The VPN Router creates a“tunnel”or channel between two endpoints, so that data transmissions between them are secure. A computer with the Linksys VPN client software can be one of the two endpoints (refer to “Appendix B: Using Linksys QuickVPN for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista”). If you choose not to run the VPN client software, any computer with the built-in IPSec Security Manager (Microsoft 2000 and XP) allows the VPN Router to create a VPN tunnel using IPSec (refer to “Appendix C: Configuring IPSec between a Windows 2000 or XP PC and the Router”). Other versions of Microsoft operating systems require additional, third-party VPN client software applications that support IPSec to be installed.
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. For more information, refer to “Appendix D: Configuring a Gateway-to-Gateway IPSec Tunnel.”
| Home | Office | |
PC 1 | WRV200 | VPN Router PC 2 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | VPN Router to VPN Router |
Computer (using the Linksys 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 the Linksys VPN client software, which is configured with her office’s IP address. She accesses the Linksys 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, she now has a secure connection to the central office’s network, as if she were physically connected.
Office
Off-Site
Laptop running
Linksys VPN Client Software
Computer to VPN Router
For additional information and instructions about creating your own VPN, please visit Linksys’s website at www.linksys.com. You can also refer to “Appendix B: Using Linksys QuickVPN for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista”, “Appendix C: Configuring IPSec between a Windows 2000 or XP PC and the Router,” and “Appendix D: Configuring a Gateway-to-Gateway IPSec Tunnel.”
