> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/AMiYziCllTKB2y2lmONY/network-services/vpn-gateway/overview.md). # Overview A VPN Gateway is a critical component in network infrastructure that facilitates secure, encrypted connections between different networks over the internet. It is commonly used to connect on-premises networks to cloud networks or connect between cloud networks. IONOS VPN Gateways support IPSec and WireGuard VPN protocols, ensuring secure and reliable communication across geographically dispersed networks. IONOS VPN Gateway provides robust security features, including strong encryption, to protect data in transit. It supports multiple VPN tunnels, allowing for scalable and flexible network architectures. By using a VPN Gateway, organizations can ensure that their sensitive data is transmitted securely over the internet, meeting compliance and regulatory requirements. ## How does a VPN Gateway work? When a user or device initiates a connection to a network through a VPN Gateway, the gateway establishes a secure, encrypted tunnel between the user and the target network. This process involves: * **Authentication:** The user or device is authenticated using methods such as certificates or pre-shared keys to ensure only authorized users can access the network. * **Encryption:** The VPN Gateway encrypts data packets using protocols like IPsec or WireGuard to ensure secure transmission over the internet. * **Tunneling:** The encrypted data packets are encapsulated within another packet, creating a secure tunnel through which the data travels. This tunnel protects the data from being intercepted or tampered with during transmission. * **Routing:** The VPN Gateway routes the encrypted data packets to the appropriate destination within the target network. Once the data reaches its destination, it is decrypted and delivered to the intended recipient. * **Maintaining Connectivity:** The VPN Gateway continuously monitors the connection to ensure stability and performance. It implements failover mechanisms to switch to backup connections if the primary connection is disrupted, ensuring continuous connectivity. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/AMiYziCllTKB2y2lmONY/network-services/vpn-gateway/overview.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.