The Chinese firewall uses deep packet inspection to detect and block VPN connections. Turkey and other countries also enforce strict network controls. Some nations regulate which encryption standards or hardware can be used. For example, France limits key lengths, while India requires certain encryption keys to be registered with authorities. These rules can cause delays, fines, or even halt rollouts entirely.

Fortunately, there are solutions on the market that can establish secure VPN connections even in environments where standard protocols like IPsec are blocked. One example is NCP VPN Path Finder Technology.

Choosing the right VPN architecture depends on company size, existing infrastructure, and local requirements. Site-to-site VPNs remain popular for directly connecting fixed locations and transferring large amounts of data.

On-premise VPN solutions offer full control over security and compliance, making them a preferred choice for banks, hospitals, and government agencies.

However, even the most secure connection is ineffective if video calls are choppy or file transfers are slow. Latency, especially on intercontinental links, can be a major issue. Strategically placed VPN gateways, local caching, and smart traffic management can help. Gateways should be easy to deploy and scale. For critical applications, redundant connections with automatic failover are essential. 

Technology Mix: Modern Solutions Enhance On-Premise VPN

Traditional security models using VPNs and firewalls are being tested by hybrid work and global cloud adoption. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offers a modern alternative, especially when combined with robust VPNs.

Today’s leading VPN solutions integrate Zero Trust principles —“never trust, always verify”— for more granular security. Combining on-premise VPN with Zero Trust provides both control and enhanced protection, which is crucial in sensitive environments.

For international connections in highly regulated markets, both traditional VPNs and SASE have their strengths. While standard VPNs may struggle with China’s Great Firewall (unless equipped with Path Finder technology), some SASE providers operate their own Points of Presence (PoPs) in China, often via Hong Kong and local partners, to ensure stable connections.

On-premise VPN remains essential where maximum data control or strict compliance is required. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your company’s needs and existing IT landscape. In many cases, integrating both solutions is the most effective strategy. 

Cost Planning: Hidden Expenses Can Derail Your VPN Budget

Many IT managers focus on upfront costs, but ongoing operation, maintenance, and support can quickly exceed initial estimates. It’s important to consider all expenses, including hardware, licenses, bandwidth, personnel, and external services.

Your choice of architecture will significantly impact costs. A thorough needs assessment before rollout helps avoid costly mistakes. Budgets should also allow for future growth and technology updates. Otherwise, you may face expensive retrofits or emergency fixes that compromise network security. 

Conclusion: A Thoughtful IT Security Strategy Prevents Costly Mistakes

Building a global VPN network involves navigating legal, technical, and operational challenges. Security and compliance must be maintained worldwide, despite varying local conditions.

On-premise VPN solutions offer maximum control for companies with strict data requirements. For many organizations, the best solution combines on-premise VPN with cloud-based technologies, tailored to specific needs and security demands.

Investing in a well-planned IT security strategy pays off. It provides the foundation for seamless international collaboration and efficient business operations. Companies tackling these challenges can rely on NCP’s extensive experience in international VPN projects—from planning to ongoing support.

The effort for a thoughtful IT security strategy pays off: It creates the technical basis for seamless international collaboration and efficient business processes. Companies facing this complex task find in a partner with years of experience in international VPN projects – from planning to permanent operation.

Start planning your global VPN solution today and connect your international locations securely.