A PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunnel Protocol) VPN connection to the JACE is best suited for a “one-to-one” connection over the Internet between the JACE and a single user, typically either Workbench (Fox or platform) or a web browser. It is intended for temporary access to the JACE for monitoring purposes, such as by the end-user with a browser, or to perform light engineering using Workbench.

The PC accessing the JACE must use VPN client software. Typically, on a Windows PC you use a “Virtual Private Network” object created within Window’s “Network Connections”, then configure it with connection data furnished by the Service Provider. After starting this VPN connection, you can then open the JACE station or platform in Workbench, or if needed access it in a web browser.

For more details, see Connecting as a VPN client to a JACE with GPRS modem option.

An IPSec VPN gateway connection is a more robust technique, and is recommended for Supervisor connectivity to any remote JACE via its GPRS modem option. Also, this method can allow a customer’s entire LAN access to the Service Provider’s VPN network with the GPRS modem-equipped JACEs. It also offers higher total bandwidth and supports simultaneous connections to multiple JACEs. In addition, IPSec provides better reliability and error-recovery than a PPTP connection. VPN client software is not required or used.

To employ, the customer must provide and install a suitable VPN router/firewall, and configure it in co-operation with the Service Provider. This device acts as the customer-side of a “IPSec tunnel” to the Service Provider, connected to another VPN gateway device on the provider’s side.

Typically, configuration requires the customer’s IT department to work closely with Service Provider, and specific details may vary from one implementation to the next. For details specific to an example setup with the Wyless network service provider, see Configuring an IPSec VPN gateway to access a VPN network.