Cisco VPN - General Cisco VPN information in the legacy J.D. Edwards network
The information below applies to legacy J.D. Edwards machines. Information about VPN on legacy PeopleSoft machines is available here.
Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is a technology that allows employees to connect securely to the legacy J.D. Edwards network worldwide through the Internet. The legacy J.D. Edwards VPN standard is the Cisco VPN 3000 concintrator. The employee has a software VPN dialer installed on their laptop that is used to authenticate through a Cisco VPN 3000 concintrator located in Denver, Singapore, or Stokenchurch.
The legacy J.D. Edwards employee has two scenarios of broadband service available to them. The first scenario is home broadband access where a broadband line is located in the employee’s home office. The second scenario is global broadband roaming where broadband services are available in a hotel, conference center, airport or another location where they can access the Internet. Using VPN, the road warrior can take advantage of these services to work effectively while traveling.
Many varieties of high-speed Internet have been popularized as Internet service providers began to invest into high-speed alternatives. DSL, Cable, and wireless are examples. The term “broadband” has been used synonymously with high-speed Internet access. One attribute that differentiates broadband from dial-up is that broadband is “always on.” Once setup and functioning, broadband services are usually always available.
General Informaion
Connecting to J. D. Edwards using Broadband or “high-speed” Internet
Remote Broadband Access (RBA) provides secure, high Speed connectivity to the legacy J.D. Edwards network resources using DSL, cable modem, or via wireless line of sight such as Sprint Broadband. RBA combined with VPN allows an employee to use emerging high-speed Internet access solutions to connect to the legacy J.D. Edwards network at speeds ranging from 128Kbps to 1 Mbps and beyond.
Broadband access provides Internet access with features that make your Internet experience more useful, rewarding and productive. Some common features of broadband Internet:
Always connected - PCs have a constant, ready-to-go connection. There's no dialing up, no logging on and no dial-up frustrations
Blazing speed - much faster than traditional phone lines
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Special Considerations Using Remote Broadband Access
VPN technology provides remote workers a mechanism to securely access legacy J.D. Edwards resources via the public Internet. In order to ensure protection of these resources, all remote access into legacy J.D. Edwards requires VPN. However, not all ISPs permit VPN “tunneling” protocols. When selecting an ISP, remote workers should attempt to pre-qualify whether VPN tunneling protocols are permitted.
ISPs often require a signed consumer contract to begin the service. The document will detail the end-user agreement by specifying “acceptable use” policies of their service. Look for a clause that represents a position on VPN. Although most ISPs do not block VPN protocols, if their end-user agreement explicitly addresses acceptable usage, be aware that they could enforce it without notice.
It is also important to remember that the ISP is not obligated to support VPN technical issues. Currently, Technical Support Services provides VPN support for the remote worker.
Broadband or high-speed access using VPN allows an employee to use cable modem, and digital subscriber line (DSL) for connecting to the legacy J.D. Edwards network at speeds ranging from 128 Kbps to 1 Mbps.
Home office workers unable to procure high-speed Internet service such as DSL or cable are choosing wireless Internet technologies as an alternative. However, when accessing legacy J.D. Edwards using VPN, some wireless solutions have been problematic.
Basic Internet access does not guarantee error-free connectivity to legacy J.D. Edwards. Consequently, legacy J.D. Edwards’ employees must proceed with caution when ordering wireless Internet service.
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Ordering broadband services can be a confusing and trying endeavor. After reading this guide you should have enough information to order a broadband service — the goal is to connect to the legacy J.D. Edwards network.
Currently over 1000 legacy J.D. Edwards’ employees connect to the network using DSL, cable modem, and wireless line-of-site broadband. Testing of satellite services by the IT Transport Services group found that the satellite service is unstable and my not be acceptable for accessing network resources.
The first steps towards ordering broadband: understand what service you can use to connect to legacy J.D. Edwards, and identify if service is available in your area. First, recognize that PeopleSoft IT cannot provide recommendations specific to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) due to the large number of companies providing broadband. PeopleSoft IT also has no control over where services are available.
To locate broadband services in your area there are at least three resources available to you.
Call your local telephone company to find out if DSL is in your area. Any flavor of DSL such as IDSL, ADSL, or SDSL should work for you.
Contact your local cable company to see if they offer cable modem in your neighborhood.
Go to www.broadbandreports.com/search. This site will prompt your for your zip code and phone number to identify broadband options in your area.
An often asked question is what does PeopleSoft IT recommend? IT cannot make a recommendation because performance can depend on the service provider’s network and how it is engineered. Again, all forms of broadband are being used by legacy J.D. Edwards’ employees to connect to the network.
The following questions will help you when trying to determine what service you would like to use.
Does the ISP allow IPSec VPN traffic through their network? Make it clear to them that PeopleSoft IT is responsible for supporting VPN and that you do not expect them to support it.
Is a contract required to get the price you want? What are the terms?
Will the ISP provide the hardware? If not, do they have a recommended list of hardware?
Note: In nearly all cases they will provide hardware although some give you the option of buying your own. The recommendation is to use the ISP’s hardware in order to receive support from them on that device.
Do you need a static IP address for your computer?
