Compatible Systems 5.4 manual Add VPN Port Dialog Box

Chapter 6 - VPN Ports and LAN-to-LAN Tunnels 97

Chapter 6 - VPN Ports and

LAN-to-LAN Tunnels

Add VPN Port Dialog Box

Add VPN Port Dialog Box

This section configures VPN tunnel parameters and defines a virtual port for LAN-to-LAN tunnel traffic.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) ports are added to the edit area of a device by right-clicking on any configuration item for the device, then choosing VPN Port/Add VPN Port from the popup menu. The Add VPN Port Dialog Box will open in the Main Window and will allow you to select a number for the port. To delete a VPN port, right-click on the port’s icon, then choose VPN Port/Delete VPN Port. These functions are also available in the File menu.

A VPN port is a virtual port which handles tunneled traffic. Tunnels are virtual point-to-point connections through a public network such as the Internet. All packets sent through a VPN tunnel are IP-encapsulated packets, including AppleTalk, IPX and even IP packets. This encapsulation is added or removed, depending on the direction, by “Tunnel Partner” routers. Once a packet reaches the remote Tunnel Partner, the TCP/IP encapsulation is stripped off, leaving the original protocol. The unencapsulated packet is then handled according to the VPN port’s protocol configuration settings. Networks connected via a tunnel will communicate as if they are on the same network, even though they are separated by the Internet.