Chapter 8 Scenario: Site-to-Site VPN Configuration

Implementing the Site-to-Site Scenario

Providing Information About the Remote VPN Peer

The VPN peer is the system on the other end of the connection that you are configuring, usually at a remote site.

Note In this scenario, the remote VPN peer is referred to as Security Appliance 2 from this point forward.

In Step 2 of the VPN Wizard, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Enter the Peer IP Address (the IP address of Security Appliance 2, in this scenario 209.165.200.236) and a Tunnel Group Name (for example “Cisco”).

Step 2 Specify the type of authentication that you want to use by performing one of the following steps:

To use a static preshared key for authentication, click the Pre-Shared Key radio button and enter a preshared key (for example, “Cisco”). This key is used for IPSec negotiations between the adaptive security appliances.

Note When you configure Security Appliance 2 at the remote site, the VPN peer is Security Appliance 1. Be sure to enter the same preshared key (Cisco) that you use here.

Click the Challenge/Response Authentication radio button to use that method of authentication.

To use digital certificates for authentication, click the Certificate radio button, choose the Certificate Signing Algorithm from the drop-down list, and then choose a preconfigured trustpoint name from the drop-down list.

If you want to use digital certificates for authentication but have not yet configured a trustpoint name, you can continue with the Wizard by using one of the other two options. You can revise the authentication configuration later using the standard ASDM screens.

 

Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliance Getting Started Guide

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Cisco Systems ASA 5500 manual Providing Information About the Remote VPN Peer

ASA 5500 specifications

Cisco Systems ASA 5500 is a robust security appliance designed to provide advanced network security and protection against both internal and external threats. Ideal for organizations of various sizes, the ASA 5500 series offers a wide range of features that combine firewall capabilities with intrusion prevention, VPN support, and application control, among others.

One of the key features of the ASA 5500 is its stateful firewall technology. This allows the device to monitor active connections and enforce security policies based on the state of the traffic. By maintaining the context of network sessions, the firewall can make informed decisions on whether to allow or deny traffic based on established rules.

In addition to traditional firewall functionalities, the ASA 5500 series integrates advanced intrusion prevention capabilities. By analyzing traffic patterns and identifying known threats, the IPS functionality helps organizations defend against a variety of malicious activities, such as DDoS attacks, malware, and unauthorized access attempts. The ASA 5500 continuously updates its threat intelligence through Cisco's global threat database, enhancing its ability to detect emerging threats in real-time.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) support is another significant aspect of the ASA 5500 series. The device offers secure, encrypted connections for remote users and branch offices, ensuring safe access to corporate resources over the Internet. It supports both IPsec and SSL VPN protocols, allowing organizations to choose the best option for their specific needs. This capability is crucial for businesses that require a secure environment for remote work.

The ASA 5500 series also features extensive application control and visibility tools. These tools enable organizations to manage and control the applications running on their network, ensuring that only authorized applications can communicate through the firewall. This level of control helps to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized applications, which can lead to data breaches or reduced productivity.

Moreover, the ASA 5500 is designed with high availability and scalability in mind. Its clustering support ensures that multiple units can work together to provide redundancy and load balancing, enhancing both performance and reliability. This characteristic is especially important for organizations looking to maintain continuous operation during traffic spikes or hardware failures.

In summary, Cisco Systems ASA 5500 is an all-in-one security solution that combines stateful firewall protection, intrusion prevention, VPN capabilities, and application control. With its robust feature set and focus on security, it is well-suited for organizations seeking to protect their networks from an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, the ASA 5500 provides the necessary tools to create a secure networking environment.