1.2 Software of which PacketiX VPN is composed
PacketiX VPN is composed of VPN Server, VPN Client, VPN Bridge and
several common software components. When using PacketiX VPN, depending
on what software is installed on your computer, it is necessary to
understand VPN construction and whether or not it can be operated. A
list of software and a description of the functions and roles are
provided here.
1.2.1 PacketiX VPN Server
Role of PacketiX VPN Server
PacketiX VPN Server is the most important software for the PacketiX
VPN system. Just as the name suggests, PacketiX VPN Server plays the
role of VPN server to accept connections from remotely located VPN
Client and VPN Bridge through the network.
Installation of PacketiX VPN Server is necessary no matter what form
VPN is realized. The reason for this is because only PacketiX VPN Server
accept connection from VPN Client and VPN Bridge.
Multiple Virtual HUBs can be created for PacketiX VPN Server and
Ethernet frames can be exchanged within Virtual HUB. For more
information on Virtual HUB, see 「1.4.2 Virtual HUB」.
If a new VPN session is connected to Virtual HUB for other VPN
Server, concerning Ethernet frames flowing through user authentication
function Virtual HUB, the majority of the functions required for network
administration such as packet filtering by access list of security
policy are provided. For more information on these functions, see 「Chapter 3 PacketiX VPN Server 2.0 Manual」.
If multiple Virtual HUBs are created within PacketiX VPN Server, a
virtual layer 3 switch function is provided to conduct IP routing among
Virtual HUBs. A detailed description of virtual the layer 3 switch
function is provided in 「3.8 Virtual Layer 3 Switches」.
Fig. 1-2-1 Multiple Virtual HUBs and virtual layer 3
switches can be created for a single PacketiX VPN Server. |
Local Bridge
PacketiX VPN Server can perform bridge connection by layer 2 with
Ethernet segment of network adapter connected to computer operating any
Virtual HUB and its PacketiX VPN Server. This is called a local bridge.
A detailed description of local bridges is provided in 「3.6 Local Bridges」. A PacketiX
VPN Server in local bridge status can connect to the PacketiX VPN Server
from a remote location and access the bridge destination network. For
specific configuration method, see 「10.4 Setting Up a Generic Remote Access VPN」.
VPN among hubs can be easily realized by cascade connection of from
Virtual HUB connected by local bridge to a hub at a remote location to
Virtual HUB connected by local bridge on PacketiX VPN Server side. For
specific configuration method, see 「10.5 Setting Up a LAN-to-LAN VPN (Using Bridge Connections)」.
Fig. 1-2-2 Bridge connection between Virtual HUB and
physical network adapter by local bridge function |
Cascade Connection
Virtual HUB operated by PacketiX VPN Server can be connected with
Virtual HUB operated by PacketiX VPN Server on same or separate computer
by cascade connection. Cascade connection can also be a accepted from
PacketiX VPN Bridge operating on a separate computer. By connecting two
or more different Ethernet segments using cascade connection, you can
use the two LANs, which were originally separate of each other as LAN of
a single segment. A detailed description of cascade connection is
provided in 「3.4.11 Cascade Connection Functions」.
Fig. 1-2-3 Cascade connection established between Virtual
HUB and Virtual HUB |
Location of PacketiX VPN Server
If constructing VPN by PacketiX VPN, in most cases VPN can be
designed/constructed by establishing connection from a hub other that
the one the with the PacketiX VPN Server by PacketiX VPN Bridge or
PacketiX VPN Client. Thus, because it is a single organization, it is
basic to set up a PacketiX VPN Server for constructing VPN. For specific
location, see 「10.2.1 VPN Server Location」.
Fig. 1-2-4 Location of PacketiX VPN Server and PacketiX VPN
Bridge |
License Form
PacketiX VPN Server is provided as a software product that requires
payment of a fee. When using after selecting an Edition, a product
license and connection license must be purchased (there are free
licenses for academic use). For details see 「1.3 PacketiX VPN 2.0 Product Configuration and License」.
1.2.2 PacketiX VPN Client
Role of PacketiX VPN Client
PacketiX VPN Client is VPN client software that functions as a
Virtual Network Adapter that can connect to Virtual HUB of PacketiX VPN
Server. With a computer installed with PacketiX VPN Client, the user can
access via the Internet with only simple settings, and can carry out
random communication by connecting to Virtual HUB of PacketiX VPN Server
via Virtual Network Adapter.
For details concerning PacketiX VPN Client, see 「Chapter 4 PacketiX VPN Client 2.0 Manual」.
Fig. 1-2-5 VPN connection to Virtual HUB by PacketiX VPN
Client |
Virtual Network Adapter
If using PacketiX VPN Client, communications are carried out by
creating a Virtual Network Adapter recognized a single Network Adapter
by the operating system and all applications using communications.
Consequently a computer installed with PacketiX VPN Client can carry out
VPN communications via Virtual Network Adapter for an application.
