Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts

> Chapter 14 - IPsec VPN > Dynamic DNS configuration > Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts

Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts

A typical computer has a static IP address and one or more DNS servers to resolve fully qualified domain names (FQDN) into IP addresses. A domain name assigned to this computer is resolved by any DNS server having an entry for the domain name and its static IP address. The IP address never changes or changes only rarely so the DNS server can reliably say it has the correct address for that domain all the time.

Dynamic DNS (DDNS)

It is different when a computer has a dynamic IP address, such as an IP address assigned dynamically by a DHCP server, and a domain name. Computers that want to contact this computer do not know what its current IP address is. To solve this problem there are dynamic DNS servers. These are public servers that store a DNS entry for your computer that includes its current IP address and associated domain name. These entries are kept up to date by your computer sending its current IP address to the dynamic DNS (DDNS) server to ensure its entry is always up to date. When other computers want to contact your domain, their DNS gets your IP address from your DDNS server. To use DDNS servers, you must subscribe to them and usually pay for their services.

When configuring DDNS on your FortiGate unit, go to System > Network > DNS and enable Enable FortiGuard DDNS. Then select the interface with the dynamic connection, which DDNS server you have an account with, your domain name, and account information. If your DDNS server is not on the list, there is a generic option where you can provide your DDNS server information.

Routing

When an interface has some form of changing IP address (DDNS, PPPoE, or DHCP assigned address), routing needs special attention. The standard static route cannot handle the changing IP address. The solution is to use the dynamic-gateway command in the CLI. Say for example you already have four static routes, and you have a PPPoE connection over the wan2 interface and you want to use that as your default route.

The route is configured on the dynamic address VPN peer trying to access the static address FortiGate unit.

To configure dynamic gateway routing - CLI

config router static

edit 5

set dst 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0

set dynamic-gateway enable

set device wan2

end

For more information on DDNS, see the System Administration handbook chapter.

Dynamic DNS over VPN

IPsec VPN expects an IP address for each end of the VPN tunnel. All configuration and communication with that tunnel depends on the IP addresses as reference points. However, when the interface the tunnel is on has DDNS enabled there is no set IP address. The remote end of the VPN tunnel now needs another way to reference your end of the VPN tunnel. This is accomplished using Local ID.

A FortiGate unit that has a domain name and a dynamic IP address can initiate VPN connections anytime. The remote peer can reply to the local FortiGate unit using the source IP address that was sent in the packet header because it is current. Without doing a DNS lookup first, the remote peer runs the risk of the dynamic IP changing before it attempts to connect. To avoid this, the remote peer must perform a DNS lookup for the domain name of to be sure of the dynamic IP address before initiating the connection.

Remote Gateway

When configuring the Phase 1 entry for a VPN tunnel, the Remote Gateway determines the addressing method the remote end of the tunnel uses as one of Static IP Address, Dialup User, or Dynamic DNS. There are different fields for each option.

When you select the Dynamic DNS VPN type there is a related field called Dynamic DNS. The Dynamic DNS field is asking for the FQDN of the remote end of the tunnel. It uses this information to look up the IP address of the remote end of the tunnel through the DDNS server associated with that domain name.

Local ID (peer ID)

The Local ID or peer ID can be used to uniquely identify one end of a VPN tunnel. This enables a more secure connection. Also if you have multiple VPN tunnels negotiating, this ensures the proper remote and local ends connect. When you configure it on your end, it is your Local ID. When the remote end connects to you, they see it as your peer ID.

If you are debugging a VPN connection, the Local ID is part of the VPN negotiations. You can use it to help troubleshoot connection problems.

To configure your Local ID

Go to VPN > IPsec > Tunnels and create the new custom tunnel or edit an existing tunnel.
Edit the Phase 1 Proposal (if it is not available, you may need to click the Convert to Custom Tunnel button).
Select Advanced.
In the Phase 1 Proposal section, enter your Local ID.
Select OK.

The default configuration is to accept all local IDs (peer IDs). If you have the Local ID set, the remote end of the tunnel must be configured to accept your Local ID.

To accept a specific Peer ID

Go to VPN > IPsec > Tunnels and create the new custom tunnel or edit an existing tunnel.
Edit the Phase 1 Proposal (if it is not available, you may need to click the Convert to Custom Tunnel button).
Select Aggressive mode.
For Peer Options, select This peer ID. This option becomes visible only when Aggressive mode is selected.
Enter the string the other end of the tunnel used for its Local ID.
Configure the rest of the Phase 1 entry as required.
Select OK.

Route-based or policy-based VPN

VPN over dynamic DNS can be configured with either route-based or policy-based VPN settings. Both are valid, but have differences in configuration. Choose the best method based on your requirements. For more information on route-based and policy-based, see IPsec VPN overview.

Route-based VPN configuration requires two security policies to be configured (one for each direction of traffic) to permit traffic over the VPN virtual interface, and you must also add a static route entry for that VPN interface or the VPN traffic will not reach its destination. See Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts and Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts.

Policy-based VPN configuration uses more complex and often more IPsec security policies, but does not require a static route entry. It has the benefit of being able to configure multiple policies for handling multiple protocols in different ways, such as more scanning of less secure protocols or guaranteeing a minimum bandwidth for protocols such as VoIP. See Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts and Dynamic DNS over VPN concepts.