Chapter 4

Advanced Configuration

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. If MD5 is selected, the Authentication Key is 32-bit, which requires 32 hexadecimal values. If you do not enter enough hexadecimal values, then the rest of the Authentication Key will be automatically completed with zeroes until it has 32 hexadecimal values. If SHA is selected, the Authentication Key is 40-bit, which requires 40 hexadecimal values. If you do not enter enough hexadecimal values, then the rest of the Authentication Key will be automatically completed with zeroes until it has 40 hexadecimal values. Make sure both ends of the VPN tunnel use the same Authentication Key.

Advanced

For most users, the settings on theVPN page should suffice; however, the Router provides advanced IPSec settings for advanced users using the IKE with Preshared Key mode. Click Advanced to view the Advanced settings.

Advanced

Aggressive Mode  There are two types of Phase 1 exchanges, Main Mode and Aggressive Mode.

Aggressive Mode requires half of the main mode messages to be exchanged in Phase 1 of the SA exchange. If network security is preferred, leave the Aggressive Mode check box unchecked (Main Mode will be used). If network speed is preferred, select Aggressive Mode. If you select one of the Dynamic IP types for the Remote Security Gateway Type setting, then Main Mode will be unavailable, so Aggressive Mode will be used.

Compress (Support IP Payload Compression Protocol (IP Comp))  IP Payload Compression is a protocol that reduces the size of IP datagrams. Select this option if you want the Router to propose compression when it initiates a

connection. If the responders reject this proposal, then the Router will not implement compression. When the Router works as a responder, it will always accept compression, even if compression is not enabled.

Keep-Alive Keep-Alive helps maintain IPSec VPN tunnel connections. If a connection is dropped and detected, it will be re-established immediately. Select this option to use this feature.

AH Hash Algorithm  The AH (Authentication Header) protocol describes the packet format and default standards for packet structure. With the use of AH as the security protocol, protection is extended forward into the IP header to verify the integrity of the entire packet by use of portions of the original IP header in the hashing process. Select this option to use this feature. Then select MD5 or SHA1. MD5 produces a 128-bit digest to authenticate packet data. SHA produces a 160-bit digest to authenticate packet data. Both sides of the tunnel should use the same algorithm.

NetBIOS Broadcast  Select this option to allow NetBIOS traffic to pass through the VPN tunnel. By default, the Router blocks this traffic.

NAT Traversal  Select this option to use this feature. Both the IPSec initiator and responder must support the mechanism for detecting the NAT router in the path and changing to a new port, as defined in RFC 3947.

Dead Peer Detection (DPD)  (This option is available for VPN tunnels only, not group VPNs.) When DPD is enabled, the Router will send periodic HELLO/ACK messages to check the status of the VPN tunnel (this feature can be used only when both peers or VPN devices of the VPN tunnel use the DPD mechanism). Once a dead peer has been detected, the Router will disconnect the tunnel so the connection can be re-established. Specify the interval between HELLO/ACK messages (how often you want the messages to be sent). DPD is enabled by default, and the default interval is 10 seconds.

Click Save Settings to save your changes, or click Cancel Changes to undo them.

VPN > VPN Client Access

The VPN Client Access screen allows you to manage access for Linksys QuickVPN clients. (The Router supports up to 50 Linksys QuickVPN clients free of charge. If the Router you have only supports up to ten clients, then upgrade its firmware. Refer to “Appendix F: Firmware Upgrade” for instructions.)

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Linksys RV042 manual VPN VPN Client Access, Advanced

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.