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WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WatchGuard® VPN Manager

General Questions

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Q: What is VPN Manager?
A:
WatchGuard VPN Manager, part of WatchGuard System Manager, is a powerful tool for configuring, managing, and monitoring VPN tunnels across an Internet distributed enterprise. VPN Manager lets you create VPN tunnels between offices, and from offices to mobile users in three easy steps. VPN Manager monitoring and management tools let you manage remote VPN connections from a central location. Unlike traditional solutions, VPN Manager uses Dynamic VPN Configuration Protocol (DVCP) technology to eliminate the need to re-enter VPN configuration information on multiple devices, saving time and reducing errors.

Q: What is DVCP?
A:
A key feature of VPN Manager, WatchGuard DVCP lets you create VPN policies and tunnels across multiple devices in a distributed enterprise without having to re-enter policy and tunnel configuration on each device. VPN Manager automatically distributes VPN configurations and launches VPN tunnels.

Q: Will VPN Manager work with any WatchGuard appliance?
A:
You can use VPN Manager to manage any combination of Firebox® X models, Firebox® III models, and Firebox® SOHO 6 models. To manage WatchGuard appliances with VPN Manager, you will need a Firebox® X500*, X700, or X1000, or a Firebox® 4500, 2500, or 1000 appliance. VPN Manager is not supported on Firebox Vclass models.

Q: How many VPN tunnels can you manage with VPN Manager?
A:
As many as you choose. There are no licensing parameters regarding the number of tunnels configured using VPN Manager.

Q: Is VPN Manager required to set up VPN tunnels between Firebox appliances?
A:
No. VPN tunnels can be manually configured between Firebox appliances. VPN Manager minimizes the amount of network and IPSec-related knowledge required to properly configure VPN tunnels, and significantly reduces configuration and troubleshooting time.

Q: What technical skills are required to use VPN Manager? Can the average IT technician use it?
A:
VPN Manager is designed to simplify the setup of VPN tunnels. Any IT professional who is comfortable with network security issues and WatchGuard security solutions should have no problem using VPN Manager.

Q: Can VPN Manager be used remotely?
A:
Yes, VPN Manager can be installed on multiple workstations, and can be used from remote workstations using a password-protected connection. This capability gives administrators management access at all times and from any location.

Q: How does VPN Manager manage remote Firebox SOHO 6 models?
A:
VPN Manager offers secure, Web-based management of remote Firebox SOHO 6 appliances. The browser connection uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, with X.509.v3 certificates for authentication. VPN Manager also lets you create multiple VPN tunnels for each Firebox SOHO 6 under management.

Q: Is any additional software or hardware required to use VPN Manager?
A:
No. VPN Manager is included with Firebox® X (optional on X500), and Firebox® 4500, 2500 and 1000. No additional hardware or software is required.

Q: How is VPN Manager licensed?
A:
VPN Manager is licensed by the number of Firebox appliances being managed. A four-device license is included with Firebox® X700, X1000, and X2500, and is optional for X500. License upgrades are available in the following increments:

  • Upgrade from 4 to 10 devices
  • Upgrade from 10 to 20 devices
  • Upgrade from 20 to 50 devices
  • Upgrade from 50 to 100 devices

For Firebox® 4500, 2500, 1000, and 700, license upgrades are available in the following quantities:

  • 1 to 4 devices
  • 5 to 10 devices
  • 11 to 20 devices
  • Unlimited devices

Q: How do I keep my VPN Manager license up to date?
A:
If you keep your LiveSecurity® Service subscription current, you will continue to receive all available updates to your VPN Manager software.

Q: How do I upgrade VPN Manager when I add more Fireboxes to my organization?
A:
You can purchase VPN Manager upgrades at any time through WatchGuard's reseller channel. Activate your upgrades with the license key provided after purchase.

*To use multibox management capabilities-including VPN Manager-with Firebox® X500, you must also purchase the Firebox® X500 Branch Office VPN Upgrade.