STRATUS Session VPN Guide

Summary:

Demo Solutions Group's STRATUS - Session VPN Access was introduced in August 2015 to improve performance and accessibility by creating dedicated private networks for each demo session, reducing external networking and security complexities. The setup allows authorized systems like demonstrator's computer or potential customers to connect securely via a VPN, enabling seamless communication across different devices without reconfiguring the network every time. To set up STRATUS: 1. Download and install the SoftEther client for your operating system. 2. Add a new Virtual Private Network Adapter named DEMONET in the SoftEther VPN Client configuration utility. 3. Save or manually create the connection using the provided .vpn file from your demo access details email, making necessary adjustments like DeviceNa in text editing if required. 4. For Windows 2012 and newer users: Use VPNX to configure a new connection with SoftEther on Windows 2012, 8, or 10 as follows: - Log into the STRATUS Demo portal for VPN Gateway IP, Username, and Password. - Create a new connection in the SoftEther VPN client Manager with specific details including Setting Name, Host Name (Access Server IP Address), Port Number, Virtual Hub Name, Authentication Type, User Name and Password, Virtual Network Adapter, and Advanced settings like setting connections to 8, using half-duplex mode, disabling VoIP/QoS functions, encrypting with SSL, and data compression. - Configure proxy settings if needed or disable them directly. 5. Save changes and double-click the connection to establish a VPN connection. Verify successful connectivity to the 172.16.239.0/24 network. 6. To disconnect, right-click on the connection and select "Disconnect." Reconnect if necessary by double-clicking the connection or updating settings through properties. 7. For manual adding of client connections, follow steps outlined earlier. 8. Additional servers can be added by changing the Host Name to your session's Access Server IP in SoftEther VPN client Manager and restarting the connection. 9. Ensure all settings are correctly configured regarding proxy settings based on network environment requirements.

Details:

In August 2015, Demo Solutions Group introduced STRATUS - Session VPN Access, designed to enhance performance and accessibility by reducing external networking and security factors through a dedicated private network for each demo session. The setup allows authorized external systems like demonstrator's personal computer or potential customer integrations to connect to the private network, enabling seamless communication among demo systems without reconfiguration for every new session. To get started, ensure you determine if you are connecting from a location with a proxy server or directly, and check if your computer is already configured for another VPN. Follow these steps: 1. Download and install the latest version of the SoftEther client for your operating system. 2. Launch the SoftEther VPN Client configuration utility and add a new Virtual Private Network Adapter called DEMONET (or use VPNX on Windows 2012 and newer). 3. Save the attached .vpn file from your "Demo Access Details" email to your local computer, or manually create the connection by following additional instructions for adding a client connection. 4. Modify the saved VPN file in a text editor if necessary, adjusting fields like DeviceNa as required. To set up and use a VPN connection with SoftEther on Windows 2012, 8, or 10, follow these steps: 1. **Prepare the Connection:**

• Log into the STRATUS Demo portal and retrieve your specific VPN Gateway IP, Username, and Password.

• Create a new connection in the SoftEther VPN client Manager with details as follows:

• Setting Name: A unique name for your connection.

• Host Name: The Access Server IP Address.

• Port Number: 80.

• Virtual Hub Name: DEMONET.

• Authentication Type: Standard Password Authentication.

• User Name and Password: Fill in the Access Server Username and Password from the STRATUS demo portal.

• Virtual Network Adapter: Select the dedicated one for DEMONET.

• Advanced settings: Set connections to 8, use half-duplex mode, disable VoIP/QoS functions, encrypt VPN session with SSL, and use data compression.

2. **Configure Proxy Settings:**

• If using a web proxy, click "Import IE Proxy Server Settings" or manually configure the proxy settings under Advanced settings.

• To disable the proxy, select "Direct TCP/IP Connection (No Proxy)" and apply the change.

3. **Establish the Connection:**

• Save changes and double-click the connection to establish a VPN connection.

• If successful, you should be able to communicate with the 172.16.239.0/24 network.

4. **Disconnect from the VPN:**

• Open the SoftEther VPN client Manager, right-click on the connection, and select "Disconnect."

5. **Reconnecting or Updating Connection:**

• If needed, reconnect to the server by double-clicking the connection.

• Update the connection with new settings if necessary through the properties menu.

6. **Manual Adding of Client Connections:**

• Follow steps 1-3 for creating a new VPN connection.

7. **Add Additional Servers:**

• Modify the DEMONET VPN connection in SoftEther VPN client Manager by changing the Host Name to your session's Access Server IP and restart the connection.

8. **Proxy Settings for Internet Connection:**

• Configure the proxy settings under Advanced settings or use "Import IE Proxy Server Settings."

9. **Disable Proxy Setting:**

• Select "Direct TCP/IP Connection (No Proxy)" and apply changes.

10. **Connecting Additional Servers:**

• Change the Host Name to your session's Access Server IP in SoftEther VPN client Manager and restart the connection.

Ensure that all settings are correctly configured, especially regarding proxy settings if required by your network environment, as improper configurations may lead to connectivity issues. To ensure that a static IP address does not conflict with other servers in your network session, follow these steps: 1. Open the SoftEther VPN client Manager and right-click on the DEMONET (or the specific network adapter name you are using). Select "Open Windows Network Connections..." to access the network settings. 2. Right-click on the specified network adapter and select properties. 3. In the property window, highlight the "Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)" entry, then click on the Properties button. 4. Choose the "Use the following IP address" radio button. 5. Assign the static IP address from the range of 172.16.239.X to your server host. 6. Set the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0. 7. Leave the gateway field blank. 8. Keep DNS settings on automatic. 9. Click OK and then close the window after configuration is complete. 10. Reconnect your VPN connection, and verify that the IP address assignment dialog contains the new static IP address you configured. Configuration Notes:

• The DHCP addresses assigned by the VPN are 172.16.239.251, 172.16.239.252, and 172.16.239.253; however, the VPN is not configured to route traffic.

• The access server acts as a forwarder for connections via IPTABLES, with session hosts connecting directly to the VPN gateway.

• Each VPN session receives a unique username/password combination, which is an IT Security requirement.

Disclaimer:

The content in this post is for informational and educational purposes only. It may reference technologies, configurations, or products that are outdated or no longer supported. If there are any comments or feedback, kindly leave a message and will be responded.