Data traffic from your IoT devices will travel over the Aeris cellular network to the Aeris core network where it will then be routed to your backend IoT application servers. Depending on your requirements and the IP addresses of your IoT application servers, data to your servers is routed over the internet or over a private connection.
This article describes the use of VPN to connect your IoT servers to the Aeris core network securely.
For information on other methods to connect to the Aeris network, see Access Data Services on the Aeris Network.
Site-to-Site VPN
A site-to-site VPN is a secure semi-permanent private connection from the network where your IoT servers reside to the Aeris core network. A site-to-site VPN provides network initiated data access to your cellular devices as well as access to the Aeris SMSC if using the SMPP protocol.
Do I need a Site-to-Site VPN?
Choose a site-to-site VPN if any of the following statements are true:
- I need additional security when my data travels over the public internet.
- My IoT application servers use private IP addresses that are not accessible over the public internet.
- My IoT application servers sometimes initiate data communications to my IoT devices.
- My IoT application uses the SMPP protocol to send or receive SMS messages from the Aeris network.
How do I get a Site-to-Site VPN?
To request a site-to-site VPN, fill out the request form and then email it to support@aeris.net.
- Login to AerPort.
- In the left main menu, select Help.
- Select Download Site-to-Site VPN form.
- Click the button to Download (DOCM).
- Complete the form for the Aeris connectivity product type that you are using.
- Once complete, attach the completed form to your Support ticket in Zendesk, or email the request form to support@aeris.net. Note that some email clients will block sending and receiving of a .DOCM file so you may need to ZIP the file or rename the file to .DOCX before emailing it.
As a result, you will receive a ticket number and be notified via email of the status of your request as well as any further instructions that may be required.
Software VPN
A software VPN utilizes a software VPN client installed on your computer to temporarily connect directly to the Aeris network. The software VPN client gives you IP access to your cellular devices and also provides access to the Aeris SMSCs for development purposes. Software VPNs are meant to be used for intermittent access to the Aeris network, typically for testing, troubleshooting, or SMPP development. Software VPNs are not supported as permanent connections for commercial application communications.
Do I need a Software VPN?
You will need a software VPN if either of the following statements are true AND you do not already have access from your PC through a Site-to-Site VPN to the Aeris network.
- I occasionally need IP access to my cellular devices to initiate data communications for diagnostics or troubleshooting purposes.
- I am developing SMPP software that connects to the Aeris SMSC for sending or receiving SMS.
How do I get a Software VPN?
To request a software VPN, fill out the request form and then email it to support@aeris.net.
- Login to AerPort.
- In the left main menu, select Help.
- Select Download Software VPN form.
- Complete the form.
- Once complete, email the request form to support@aeris.net.
As a result, you will receive a ticket number and be notified via email of the status of your request as well as any further instructions that may be required.