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Chapter 2: Networking Basics
What is a VPN?
4-Port SSL/IPSec VPN Router
There are two basic ways to create a VPN connection:
•
VPN Router to VPN Router
•
Computer (using SSL or IPSec VPN client software) to VPN Router
The VPN Router creates a “tunnel” or channel between two endpoints, so that data transmissions between them
are secure. A computer with SSL or IPSec VPN client software can be one of the two endpoints.
For an IPSec VPN tunnel, any computer with the built-in IPSec Security Manager (Microsoft 2000 and XP) allows
the VPN Router to create a VPN tunnel using IPSec. Other versions of Microsoft operating systems require
additional, third-party VPN client software applications that support IPSec to be installed.
For an SSL VPN tunnel, a computer can download the Virtual Passage SSL VPN client software during first-time
connection to the SSL VPN Portal. (See “Appendix C: Using the Virtual Passage SSL VPN Client.”)
VPN Router to VPN Router
An example of a VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN would be as follows. At home, a telecommuter uses his VPN
Router for his always-on Internet connection. His Router is configured with his office's VPN settings. When he
connects to his office's router, the two routers create a VPN tunnel, encrypting and decrypting data. As VPNs
utilize the Internet, distance is not a factor. Using the VPN, the telecommuter now has a secure connection to the
central office's network, as if he were physically connected.
Computer (using VPN client software) to VPN Router
The following is an example of a computer-to-VPN Router VPN. In her hotel room, a traveling businesswoman
dials up her ISP. Her notebook computer has VPN client software that is configured with her office's VPN settings.
She accesses the VPN client software and connects to the VPN Router at the central office. As VPNs utilize the
Internet, distance is not a factor. Using the VPN, the businesswoman now has a secure connection to the central
office's network, as if she were physically connected.
For additional information and instructions about creating your own VPN, please visit Linksys’s website at
www.linksys.com.
Figure 2-2: Computer-to-VPN Router VPN
Figure 2-1: VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN
Home
VPN Router
Central Office
VPN Router
Off-Site
VPN Router
Central Office
VPN Router
Laptop with VPN
Client Software