IPSec VPN Design

The definitive design and deployment guide for secure virtual private networks

• Learn about IPSec protocols and Cisco IOS IPSec packet processing
• Understand the differences between IPSec tunnel mode and transport mode
• Evaluate the IPSec features that improve VPN scalability and fault tolerance, such as dead peer detection and control plane keepalives
• Overcome the challenges of working with NAT and PMTUD
• Explore IPSec remote-access features, including extended authentication, mode-configuration, and digital certificates
• Examine the pros and cons of various IPSec connection models such as native IPSec, GRE, and remote access
• Apply fault tolerance methods to IPSec VPN designs
• Employ mechanisms to alleviate the configuration complexity of a large- scale IPSec VPN, including Tunnel End-Point Discovery (TED) and Dynamic Multipoint VPNs (DMVPN)
• Add services to IPSec VPNs, including voice and multicast
• Understand how network-based VPNs operate and how to integrate IPSec VPNs with MPLS VPNs

Among the many functions that networking technologies permit is the ability for organizations to easily and securely communicate with branch offices, mobile users, telecommuters, and business partners. Such connectivity is now vital to maintaining a competitive level of business productivity. Although several technologies exist that can enable interconnectivity among business sites, Internet-based virtual private networks (VPNs) have evolved as the most effective means to link corporate network resources to remote employees, offices, and mobile workers. VPNs provide productivity enhancements, efficient and convenient remote access to network resources, site-to-site connectivity, a high level of security, and tremendous cost savings.

 

IPSec VPN Design is the first book to present a detailed examination of the design aspects of IPSec protocols that enable secure VPN communication. Divided into three parts, the book provides a solid understanding of design and architectural issues of large-scale, secure VPN solutions. Part I includes a comprehensive introduction to the general architecture of IPSec, including its protocols and Cisco IOS® IPSec implementation details. Part II examines IPSec VPN design principles covering hub-and-spoke, full-mesh, and fault-tolerant designs. This part of the book also covers dynamic configuration models used to simplify IPSec VPN designs. Part III addresses design issues in adding services to an IPSec VPN such as voice and multicast. This part of the book also shows you how to effectively integrate IPSec VPNs with MPLS VPNs.

 

IPSec VPN Design provides you with the field-tested design and configuration advice to help you deploy an effective and secure VPN solution in any environment.

 

This security book is part of the Cisco Press® Networking Technology Series. Security titles from Cisco Press help networking professionals secure critical data and resources, prevent and mitigate network attacks, and build end-to-end self-defending networks.

As the numbers of remote branches and work-from-home employees grows throughout corporate America, VPNs are becoming essential to both Enterprise networks and Service providers. IPSec is one of the more popular technologies for deploying IP based VPNs. IPSec VPN Design provides a solid understanding of design and architectural issues of IPSec VPNs. Some books cover IPSec protocols, but they do not address overall design issues. This book fills that void. IPSec VPN Design consists of three main sections. The first section provides a comprehensive introduction to the IPSec protocol, including IPSec Peer Models. This section also includes an introduction to site-to-site, network-based, and remote access VPNs. The second section is dedicated to an analysis of IPSec VPN architecture and proper design methodologies. Peer relationships and fault tolerance models and architectures are examined in detail. Part three addresses enabling VPN services, such as performance, scalability, packet processing, QoS, multicast, and security. This title also gives exposure to integration of IPSec VPNs with other Layer 3 (MPLS VPN) and Layer 2 (Frame Relay, ATM) technologies. Management, provisioning, and troubleshooting techniques are also be discussed. Case studies highlight design, implementation, and management advice to be applied in both service provider and enterprise environments.

Vijay Bollapragada, CCIE® No. 1606, is a senior manager in the Network Systems Integration and Test Engineering group at Cisco Systems® where he works on the architecture, design, and validation of complex network solutions.

 

Mohamed Khalid, CCIE No. 2435, is a technical leader working with IP VPN solutions at Cisco®. He works extensively with service providers across the globe and their associated Cisco account teams to determine technical and engineering requirements for various IP VPN architectures.

 

Scott Wainner is a Distinguished Systems Engineer in the U.S. Service Provider Sales Organization at Cisco Systems where he focuses on VPN architecture and solution development. In this capacity, he provides customer guidance on IP VPN architectures and drives internal development initiatives within Cisco Systems.