This module allows you to configure FreeSWAN, a free implementation of the IPsec VPN protocols for Linux. IPsec transparently encrypts all data travelling between two networks, and unlike other VPN protocols makes use of existing IP addresses for the VPN rather than creating new ones. It is typically used to allow remote clients access to a private internal LAN over the Internet.

For two systems to communicate using IPsec, each must have a connection defined containing the IP address, identifying hostname, RSA key and private network (if any) of both systems. Each configured connection will show up as an icon on the module's main page. Often the configuration details that you enter when creating a connection will be identical on both systems, only with the local and remote section swapped. Every host that wants to communicate using IPsec must have a public/private key pair, used for both encryption and authentication. Each end of a connection must know the other end's public key, which can be either stored in the connection settings or looked up from a DNS server. The Show Public Key feature of this module can be used to display this host's key.

IPsec is more complex to set up that other VPN protocols, but is more secure and capable, and considered the industry standard. Unfortunately, there are many configuration errors that you can make which may cause your connection to fail to start, or to simply silently fail to route traffic. Even though this module protects you from simple mistakes, it cannot save you from more serious conceptual problems.

On this module's main page are icons for any existing IPsec connections and a link for creating a new one, both of which will taken you to a similar connection details form if clicked on. Below them are icons for editing global settings (such as the network interfaces to use), and displaying the system's public key.

If you are using FreeSWAN version 2, you will also see icons for editing the various policy files that determine what kind of communication (encrypted or clear) will be used for various networks. Typically these can be left unchanged, as the default is to encrypt whenever possible.

Near the bottom of the page are buttons for starting or stopping the FreeSWAN server process, and applying the current settings when it is running. Your system will be unable to establish or receive IPsec connections unless the server is active. The Start Connection button in this section can be used to force the establishment of an IPsec tunnel that is not automatically brought up when the server is started.