How to establish site to site VPN with MikroTik router?

June 6, 2023

Summary

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to configure site-to-site VPNs with MikroTik routers. It covers topics such as setting up a VPN server, establishing a VPN connection, and configuring IPsec VPNs. Additionally, it answers common questions related to VPNs and provides helpful tips.

Main Thought

Setting up a VPN server with MikroTik routers is a straightforward process that involves creating a PPP profile, establishing L2TP server binding, and enabling the L2TP server. Firewall configurations and IPsec default policies may also be required, depending on the specific setup. Overall, configuring a VPN server with MikroTik routers offers enhanced security and privacy for network communication.

Main Thought

Building a site-to-site VPN requires the creation of a customer gateway, target gateway, and proper routing configuration. It is essential to update security groups and create VPN connections to establish a secure connection between two networks. By following these steps, organizations can securely connect their networks over the internet.

Key Points

1. Main Thought

Configuring IPsec VPN in MikroTik routers involves setting up IP addresses, proposals, policies, peers, identities, and filter rules. Following these steps ensures a secure and reliable VPN connection, enhancing network security.

2. Main Thought

Configuring site-to-site IPsec VPN between two Cisco routers requires creating an extended ACL, defining IPSec transforms, setting up a crypto map, and applying the crypto map to the public interface. This process ensures encrypted communication between the two routers, enhancing network security.

3. Main Thought

Setting up a VPN server on a router involves accessing the router’s configuration panel, enabling the OpenVPN option, and connecting to the VPN. These steps enable users to establish a secure connection to the VPN server, enhancing privacy and security while accessing the internet.

4. Main Thought

MikroTik routers support various VPN types, including 6to4, EoIP, GRE, IPsec, L2TP, OpenVPN, and PPPoE. These VPN types provide different levels of security and flexibility, allowing users to choose the most suitable option for their requirements.

5. Main Thought

The main difference between VPN and site-to-site VPN connections lies in their setups. Client-to-Site VPNs are designed for single user connections, while Site-to-Site VPNs connect entire networks. Understanding the differences between these VPN connections helps organizations make informed decisions regarding their network security needs.

6. Main Thought

A remote access VPN involves a client/server model, requiring users to install software for establishing the VPN connection. In contrast, a site-to-site VPN connects two internet gateways, eliminating the need for users to install additional software. Choosing between these VPN types depends on the specific network requirements and security needs.

7. Main Thought

Configuring IPSec VPN involves selecting Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), entering the VPN server IP for the gateway, providing a username and password, and storing the password securely. By following these steps, users can establish a secure VPN connection, protecting their data and privacy.

8. Main Thought

Configuring site-to-site IPSec VPN involves specifying endpoint details, network details, and a pre-shared key. These settings ensure encrypted communication between the two VPN endpoints, enhancing network security.

9. Main Thought

Tunnel mode is used for site-to-site VPNs as it encapsulates the original IP packet. This mode enables secure communication between private IP addresses over the internet, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.

10. Main Thought

Configuring site-to-site IPsec VPN requires specifying endpoint and network details, as well as a pre-shared key. Following the steps for configuring IPsec connections, encryption settings, and gateway settings ensures a secure and reliable VPN connection.

11. Main Thought

When using a VPN, it is necessary to configure the router to ensure all devices connected to the network are routed through the encrypted tunnel. Setting up a router VPN provides enhanced security and privacy for all devices, including PCs, laptops, home entertainment systems, and smart IoT devices.

Questions and Answers

1. Question

How to establish a site-to-site VPN with MikroTik routers?

2. Question

How do I set up a site-to-site VPN connection?

3. Question

What is the difference between VPN and site-to-site VPN?

Answer: Client-to-Site VPNs are characterized by single user connections, while Site-to-Site VPNs connect entire networks. Additionally, VPNs use a client/server model, while site-to-site connections do not require users to install software.

4. Question

How to configure IPSec VPN step by step?

5. Question

How to configure site-to-site IPsec VPN?

6. Question

Which IPsec mode is used for a site-to-site VPN?

Answer: Tunnel mode is used for site-to-site VPNs, as it encapsulates the original IP packet and ensures secure communication between private IP addresses over the internet.

7. Question

How to configure site-to-site IPsec VPN?

8. Question

Do I need to configure my router for VPN?

Answer: Yes, configuring your router for VPN allows for all devices connected to the network to have their traffic sent through the encrypted tunnel, providing enhanced security and privacy.