Method for providing a virtual private network connection

An apparatus for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network comprising:

• means for providing an association between a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;
• means for providing an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;
• means for providing an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network;
• and
• means for providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.

A system for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network comprising:

• a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;
• an association between said first and second gateway devices;
• an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;
• an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network;
• and
• a secure connection between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.

A computer-readable device for causing a computer to perform a method for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network, the method comprising:

• providing an association between a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;
• providing an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;
• providing an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network;
• and
• providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.