Cisco Systems RVL200 manual Chapter Introduction, Introduction to the Router

Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

Introduction

Introduction to the Router

Thank you for choosing the Linksys 4-Port SSL/IPSec VPN Router. The Router is an advanced Internet-sharing network solution for your small business needs. Like any router, it lets multiple computers in your office share an Internet connection. It features a built-in, 4-port, full- duplex, 10/100 Ethernet switch to connect four computers directly, or you can connect more switches to create as big a network as you need. If you have multiple routers in your Local Area Network (LAN), you can use the Router’s multiple subnet feature to support those routers.

The five Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels gives your mobile workers a secure and easy way to stay connected. Additionally, an IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), gateway-to-gateway VPN tunnel facilitates branch office connectivity. As an essential element of your business, the Router provides security functions for authentication, encryption, and firewall. Additional security features includes Denial of Service (DoS) prevention and HTTPS management, while the Quality of Service (QoS) features provide consistent voice and video quality throughout your business.

Use the browser-based utility to configure settings and run convenient wizards that will help you set up the Router and its access rules.

Introduction to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN is a connection between two endpoints—a VPN Router, for instance—in different networks that allows private data to be sent securely over a shared or public network, such as the Internet. This establishes a private network that can send data securely between these two locations or networks.

The private network is established by creating a“tunnel”. A VPN tunnel connects the two computers or networks and allows data to be transmitted over the Internet as if it were still within those networks. A VPN tunnel uses industry- standard encryption and authentication techniques to secure the data sent between the two networks.

Virtual Private Networking was created as a cost-effective alternative to using a private, dedicated, leased line for a private network. It can be used to create secure networks linking a central office with branch offices, telecommuters, and/or professionals on the road. The 4-Port SSL/IPSec

Introduction

VPN Router supports two of the most popular VPN tunnel types, SSL and IPSec.

There are two basic ways to create a VPN connection:

•VPN Router to VPN Router

•computer (using SSL VPN client software) to VPN Router

NOTE: The 4-Port SSL/IPSec VPN Router does not support IPSec VPN client software.

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 (Windows 2000 and XP) allows the VPN Router to create a VPN tunnel using IPSec (Windows Vista uses a similar utility). Other Windows 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 B: 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.

4-Port SSL/IPSec VPN Router