Setting Up Site-to-Site VPNs with GWN Routers

Site-to-Site VPNs are essential for securely connecting remote offices, data centers, and other locations to your main network. This allows for seamless data sharing, resource access, and improved network security.

This guide outlines the process of establishing Site-to-Site VPNs using GWN routers.

1. Prerequisites

• Two or more GWN Routers: Ensure you have compatible GWN routers at each location.
• Public IP Addresses: Each router needs a unique and static public IP address.
• VPN Credentials: Choose a strong pre-shared key (PSK) or utilize certificates for authentication.

2. Configuration Steps

• Access Router Web Interface: Access the web interface of each GWN router. You'll typically use the router's default IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) in your web browser.
• Navigate to VPN Settings: Locate the VPN configuration section within the router's settings. This might be under "VPN," "Networking," or a similar menu.
• Create VPN Tunnel:
  • Select VPN Type: Choose "Site-to-Site VPN" or a similar option.
  • Configure Tunnel Parameters:
    • Peer IP Address: Enter the public IP address of the remote router.
    • Local Subnet: Specify the IP address range of the local network.
    • Remote Subnet: Enter the IP address range of the remote network.
    • Authentication:
      • PSK: Enter the chosen pre-shared key.
      • Certificates: If using certificates, upload and configure them.
    • Encryption: Select the desired encryption protocol and cipher (e.g., IPSec/AES-256).
    • Dead Peer Detection (DPD): Enable DPD to quickly detect and respond to connection failures.
• Save and Apply: Save the VPN tunnel configuration and apply the changes.

3. Verify VPN Connection

• Ping Test: From a device on the local network, attempt to ping a device on the remote network.
• Connectivity Tests: Test network connectivity between devices on both sides of the VPN.

4. Troubleshooting

• Check Router Logs: Examine the router logs for any error messages related to the VPN connection.
• Verify Firewall Rules: Ensure that your firewalls (both on the routers and any other firewalls in your network) are configured to allow VPN traffic.
• Review Network Connectivity: Check for any issues with the underlying network connectivity between the two locations.

Important Notes:

• Consult Documentation: Refer to the official GWN router documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date configuration instructions.
• Security Best Practices: Always use strong encryption and authentication methods to enhance VPN security.
• Regular Monitoring: Monitor the VPN connection regularly to ensure it remains stable and secure.

By following these steps, you can successfully establish secure Site-to-Site VPN connections between your GWN routers, enabling seamless and secure communication across your network.