11.5 Additional Information Regarding Communication Protocols

Also, SoftEther's web site (http://www.softether.com/) may contain more up to date support information than that found in this manual. When you are troubleshooting a problem, always remember to check there as well.

11.5.1 Usable Protocols Other than TCP/IP

PacketiX VPN is a protocol to create a VPN by encapsulating all Ethernet frames into TCP/IP. Therefore, it is possible to use many different protocols as long as they are Ethernet frames that can be handled by PacketiX VPN. For example, it is possible to use certain home electronics or video conferencing systems that utilize special protocols other than TCP/IP over a VPN with PacketiX VPN.

11.5.2 Using NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, etc.

You can use protocols such as NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and AppleTalk on a virtual layer 2 network created with PacketiX VPN.

11.5.3 Sending Multicast Packets Within the VPN

PacketiX VPN Server's Virtual HUB has the same Ethernet frame conversion capabilities as a physical layer 2 switching hub. Therefore, it is possible to send multicast IP packets over a VPN.

11.5.4 Using IP Phone Protocols

PacketiX VPN Server's Virtual HUB has the same Ethernet frame conversion capabilities as a physical layer 2 switching hub. Therefore, it is possible to use any IP phone protocols that can normally be used over Ethernet. However, if you are using PacketiX VPN to connect remote computers together, the throughput and latency of the network is dependent on the throughput and latency of all the remote physical networks. Depending on the IP phone and protocol being used, this may lead to a reduction in sound quality, or the inability to use the service at all.

11.5.5 Using NetMeeting or Other Video Conferencing Protocols

PacketiX VPN Server's Virtual HUB has the same Ethernet frame conversion capabilities as a physical layer 2 switching hub. Therefore, it is possible to use NetMeeting or other such video conferencing protocols that can normally be used over Ethernet. SoftEther is currently investigating whether or not NetMeeting's video chat feature can be used over a VPN. While chances are high that you can use other video conferencing protocols that you would normally use over Ethernet over a VPN, the throughput and latency of the network is dependent on the throughput and latency of all the remote physical networks. Depending on the bandwidth and transfer speeds required by the protocol, this may lead to a reduction in sound quality, or the inability to use the service at all.

11.5.6 Using PacketiX VPN to Communicate on an Existing VPN Tunnel

As explained in section 「2.1 VPN Communications Protocol」, PacketiX VPN sends all data within a normal TCP/IP connection as streams. Therefore, PacketiX VPN protocol's IP packets can be sent within another VPN tunneling protocol (L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, etc.). It is also possible for other VPN tunneling protocols (L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, etc.) to send packets within a PacketiX VPN session.

< 11.4 Additional Security Information

11.6 Additional Compatibility Information>