Comprehensive comparison of two common access network technologies

China's access network technology is also very advanced, so I studied the two common access network technologies IPSec VPN and SSL VPN, and made a comprehensive comparison, I would like to share it with you here and hope it will be useful to you.

Which IPSec VPN or ssl vpn should I choose?

Ssl vpn and IPSec VPN are two popular types of Internet remote secure access network technologies. They have similar features, but they are quite different. The SSL "Zero client" solution is considered to be the biggest advantage of remote access network technology, which is true for users who lack the maintenance of large IPSec configuration resources. However, the SSL solution is insufficient. It only supports proxy access to Web-based or specific client/server-based applications. Applications directly manipulated by servers, such as Net Meeting and applications written by customers, cannot be accessed.

High Security Level of the IPSec Solution

IPSec VPN is an ideal solution to achieve secure connections between multiple private networks based on the Internet. IPSec works at the network layer to protect all data transmitted between end sites, regardless of network applications. In fact, the remote client is "placed" on the enterprise intranet, so that the remote client has the same permissions and operation functions as the Intranet users. IPSec VPN requires you to install and configure the IPSec client software and access network technical equipment on the remote access network technical client, which greatly improves the security level, because access is restricted by specific access devices, software clients, user authentication mechanisms, and predefined security rules.

IPSec VPN can also reduce the network management burden. Nowadays, some IPSec client software can be installed automatically without the user's participation. The VPN Server can automatically install and configure client software packages for end users to access devices. Therefore, the installation process is greatly simplified for network administrators and end users.

Advantages of IPSec VPN

SSL users are limited to Web browser access, which is suitable for the new Web-based business application software, but it limits the access of non-Web applications, making it difficult to implement some file operation functions, such as file sharing, scheduled file backup, and automatic file transfer. Users can support non-Web applications by upgrading, adding patches, installing SSL gateways, or other means. However, the implementation cost is high, complex, and difficult to implement. IPSec VPN can smoothly access enterprise network resources, and users do not have to use the Web access network technology to access non-Web resources ), this is the best solution for applications that require automatic communication in both ways.

The IPSec solution can achieve network-layer connection, and any LAN application can access through the IPSec tunnel. Therefore, IPSec is an ideal solution when users only need network-layer access. Today, some organizations use both the IPSec and SSL Remote Access Network Technology Solutions. The IT supervisor uses the IPSec VPN for network layer access and network management. Other personnel have limited resources to access, the SSL solution is generally used for Intranet Web browsing by email, fax, and access network technology companies. This fully utilizes the IPSec network layer access function.

Comparison between IPSec VPN and SSL VPN

Both IPSec VPN and ssl vpn have their own advantages and disadvantages. IPSec VPN provides a complete network-layer connection function, making it the best option to achieve secure connections to multiple private networks. The "Zero client" architecture of ssl vpn is particularly suitable for remote user connections, users can access CEN Web applications through any Web browser. Ssl vpn has certain security risks, because users can use public Internet site access. IPSec VPN requires support from software clients and does not support public Internet site access technology, however, Web or non-Web enterprise applications can be accessed.

Meta Group believes that the advantages and disadvantages of IPSec and SSL solutions cannot be simply determined. When paying attention to the application solution itself, the customer should also consider the security of remote machine peripheral devices, such as whether a personal firewall and anti-virus protection system are configured. IT supervisors need to comprehensively assess business application requirements to determine which VPN policies to adopt.