What is the primary purpose of a VPN in a network?

The primary purpose of a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is to provide secure remote access to a network. This technology creates an encrypted connection over the internet between the user's device and the destination network, ensuring that sensitive data is transmitted securely and is protected from unauthorized access or eavesdropping.

When users connect to a VPN, their internet traffic is routed through the VPN server, which masks their IP address and location, enhancing privacy and security. This is particularly useful for individuals accessing corporate resources from remote locations, as it allows them to connect to their organization's network as if they were physically present in the office, all while maintaining confidentiality of their data.

While some of the other choices involve aspects related to network management, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a VPN. For example, manipulating network traffic can describe various actions taken on data, but it does not capture the focus on security and remote access that a VPN provides. Similarly, managing IP addresses and controlling user permissions pertain to administrative tasks within a network but do not relate to the fundamental role of a VPN in securing remote connectivity.