[Draft] Dec Security Monthly Express: Route-based VPN in a nutshell

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What is a Route-Based VPN?

A route-based VPN is a type of VPN setup that uses routing tables and policies to direct traffic between VPN endpoints. Unlike policy-based VPNs, which rely solely on security policies, route-based VPNs determine the best path for each data packet using routing tables. Each VPN tunnel in this architecture has a unique virtual tunnel interface (VTI), complete with its routing table. This design enables traffic to be routed according to the specific routing table linked to its VTI, allowing for enhanced flexibility and scalability. Multiple tunnels can be established between the same endpoints, which supports failover and load balancing. Route-based VPNs are particularly useful in complex networks where multiple VPN tunnels connect various locations and require granular, adaptable routing policies.

Advantages of Route-Based VPNs Over Policy-Based VPNs

Route-based VPNs offer several benefits over traditional policy-based VPNs:

1. Greater Flexibility and Scalability: Policy-based VPNs use specific rules based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols to control traffic. This can make configuring complex networks with multiple VPN connections challenging, as each connection requires separate policies. Additionally, policy-based VPNs have limited routing options, which can restrict certain network designs. In contrast, route-based VPNs use routing protocols to direct traffic, making handling complex topologies and route traffic to various destinations easier. For instance, route-based VPNs are ideal for building hub-and-spoke networks where the subnets at each spoke site are identical.
2. Simplified Configuration and Management: Route-based VPNs can be easier to set up and manage, especially in intricate network environments with multiple connections.
3. Enhanced Routing Options: Route-based VPNs provide more flexibility in routing traffic over VPN connections.

Using Route-Based VPNs in the USG FLEX H Series

If you need to connect multiple subnets to a peer VPN gateway e.g. a ZLD-based USG FLEX firewall, a route-based VPN is recommended over a policy-based VPN. This approach simplifies management and enhances the performance of complex network setups.

👉️ Configure route-based VPN with multiple subnets in uOS of USG FLEX H series