NEWS & VIEWS: "SSL-VPNs have the flexibility and robustness that IPSec-VPNs don't"

Juniper Networks recently launched its wireless security product 5GT
Wireless. According to the vendor, it combines a proven, enterprise-class
security gateway, and best-in-class wireless network security to deliver the
depth and breadth of protection and assurance that customers are demanding in
distributed sites and small offices. Java Girdhar in an interview with
VOICE&DATA advocates using proven, robust security methods to secure network
regardless of it being wired or wireless.

What kind of security solutions is Juniper offering for wireless networks?

We advocate running a secure VPN over the WLAN, treating it as any other
vulnerable network situation. We are especially advocating SSL-based VPN
technology as SSL VPNs have flexibilities and a robustness that IPSec-based VPNs
do not. SSL-VPNs can be deployed via solutions such as Juniper's secure remote
access products.

Recently, Juniper also launched the 5GT Wireless device, which combines an
enterprise-class security gateway and best-in-class wireless network security to
deliver the depth and breadth of protection and assurance that customers are
demanding in distributed sites and small offices. The 5GT Wireless also pioneers
multiple security zones (multiple SSIDs) to enable flexibility in partitioning
access between user categories.

How different is securing a wireless network from wired one? How's
Juniper's approach going to be different from other wireless security vendors?

An unsecured WLAN is openly accessible by anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled
device. WLAN encryption is an evolving field and new methods to secure WLAN
traffic are being created but they may not be secure enough because exploits and
weaknesses are always being discovered.

Juniper advocates using proven, robust security methods to secure a network-regardless
of it being wired or wireless-but especially so if it is wireless due to the
vulnerabilities mentioned.

Other vendors may simply address one portion of wireless security. Juniper
provides a holistic framework of 'layered security,' which is a
comprehensive model to protect networks. Running a VPN over a WLAN is part of
this layered strategy.

NetScreen 5GT is the only wireless product that Juniper offers now. How
soon are you going to expand the portfolio?

The 5GT Wireless is a Juniper Networks product that combines a Wi-Fi access
point with our security solution, but WLAN security is more than just about
access points. The full range of Juniper's enterprise security solutions can
be used within a wireless environment to compensate for the inherent
vulnerabilities of WLANs.

Are you also considering getting into wireless switches or wireless
routers?

Juniper Networks is focused on providing network security solutions that
solve the most challenging issues businesses face and may consider adding direct
wireless capability into the products as the market needs evolve.

Juniper got into security business by acquiring Netscreen. and more
recently it acquired Kagoor Networks. Are you looking at an acquisition in the
wireless space as well?

While we cannot comment on future business plans, we will continue to look
at the problems we are trying to solve for customers, and then will decide if we
will build, partner, or buy. It is situation specific and will be focused around
technology.

Ravi Shekhar Pandey