Dial/ Cellular Configuration
Dial/Cellular parameters can be configured in the AT&T Administration Server Device Profile as part of provisioning. Using central configuration through the AT&T Administration Server minimizes any manual setup the customer must perform on-site through the VPN Gateway web interface.
There is a configuration flag within the VPN Gateway Device Profile in the AT&T Administration Server that specifies whether the parameters apply to Dial Primary or to Dial Backup settings. If some of the parameters are NOT provided in the AT&T Administration Server Device Profile, the user can manually enter them via the VPN Gateway web interface, but full centralized dial access configuration should be created wherever possible.
Cellular Specific Configuration
Cellular connections may require additional configuration not normally necessary for analog or ISDN dial network connections. For example, some cellular providers block SSL and SSH traffic which is required for the VPN Gateway support. There is the ability to centrally define an additional custom SSH port used by the VPN Gateway in addition to the standard port as part of the VPN Gateway Device Profile stored in the AT&T Administration Server.
The cellular connection is authenticated with credentials specific to the cellular provider. If necessary, these are entered as part of the manual setup required through the VPN Gateway web interface.
Impact to Performance
Due to analog bandwidth restrictions, users may see an impact to their network throughput when Dial Backup is active. While in Dial Backup mode, the VPN Gateway continues to monitor the broadband connection and recognizes when broadband connectivity is restored. The VPN Gateway will automatically transition back to broadband connectivity without user intervention when broadband connectivity is restored.