Remote Access (VPN Substitute)

Remote Access (VPN Substitute)

Introduction

Use this Configuration Guide to setup Remote Access using Big Network. Remote Access with Big Network is an ideal substitute to the traditional VPN.
Design Diagram and Concept of Operation

Design Diagram / Application Concept

In this Configuration Guide, we are going to setup Remote Access to the LAN on the right side of the diagram - at Layer 2.
The existing LAN is numbered in 192.168.100.0/24. The Internet Default Gateway is at 192.168.100.1. Servers, Remote Desktop Nodes, and the CRM are all numbered using DHCP from 192.168.100.10 to 192.168.100.150.
The goal is to allow Big Network Apps (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android) remotely access these servers, remote desktop nodes, and CRM at Layer 2, using the Edge Pro or Edge Lite as a gateway.

Required Hardware

Use the Big Network Edge Pro or Edge Lite as your Remote Access Gateway.

Step #1: Required Information

  1. Remote Access Subnet and IP Range: Example - 192.168.100.0/24
  2. Reserved IP Range for Cloud Network (should not overlap with DHCP or other assignments): Example - 192.168.100.200-250

Step #2: Define a Cloud Network

Your next step is to create a “Cloud Network”. A Cloud Network is a collection of devices that share a common Layer 2 network. Devices joined to a Cloud Network have complete access to each other. Communication between devices via a Cloud Network is completely secured using encryption. 

  • Navigate to Cloud Networks
  • Click on “Create Network”; a wizard will appear to collect details about your Cloud Network.
  • Provide a Name and Description for your Cloud Network
  • Click “Next”
  • Define an IP Address Pool - An IP Address Pool is used by a Cloud Network to assign IP addresses to devices as they join the Cloud Network. The Network Address should match the existing LAN - in this case 192.168.100.0. The Address Pool Range should be your non-DHCP, non-overlapping IP addresses reserved - in this example 192.168.100.200-250.
  • Click “Next”
  • Define access to the Cloud Network - Existing users may be granted access to the Cloud Network, or you may invite users to join by email address.
  • Click “Next”
  • Now finalize
  • To proceed, click “Create”
  • To proceed, click “Network”
  • With a Cloud Network defined, you can link Users with Big Apps and real-world network ports with Edge Pro and Edge Lite.

Step #3: Bridge Cloud Network to Edge Pro Ports

If you have not yet on-boarded your Edge Pro or Edge Lite, please follow our Guides to on-board the devices.
Connecting physical ports on your Edge Pro to Cloud Networks create the final “gateway” connection needed to extend your physical network to a Cloud Network. 

  • Navigate to “Edge Devices”
  • Select “Configure” next to the Edge Pro / Lite you want to use.
  • Select “Networks” to see configured Networks on the device.
  • Select “Edit Config”
  • Select “Create Local Network”
    • Provide the Network a Name.
    • Click “Confirm”
  • Expand the newly created network; select “Connection”
  • In “Connected Cloud Network” select the Cloud Network you defined in Step #2.
  • In “Connected LAN Interfaces” select the physical ports you with to use with your existing network.
  • Click “Validate” to validate the configuration.
  • Click the “Pending Changes” gear to review configuration changes.
  • Click “Apply” to Apply the configuration changes.
  • Click “Back”.
  • Click “Config History” to observe the configuration being applied to Edge Pro. When the new configuration’s checkbox turns from Blue to Green, you know the new configuration is applied.

Step #4: Use Big Apps

Once your Cloud Network is defined, you will need to download and install Big Network’s Apps to join your Cloud Networks. 

Step #5: Test Connectivity


Once you have joined a Cloud Network, you can now access resources available across the network as though you were on the same Local Area Network (LAN). For example, if you had a web server running at 192.168.100.10, you should be able to access your server from a remote device joined to the cloud network at http://192.168.100.10.

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