The Virtual Private Network Module optimizes the platform for virtual private networks (VPNs). A VPN delivers the benefits of a private network - security, manageability, quality of service - to a public network such as the Internet while lowering cost and increasing flexibility. The VPN module handles VPN security by implementing IP Security (IPSec), an industry-wide standard for assuring the privacy, integrity, and authenticity of information crossing public IP networks.VPN Modules provide up to 10-times the performance over software-only encryption by offloading the encryption processing from the router central processing unit (CPU). Ideal for use in enterprise branch offices for connecting remote offices, mobile users, and partner extranets or service provider managed-services customer premises equipment (CPE), VPN Module delivers a rich integrated package of routing, firewall, intrusion-detection, and VPN functions. As an integral component of Cisco VPN solutions, the VPN Modules provide industry-standard encryption (IPSec), application-aware quality of service (QoS) and bandwidth management, and robust perimeter security options.