Which technology is commonly used to enhance network security by creating a private connection over a public network?

The technology that enhances network security by creating a private connection over a public network is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN establishes a secure and encrypted tunnel between a user's device and a remote server operated by the VPN service. This encryption ensures that data transmitted over the public internet is safeguarded from potential eavesdroppers, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to intercept or tamper with the data.

Utilizing a VPN is particularly valuable when accessing sensitive information or conducting transactions over unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi. It effectively masks the user's IP address and enables them to appear as though they are browsing from a different location, adding an extra layer of privacy and anonymity.

In contrast, the other technologies mentioned serve different purposes. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is primarily focused on transmitting voice communications over the internet and does not inherently provide the encrypted pathways that a VPN does. LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) refer to types of networks and describe the scope of networks (local vs. geographical distance), not security enhancements focused on private connections over public infrastructure. Thus, a VPN stands out as the specific technology tailored for creating secure, private connections.