For a company with a mobile workforce needing to access LAN resources remotely, which tunneling/VPN solution is most appropriate?

In scenarios where a company has a mobile workforce that needs to access local area network (LAN) resources remotely, an SSL VPN is the most appropriate solution.

SSL VPNs (Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Networks) provide secure, encrypted connections over the internet, allowing users to access internal network resources from any device with a web browser. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for mobile employees who may be connecting from various locations and devices. Since SSL VPNs can operate through standard HTTPS ports, they bypass many firewall restrictions, making them easier to implement in dynamic environments where employees may face varying network policies.

Additionally, SSL VPNs are user-friendly, often requiring little setup on the client side, which allows for easier access for remote workers. They provide a robust level of security that includes encryption and authentication, ensuring that sensitive data transmitted during remote access remains protected.

In contrast, Site-to-Site VPNs create a direct connection between two networks, which isn't practical for providing access to individual mobile workers. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is used for controlling a desktop environment over a network but does not provide the same level of remote access capabilities as an SSL VPN. PPTP VPN (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) may be a simpler form of