Linksys RV0041 manual VPN Router to VPN Router, VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN

10/100/1000 4-Port VPN Router

•VPN Router to VPN Router

•Computer (using VPN client software that supports IPSec) 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 VPN client software that supports IPSec can be one of the two endpoints. 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.

VPN Router to VPN Router

An example of a VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN would be as follows. (See Figure 2-1.) 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 that supports IPSec) to VPN Router

The following is an example of a computer-to-VPN Router VPN. (See Figure 2-2.) 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 that supports IPSec 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.

Chapter 2: Networking Basics

Figure 2-1: VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN

Figure 2-2: Computer-to-VPN Router VPN

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What is a VPN?