Virtual private networks (VPNs) are private enterprise netwoprks meant to interconnect multiple sites to operate in a client server environment. Typically, each site connects to an access router via a local leased line, and access routers are interconnected by a backbone network.

Access points used to be established via dedicated leased lines that carried Frame relay traffic or IP over SDSL. Core backbone networks have employed several IP routing protocols, most current sharing the IP infrastrcture via MPLS.

The Internet presents the highest level of sharing to end users (or sites) but in the mean time it has limited security and performance guarantees. IPSec is an encryption based encapsulating protocol that has been employed for secure remote intranet access by corportae users and partners.

SSL is an open source encryption technology that has been long used for remote login shells, secure web access, and email retrieval. It is simpler to configure than IPSec and provides commercial grade security with its standard 128-bit encryption, which is used for all online purchasing transactions. OpenVPN is also an open source technology that utilizes SSL to make VPNs over the Internet.

Referred to as "user-space" VPNs, they are implementnted using soft servers; and clients for remote access. The server application performs both routing and security functions. The savings are enormous if we consider that an OpenVPN server would run over an ADSL modem, over a regular phone line with 100's of Mbps access rate to the free shared Internet. Performance concerns are alleviated by the high access bandwidth and the constantly improving Internet QoS engineering. This is enhanced by the fact that SSL VPN will basically work in a star based configuration with no complex IP routing involved.

An advantage of SSL OpenVPN technology is that it is supported by all operating systems currently in use: MS Windows, Mac OS, Linux, BSD Unix, and Solaris. The Untangle product supports NATing, Firewalls, and dynamic IP addressing.

Untangle

Untangle offers free VPN server and client software based on SSL OpenVPN. There is no hardware involved nor required for the Untangle VPN. Monthly subscriptions are charged, in a similar manner to software lease, to take advantage of full remote management and customization features.

Untangle's products covers both routing and security functions; namely: Web Filter, Spam Blocker, Spyware Blocker, Protocol Control, Virus Blocker, Phish Blocker IPS, Attack Blocker, Firewall, OpenVPN, Reports, Routing, VoIP & QoS support.

Untangle's open VPN products are ideal for both:

• Remote access to a central site
• Interconnecting several satellite sites to a central site