Chapter 4

Advanced Configuration

a one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 128-bit digest. SHA is a one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 160-bit digest. SHA is recommended because it is more secure. Make sure both ends of the VPN tunnel use the same authentication method.

Phase 1 SA Life Time  Configure the length of time a VPN tunnel is active in Phase 1. The default value is 28800 seconds.

Perfect Forward Secrecy  If the Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) feature is enabled, IKE Phase 2 negotiation will generate new key material for IP traffic encryption and authentication, so hackers using brute force to break encryption keys will not be able to obtain future IPSec keys.

Phase 2 DH Group  If the Perfect Forward Secrecy feature is disabled, then no new keys will be generated, so you do not need to set the Phase 2 DH Group (the key for Phase 2 will match the key in Phase 1).

There are three groups of different prime key lengths. Group 1 is 768 bits, and Group 2 is 1,024 bits. Group 5 is 1,536 bits. If network speed is preferred, select Group 1. If network security is preferred, select Group 5. You do not have to use the same DH Group that you used for Phase 1.

Phase 2 Encryption  Phase 2 is used to create one or more IPSec SAs, which are then used to key IPSec sessions. Select a method of encryption: NULL, DES (56-bit), 3DES (168-bit), AES-128(128-bit), AES-192(192-bit), or AES- 256 (256-bit). It determines the length of the key used to encrypt or decrypt ESP packets. AES-256 is recommended because it is the most secure. Both ends of the VPN tunnel must use the same Phase 2 Encryption setting.

Phase 2 Authentication  Select a method of authentication, NULL, MD5, or SHA. The authentication method determines how the ESP packets are validated. MD5 is a one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 128-bit digest. SHA is a one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 160-bit digest. SHA is recommended because it is more secure. Both ends of the VPN tunnel must use the same Phase 2 Authentication setting.

Phase 2 SA Life Time  Configure the length of time a VPN tunnel is active in Phase 2. The default is 3600 seconds.

Preshared Key  This specifies the pre-shared key used to authenticate the remote IKE peer. Enter a key of keyboard and hexadecimal characters, e.g., My_@123 or 4d795f40313233. This field allows a maximum of 30 characters and/or hexadecimal values. Both ends of the VPN tunnel must use the same Preshared Key. It is strongly recommended that you change the Preshared Key periodically to maximize VPN security.

Manual

If you select Manual, you generate the key yourself, and no key negotiation is needed. Manual key management is used in small static environments or for troubleshooting purposes.

Keying Mode > Manual

Incoming and Outgoing SPI (Security Parameter Index)  SPI is carried in the ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload Protocol) header and enables the receiver and sender to select the SA, under which a packet should be processed. Hexadecimal values is acceptable, and the valid range is 100~ffffffff. Each tunnel must have a unique Incoming SPI and Outgoing SPI. No two tunnels share the same SPI. The Incoming SPI here must match the Outgoing SPI value at the other end of the tunnel, and vice versa.

Encryption  Select a method of encryption, DES or 3DES. This determines the length of the key used to encrypt or decrypt ESP packets. DES is 56-bit encryption and 3DES is 168-bit encryption. 3DES is recommended because it is more secure. Make sure both ends of the VPN tunnel use the same encryption method.

Authentication  Select a method of authentication, MD5 or SHA1. The Authentication method determines how the ESP packets are validated. MD5 is a one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 128-bit digest. SHA is a one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 160-bit digest. SHA1 is recommended because it is more secure. Make sure both ends of the VPN tunnel use the same authentication method.

Encryption Key  This field specifies a key used to encrypt and decrypt IP traffic. Enter a key of hexadecimal values. If DES is selected, the Encryption Key is 16-bit, which requires 16 hexadecimal values. If you do not enter enough hexadecimal values, then the rest of the Encryption Key will be automatically completed with zeroes, so the Encryption Key will be 16-bit. If 3DES is selected, the Encryption Key is 48-bit, which requires 40 hexadecimal values. If you do not enter enough hexadecimal values, then the rest of the Encryption Key will be automatically completed with zeroes, so the Encryption Key will be 48- bit. Make sure both ends of the VPN tunnel use the same Encryption Key.

Authentication Key  This field specifies a key used to authenticate IP traffic. Enter a key of hexadecimal values.

10/100 4-Port VPN Router

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Linksys RV042 manual Keying Mode Manual
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RV042 specifications

The Linksys RV042 is a robust and versatile VPN router designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering a wide array of features that cater to networking demands. Boasting dual WAN ports, the RV042 allows users to have two internet connections, providing load balancing and failover capabilities. This means that the router can automatically switch to a secondary Internet connection if the primary fails, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity crucial for business operations.

A key feature of the RV042 is its support for Virtual Private Networking (VPN). It can accommodate up to 50 VPN tunnels simultaneously, enabling secure remote access for employees who need to connect to the office network from various locations. The router supports both PPTP and L2TP/IPsec protocols, which provide a layer of encryption, ensuring that data remains secure while transmitted over public networks.

In terms of connectivity, the Linksys RV042 is equipped with four Ethernet ports, supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps through its LAN (Local Area Network) connections. This allows for high-speed data transfer within the office premises, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing and large file transfers. Additionally, the router features an integrated firewall, which helps protect the network from external threats by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.

The RV042 also excels in its Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, which enable users to prioritize traffic for more critical applications. This is particularly beneficial in environments where multiple applications rely on the same bandwidth, allowing businesses to maintain optimal performance for essential tasks.

For businesses looking to manage their network more effectively, the RV042 offers a web-based interface that simplifies configuration and monitoring. The user-friendly dashboard allows administrators to track network usage, configure access controls, and set up security measures easily.

Overall, the Linksys RV042 VPN router stands out for its reliability, security features, dual WAN support, and ease of management. It is an excellent choice for organizations that require a secure, stable, and high-performance networking solution, enabling seamless connectivity and productivity in an increasingly digital business landscape.
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