The service allows users connected to the public intenet to gain secure, authenticated access to N3.

The laptop/PC runs a point and click application that sets up an encrypted virtual private network (VPN) tunnel from the PC to the NHS network (N3).

Before the tunnel is created the user is challenged to input a PIN number plus a code from a SecureID token. If the user is satisfactorily authenticated a VPN tunnel is created between the users computer and the VPN Concentrator within N3.

Once the VPN tunnel is created the user has access to N3. From N3 they can access the services within their own organisation that they are set up to use. eg your desktop computer.