Introduction
At Microsoft's request, NSTL tested the performance of the virtual private networking (VPN) feature included in the Windows 2000 server operating system. Virtual Private Networks or VPNs use the Internet as the medium to allow authorized users access to data in corporate network environments. VPNs use various types of encryption and security mechanisms to insure that data cannot be intercepted. Not only does VPN technology allow network resources to be made available to users off-site, it also offers a safe and secure means of connected networks in different geographical locations without the high cost of leased dedicated telephone lines.
Testing Methodologies
NSTL conducted VPN testing in December 1999. Eight vendors set up their VPN devices (the VPN devices were a combination of hardware and software) in NSTL’s lab. The test bed used for the evaluation of Windows 2000 VPN varied slightly from that of the original testing, however the overall testing methodology remained the same. All of the VPN devices were tested on a standard 100 Mbits/second Ethernet LAN segment using IP security (IPSec). This report focuses on packet forwarding performance through one tunnel from gateway to gateway, a maximum tunnel test from client to gateway and a sustained tunnel traffic test. NSTL tested Windows 2000 VPN performance using the Point-to-Point Tunneling protocol (PPTP), then using the Layer 2 Tunneling protocol (L2TP) encrypted by IPSec.
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