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Cisco ASA Series CLI Configuration Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction to the Cisco ASA
VPN Functional Overview
If the connection is already established, the ASA does not need to re-check packets; most matching
packets can go through the “fast” path in both directions. The fast path is responsible for the
following tasks:
–
IP checksum verification
–
Session lookup
–
TCP sequence number check
–
NAT translations based on existing sessions
–
Layer 3 and Layer 4 header adjustments
Data packets for protocols that require Layer 7 inspection can also go through the fast path.
Some established session packets must continue to go through the session management path or the
control plane path. Packets that go through the session management path include HTTP packets that
require inspection or content filtering. Packets that go through the control plane path include the
control packets for protocols that require Layer 7 inspection.
VPN Functional Overview
A VPN is a secure connection across a TCP/IP network (such as the Internet) that appears as a private
connection. This secure connection is called a tunnel. The ASA uses tunneling protocols to negotiate
security parameters, create and manage tunnels, encapsulate packets, transmit or receive them through
the tunnel, and unencapsulate them. The ASA functions as a bidirectional tunnel endpoint: it can receive
plain packets, encapsulate them, and send them to the other end of the tunnel where they are
unencapsulated and sent to their final destination. It can also receive encapsulated packets,
unencapsulate them, and send them to their final destination. The ASA invokes various standard
protocols to accomplish these functions.
The ASA performs the following functions:
•
Establishes tunnels
•
Negotiates tunnel parameters
•
Authenticates users
•
Assigns user addresses
•
Encrypts and decrypts data
•
Manages security keys
•
Manages data transfer across the tunnel
•
Manages data transfer inbound and outbound as a tunnel endpoint or route
r
The ASA invokes various standard protocols to accomplish these functions.
Security Context Overview
You can partition a single ASA
into multiple virtual devices, known as security contexts. Each context
is an independent device, with its own security policy, interfaces, and administrators. Multiple contexts
are similar to having multiple standalone devices. Many features are supported in multiple context mode,
including routing tables, firewall features, IPS, and management. Some features are not supported,
including VPN and dynamic routing protocols.
Summary of Contents for 5505 - ASA Firewall Edition Bundle
Page 28: ...Glossary GL 24 Cisco ASA Series CLI Configuration Guide ...
Page 61: ...P A R T 1 Getting Started with the ASA ...
Page 62: ......
Page 219: ...P A R T 2 Configuring High Availability and Scalability ...
Page 220: ......
Page 403: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Interfaces ...
Page 404: ......
Page 499: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Basic Settings ...
Page 500: ......
Page 533: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Objects and Access Lists ...
Page 534: ......
Page 601: ...P A R T 2 Configuring IP Routing ...
Page 602: ......
Page 745: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Network Address Translation ...
Page 746: ......
Page 845: ...P A R T 2 Configuring AAA Servers and the Local Database ...
Page 846: ......
Page 981: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Access Control ...
Page 982: ......
Page 1061: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Service Policies Using the Modular Policy Framework ...
Page 1062: ......
Page 1093: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Application Inspection ...
Page 1094: ......
Page 1191: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Unified Communications ...
Page 1192: ......
Page 1333: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Connection Settings and QoS ...
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Page 1379: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Advanced Network Protection ...
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Page 1475: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Modules ...
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Page 1549: ...P A R T 2 Configuring VPN ...
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Page 1965: ...P A R T 2 Configuring Logging SNMP and Smart Call Home ...
Page 1966: ......
Page 2059: ...P A R T 2 System Administration ...
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Page 2098: ...1 8 Cisco ASA Series CLI Configuration Guide Chapter 1 Troubleshooting Viewing the Coredump ...
Page 2099: ...P A R T 2 Reference ...
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