A virtual private network (VPN) can provide secure access to remote job sites, while giving systems integrators the flexibility to monitor and maintain systems from the convenience of their home, office, or any location with Internet access. This secure remote access control allows systems integrators to deliver 24-hour monitoring as well as real-time alarm response, troubleshooting and maintenance which will minimize system malfunctions and downtime.

However, deciding which VPN is the best one can be confusing. Which VPN service should I use? What are the features, capabilities, and limitations?

Can I maintain my own VPN?

Contemporary Controls offers three VPN solutions to meet remote access needs—our RemoteVPN subscription service, and our Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions.

These VPN solutions utilize OpenVPN® which is a well-supported open-source VPN technology that incorporates SSL/TLS security with encryption. Contemporary Controls’ Skorpion IP routers include models that support OpenVPN client or both client/server functionality. The EIPR-V, EIGR-V series, and EIGR-C series Skorpion IP routers support OpenVPN client functionality for use with the RemoteVPN subscription service. EIGR-V and EIGR-VB routers can be configured as VPN servers for our Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions.

RemoteVPN Subscription Service.

RemoteVPN subscription service

Contemporary Controls’ RemoteVPN subscription service provides secure communication and the convenience of remote access without having to maintain the VPN server. Hosted on the Internet and maintained by Contemporary Controls, RemoteVPN incorporates a cloud-based OpenVPN server, OpenVPN clients for workstations and mobile devices, and OpenVPN routers installed at job sites. In addition to the RemoteVPN subscription service, Contemporary Controls offers Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions which allow users to set up and maintain their own secure remote access without subscription fees and without the need for a cloud-based VPN server.

Self-HostedVPN Solution.

Self-HostedVPN solution

For network savvy users, a Self-HostedVPN solution utilizes the EIGR-V Skorpion Gigabit IP router configured to operate in OpenVPN server mode. This allows the router to act as the VPN server capable of supporting Contemporary Controls’ wired and cellular routers as VPN clients. This Self-HostedVPN solution provides wired or wireless remote access for multiple clients—up to 15 wired/cellular IP routers in OpenVPN client mode and 15 OpenVPN clients on PC/tablet/phone.

BridgeVPN solution

For single-site, remote access solutions, the BridgeVPN solution utilizes the EIGR-VB Gigabit IP router configured to operate in OpenVPN server mode as a wired bridge VPN server. This BridgeVPN solution can support up to 10 VPN clients on Windows/Linux PCs. These Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN OpenVPN clients can be located anywhere that has Internet connectivity.

Conclusion

Remote access using VPN allows systems integrators to perform diagnostics and resolve issues in real time. Contemporary Controls’ VPN solutions can accommodate a variety of remote access requirements and network capabilities. Utilizing OpenVPN technology, the RemoteVPN subscription service provides secure remote communication without the added burden of maintaining a VPN server. Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions allow users to set up and maintain their own secure remote access without subscription fees and with all the configuration easily completed via the IP router webpage.

Kathy Neumeyer, Technical Writer, Contemporary Controls