Accessing remote routers over Internet

[DJCanuck1_2]

I was wondering what the best practice is for accessing remote routers or switches over the Internet. I don't think locking telnet access to a specific IP via ACL is the best practice and was wondering if SSH is any better. Typically I would have a secure VPN into the remote site and access the Internet router/switch by console. This obviously does not work if the link to this site is down.

[Richard Burts]

David

I would agree with your assessment that the optimum solution for remote access (over the Internet) to routers and switches is a VPN tunnel. If you do not have VPN capability to them then I would suggest that SSH is acceptable. It is fairly secure and does encrypt the login process. I would be reluctant to telnet to routers or switches over the Internet because the login is sent in clear text and leaves you pretty vulnerable. This is much less safe than using SSH.

HTH

Rick

[jackko]

just a quick add-on.

you may telnet to the router private ip after the remote ipsec vpn is established.