Fortinet FORTIOS V3.0 MR7 Legacy versus web-enabled applications, Authentication differences

Comparison of SSL and IPSec VPN technology Configuring a FortiGate SSL VPN

Legacy versus web-enabled applications

IPSec is well suited to network-based legacy applications that are not web-based. As a layer 3 technology, IPSec creates a secure tunnel between two host devices. IP packets are encapsulated by the VPN client and server software running on the hosts.

SSL is typically used for secure web transactions in order to take advantage of web-enabled IP applications. After a secure HTTP link has been established between the web browser and web server, application data is transmitted directly between selected client and server applications through the tunnel.

Authentication differences

IPSec is a well-established technology with robust features that support many legacy products such as smart cards and biometrics.

SSL supports sign-on to a web portal front-end, from which a number of different enterprise applications may be accessed. The Fortinet implementation enables you to assign a specific port for the web portal and to customize the login page if desired.

Connectivity considerations

IPSec supports multiple connections to the same VPN tunnel—a number of remote VPN devices effectively become part of the same network.

SSL forms a connection between two end points such as a remote client and an enterprise network. Transactions involving three (or more) parties are not supported because traffic passes between client and server applications only.

Relative ease of use

Although managing IPSec VPNs has become easier, configuring SSL VPNs is simple in comparison. IPSec protocols may be blocked or restricted by some companies, hotels, and other public places, whereas the SSL protocol is usually unrestricted.

Client software requirements

Dedicated IPSec VPN software must be installed on all IPSec VPN peers and clients and the software has to be configured with compatible settings.

To access server-side applications with SSL VPN, the remote user must have a web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla/Firefox), and if Telnet//RDP are used, Sun Java runtime environment. Tunnel-mode client computers must also have ActiveX (IE) or Java Platform (Mozilla/Firefox) enabled.

Access control

IPSec VPNs provide secure network access only. Access to the network resources on a corporate IPSec VPN can be enabled for specific IPSec peers and/or clients. The amount of security that can be applied to users is limited.

	FortiOS v3.0 MR7 SSL VPN User Guide
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