What is one of the main purposes of a VPN in networking?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is primarily used to create a secure connection over a public network, allowing multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) to connect with each other securely. This is particularly important in environments where sensitive data needs to be transmitted across potentially insecure networks, like the internet. By establishing an encrypted tunnel between remote users or networks, a VPN ensures that the data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access or interception.

The ability of a VPN to securely connect different LANs over public infrastructure makes it an essential tool for businesses and organizations that need to allow remote users or branch offices to access network resources safely. As a result, the primary function of a VPN in networking is to maintain security and confidentiality for communications over untrusted environments, thus facilitating secure interconnectedness among diverse networks.