Answer: The answer is no in most cases. If you do need one, you would know it.
What operating system is your PC running on?
Answer: The legacy J.D. Edwards standard is Windows 2000.
Are you connecting with a laptop or a desktop?
Do you need a network card?
Since you can only use a legacy J.D. Edwards asset to connect to the legacy J.D. Edwards network you should already have a network card and will not require one. You might require one for your home PC.
What do you want to use for your email address or login ID?
This question is specific to your account with your ISP and has nothing to do with legacy J.D. Edwards email or network login credentials. It is up to you how you want to set that up.
DSL and wireless service availability are still not guaranteed after you have placed the initial order. The next step will be for the service provider to send someone to your home to qualify distance or visibility.
DSL is limited by distance. For the service provider to know the exact distance the technician uses a measuring device. After the measurement, the technician will determine if you still qualify for DSL. If you do, the installation continues. If not, then you must research other options.
Wireless is limited by distance and visibility. A technician is sent to your home to measure signal strength between your home and the wireless tower. If it is found that the signal strength is strong enough and there are no obstructions between your home and the tower, the installation will continue.
How much is too much? That is a question that you must decide for yourself. The legacy J.D. Edwards Telework Handbook states that the full-time teleworking employee can be reimbursed up to $100 for installation fees and $50 per month for usage. Most providers’ rates fall within that range. However, discuss with your manager first so you understand what your financial responsibility is, the PeopleSoft policy is different and will need to be verified by your manager.
There are a few things to keep in mind before the installation date.
Prior to installation make sure you have identified where you want your broadband connection to be located. If wiring is required, sometimes the provider will offer up to a certain length at no additional charge.
To get your PC ready, make sure you have a network card installed and working.
Verify that you have the Cisco VPN client installed. If you’re not sure whether your VPN client exists, you can look in Start, Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client. You should see a padlock labeled VPN Dialer. If you can’t find it, contact Technical Support Services and ask for assistance.
Most installations occur without any problems. However, there are a small percentage, mostly DSL, that can be problematic. This can be due to distance if you’re right on the edge of the limitation, hardware problems, or an inexperienced installer.
Note: Unfortunately PeopleSoft IT cannot intervene with these types of problems. PeopleSoft IT has no influence on the provider nor do any of the PeopleSoft IT staff have knowledge of the provider’s network to be able to troubleshoot these types of problems.
Upon completion of the installation, the installer should verify with you that you have access to the Internet. Do not let the installer leave without confirming Internet access. Once you have access to the Internet you are now ready to connect to the legacy J.D. Edwards network.
Like any technology, broadband is not without problems. The challenge for the employee is in isolating where the problem resides because this will determine who to call.
Internet-related Problems
If your access is Internet related, you will contact your ISP. PeopleSoft IT cannot troubleshoot ISP-related calls. As previously stated there are so many out there and it’s not possible for PeopleSoft IT to be trained on each ISP’s network configuration. PeopleSoft IT will work with you to ensure your network card and laptop are operational.
VPN-related Problems
If your access is a problem concerning access a network resource, email, or Planet PeopleSoft, contact Technical Support Services. Any VPN password related problems are also handled by Technical Support Services. When calling for help be prepared to provide the following information:
Specific error message you might be receiving.
Specific symptoms of the problem, i.e. server or resource name, Planet PeopleSoft page, Lotus Notes database, etc.
Last time it worked successfully.
Type of broadband service you use and service provider name.
Any recent changes to your laptop or desktop, i.e. software install, new hardware, etc.
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Remote Broadband Access (RBA) Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is Remote Broadband Access?
Answer: Remote Broadband Access provides secure, high Speed connectivity to legacy J.D. Edwards network resources using DSL, cable modem, or wireless line of sight such as Sprint Broadband.
Question: Is Remote Broadband Access different from High Speed Remote Access?
Answer: No. They are the same.
Question: What are the costs involved in using Remote Broadband Access?
Answer: Costs depend on the type of connectivity used to access the Internet. Cable modem and DSL are typically sold as a flat rate usage. Refer to the High Speed Access Guide for detailed information on costs.
Question: Are there hidden charges involved with using cable modem or DSL?
Answer: In addition to the monthly flat rate, ISPs typically charge a setup and installation fee. However, those seeking to obtain a broadband ISP should inquire into the ISP’s current “specials”. Many are offering free setup and installation for a one-year commitment. The savings to legacy J.D. Edwards can be significant.
Question: Will PeopleSoft pay for my DSL or cable?
Answer: This is based on manager discretion.
Question: I would like to use Remote Broadband Internet access service. Who is responsible for ordering my service?
Answer: Traveling and remote workers are responsible for ordering their own broadband service. They should instruct the ISP to bill the employee directly. The employee can then expense the costs to their respective business unit.
Question: Whom do I call when I have problems?
Answer: It would depend on the problem. If you are experiencing difficulty with your cable modem, DSL, or ISDN line, the responsibility lies with the service provider or telephone company. If it is believed to be a problem with the PC or the VPN server, you should contact Technical Support Services.
Created by the PeopleSoft Knowledge Management Team.
Copyright ©
2004
All rights reserved.
Created: pg 03/04/2004
Reviewed: 10/17/2004