Fig. 1-2-6 Virtual Network Adapter |
Bridge between Virtual Network Adapter and Physical Network Adapter
Because Virtual Network Adapter is implemented as a device driver
recognized by the operating system as a single network adapter. If there
is a bridge function between the operating system and network adapter,
it makes bridge connection between Virtual Network Adapter and physical
network adapter possible. For details see 「4.3.4 Bridge Connection Between a Virtual Network Adapter and
Physical Network Adapter」. Because cascade
connection and local bridge are supported for PacketiX VPN Server and
PacketiX VPN Bridge, this method is not used very much for PacketiX VPN
2.0.
License Form
PacketiX VPN Client is a free software product and is provided in the
same manner as freeware, and if the user agrees to the terms of the
users' agreement, all functions can be used.
1.2.3 PacketiX VPN Bridge
Role of PacketiX VPN Bridge
PacketiX VPN Bridge is software that enables cascade connection to
Virtual HUB of PacketiX VPN Server operating at a remote location, and
also enables VPN connection to be layer 2 bridge connection between a
physical network adapter and computer running PacketiX VPN Bridge.
PacketiX VPN Bridge is optimal software for introducing to computer
connected by LAN of the hub if you want to bridge connect hub LAN at a
remote location to VPN configured by PacketiX VPN Server (in other words
Virtual HUB operating on PacketiX VPN Server).
For details concerning PacketiX VPN Bridge, see 「Chapter 5 PacketiX VPN Bridge 2.0 Manual」.
Fig. 1-2-7 Bridge connection to remote hub by PacketiX VPN
Bridge |
PacketiX VPN Bridge and PacketiX VPN Server
PacketiX VPN Bridge is technically software optimized for bridge hub
by removing the function for creating multiple Virtual HUBs and function
for accepting connection from PacketiX VPN Server and PacketiX VPN
Client of other computer from the software program of PacketiX VPN
Server. When PacketiX VPN Bridge is installed, a single Virtual HUB
named "BRIDGE" is created. The network administrator makes a local
bridge with the LAN of the hub to bridge the Virtual HUB and connects to
the Virtual HUB of the PacketiX VPN Server of the connection
destination.
Fig. 1-2-8 Difference between PacketiX VPN Server and
PacketiX VPN Bridge |
Local Bridge and Cascade Connection
A Virtual HUB named "BRIDGE" exists in PacketiX VPN Bridge, but can
connect from "BRIDGE" Virtual HUB to Virtual HUB of PacketiX VPN Server
operating at a remote location and the physical network adapter of the
computer on which "BRIDGE" Virtual HUB and PacketiX VPN Bridge are
running can be connected by local bridge function.
The cascade connection function and local bridge function are
therefore the same as those with which PacketiX VPN Server is equipped.
License Form
PacketiX VPN Bridge is a free software product and is provided in the
same manner as freeware, and if the user agrees to the terms of the
users' agreement, all functions can be used.
1.2.4 PacketiX VPN Server Manager
PacketiX VPN Server Manager is an administration utility equipped
with graphical user interface (GUI) for administrating by connecting to
PacketiX VPN Server and PacketiX VPN Bridge in the administration mode.
Only the Windows version PacketiX VPN Server Manager is currently
provided.
Using PacketiX VPN Server Manager enables administration by
connecting by TCP/IP to PacketiX VPN Server and PacketiX VPN Bridge from
a remote location. PacketiX VPN Server Manager can also be used as a
stand-alone by installing on a computer terminal for administration.
When PacketiX VPN Server Manager, the user does not have to memorize
difficult operating procedure or command lines. Most operations are
accomplished by mouse click or keyboard input of necessary items.
Fig. 1-2-9 PacketiX VPN Server Manager |
1.2.5 PacketiX VPN Command Line Management Utility (vpncmd)
The PacketiX VPN command line management utility (vpncmd) is a
command user interface (CUI) administration utility for carrying out
administration by connecting to PacketiX VPN Server, PacketiX VPN Client
and PacketiX VPN Bridge.
Currently on the Windows version of PacketiX VPN Server Manager is
offered, but vpncmd programs are offered for all platforms on which
PacketiX VPN Server operates, thus enabling administration by same
method no matter which platform is used.
This manual contains a command reference for vpncmd commands. For
details see 「Chapter 6 Command Line Management Utility Manual」.
With vpncmd, all operations are accomplished by command input, but
because the program contains detailed command help with usage methods
and explanations, you can refer to the manual each time inputting
commands, so you don't have to memorize the commands and the number of
times key input is required is reduced by an automatic input complement
function. When calling out vpncmd commands, batch command line script
can be passed as a command line argument, automatic processing can be
executed, and processing results can be written in a file.
Fig. 1-2-10 PacketiX VPN command line management utility
(vpncmd) |
1.2.6 Other Included Utilities
The following utilities are contained in PacketiX VPN.
- Communication throughput measurement
utility
- TCP/IP communications setting optimization
utility
For further information on these utilities, see 「7.2.3 Optimizing the TCP/IP Communication Settings」 and 「4.8 Measuring Effective Throughput」.
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