User's Manual

Introduction 2-1
202-10015-01
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter describes the features of the NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Client.
The NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Client is a remote access and end-point security product that
secures communications over the Internet and other public networks to create a virtual private
network (VPN) between users. The NETGEAR VPN Client secures data communications sent
from a desktop or portable computer across a public or private TCP/IP network. The client protects
the office computer user and the home and mobile workforce.
The NETGEAR VPN Client supports secure client-to-gateway or client-to-client communications.
For example, employees can telecommute from their homes to the office through the Internet or
dial-in connections for secure client-to-gateway communications. Organizations that require a
low-cost solution for secure communications among their employees or members across a private
LAN, WAN, or individual dial-up connections can use the NETGEAR VPN Client for secure
client-to-client communications.
The NETGEAR VPN Client starts automatically when the user's computer starts, and runs
transparently at all times behind other software programs. A system tray icon indicates the status
of communications for the client.
What's Included?
The NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Client contains two primary components:
• Security Policy Editor is where you create, import, and manage connections and their
associated proposals that make up your security policy.
• Certificate Manager allows users to request and retrieve, import, and store the certificates
users receive from certificate authorities (CAs), and to also set the trust policy.
There are also two diagnostic tools:
• Log Viewer lists the IKE negotiations that occur during Authentication (Phase 1).
• Connection Monitor displays statistical and diagnostic information for each active
connection.