14

IPSec VPN

This chapter explains how to set up and maintain IPSec VPNs in the ZyWALL. First, it provides an overview of IPSec VPNs. Then, it introduces each screen for IPSec VPN in the ZyWALL.

14.1 IPSec VPN Overview

A virtual private network (VPN) provides secure communications between sites without the expense of leased site-to-site lines. A secure VPN is a combination of tunneling, encryption, authentication, access control and auditing. It is used to transport traffic over the Internet or any insecure network that uses TCP/IP for communication.

Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) is a standards-based VPN that offers flexible solutions for secure data communications across a public network like the Internet. IPSec is built around a number of standardized cryptographic techniques to provide confidentiality, data integrity and authentication at the IP layer.

The following figure provides one perspective of a VPN tunnel.

Figure 189 VPN: Example

The VPN tunnel connects the ZyWALL (X) and the remote IPSec router (Y). These routers then connect the local network (A) and remote network (B).

 

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