When using a VPN the same factors come into play.
For the aforementioned reasons it is not possible to give definitive
performance characteristics, but as a guide, we would suggest
the following as typical
NetPilot VPN with a 128Kbps Internet connection
Maximum tunnels passing data simultaneously - 3
NetPilot Enterprise VPN with a 2Mpbs Internet connection
Maximum tunnels passing data simultaneously - 20
It should be noted that NetPilot VPN
does not limit the number of active configured tunnels. Many more
than indicated above could be achieved if the Internet connection
is used for no other purpose, and data passing through the tunnels
is low and of a sporadic nature.
IPSec, which stands for Internet Protocol Security, is a solution
that addresses the issues relating to the security of data being
sent across the Internet. In reality, it's a complex suite of
industry standards defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force
(IETF), with the assistance of many vendors, to tackle data encryption
and integrity. In practice, it's a tool users of the Internet
can employ to ensure the security of data and the authenticity
of the sender when transmitting and receiving information across
public networks such as the Internet.
A Total Security Gateway Solution
NetPilot VPN's Checkmark accredited firewall is further
enhanced with the addition of IPSec. As well as providing total
security for the local network, NetPilot plus IPSec can offer
the same security for data traveling between networks across the
Internet.
What NetPilot and IPSec offers
The most common use of IPSec is to provide Virtual Private Networks
(VPNs), but NetPilot VPN's implementation of IPSec also
provides remote access to, and administration of, remote NetPilot
units and associated local networks. All these functions are achieved
at low cost - using the Internet - and are totally secure, to
protect against electronic eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle
attacks.
Virtual Private Networks
By incorporating IPSec, organisations can establish totally secured
VPNs between their sites using existing Internet connections.
A labyrinth of secure networks can be established in no time at
all without the cost of expensive permanent site-to-site connections
or the disruption caused by cabling installation engineers. And
what's more, other Internet activities, such as web browsing and
the transferring of email to and from other destinations around
the world, can still continue in conjunction with this.
If your sites already have permanent connections to local Internet
access providers, then you need no more than a NetPilot VPN
unit at each site to establish totally secure Virtual Private
Network. It's also possible to establish a VPN from a site that
has an ISDN connected NetPilot VPN unit, note a fixed static
IP address is required.
Remote Email Access
NetPilot VPN also provides the functionality to remotely
access email on NetPilot or an office mail-server on its LAN,
from anywhere in the world. From home or hotel, an office network
is securely accessible for the cost of a local phone call if Internet
access is available. No more direct dialling to a RAS server,
no more dedicated office telephone lines for RAS, and no more
waiting for another user to drop the line - many can share the
same Internet connection. All that's required is an NetPilot VPN
installed at the office and a permanent Internet connection. A
suitable IPSec client installed on the PC or Notebook being used
to remotely access the NetPilot is also required (for information
about suitable PC IPSec clients and installation guides please
contact Info@NetPilot.com).
Remote Administration
NetPilot VPN, and the network resources it protects can
now be securely administered over the Internet from remote locations.
Support centres can easily administer many NetPilots simultaneously
over a single Internet connection. Even network resources located
behind NetPilot could be securely supported. All that's required
is a NetPilot VPN unit, and ensure that it has a permanent
connection to the Internet.
24 by 7 by 365 couldn't be made easier either. Out of hours support
for customer and client NetPilots, and local network resource
could be provided by engineers located at home if their PC is
equipped with a suitable IPSec client, and they have local access
to the Internet. (note - client may not work through local router
or firewall)
Interoperability
As IPSec is the de facto standard used by virtually all vendors
of firewall and Internet security devices, it allows for interoperability
between these products. NetPilot VPN's IPSec implementation
should enable it to establish a VPN with other vendors' products
supporting IPSec with 3DES encryption.
Performance characteristics
As with any Internet connection, the performance seen by a user
depends upon many factors, which include the size (bandwidth)
of the local Internet connection, the size of the Internet connection
at the remote site, the number of other simultaneous users at
both sites, and the quality of all connections in-between.
When using a VPN the same factors come into play.
For the aforementioned reasons it is not possible to give definitive
performance characteristics, but as a guide, we would suggest
the following as typical
NetPilot VPN with a 128Kbps Internet connection
Maximum tunnels passing data simultaneously - 3
NetPilot Enterprise VPN with a 2Mpbs Internet connection
Maximum tunnels passing data simultaneously - 20
It should be noted that NetPilot VPN
does not limit the number of active configured tunnels. Many more
than indicated above could be achieved if the Internet connection
is used for no other purpose, and data passing through the tunnels
is low and of a sporadic nature.
For more in-depth information relating to NetPilot VPN please
visit www.netpilot.com/products/vpn/.
