Using cross network roaming

Using seamless cross-network roaming, the SafeLinx Client connection and applications persist when switching networks in a multi-network (both IP and non-IP) environment. Persistence allows switching physical networks, while preserving both the connection and application session.

Procedure

  • For example, in shifting from home Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) to office LAN, cellular, or WiFi hotspot, users remain connected and encrypted from device to enterprise. Without roaming, those users would lose their session and must restart the application. Then, users must reauthenticate to the firewall, obtain a new IP address, renew the SafeLinx Client connection, and restart the application
  • Roaming is accomplished with a software layer that isolates the application from the physical network interface. The software then implements a persistent IP network interface and routes application traffic through that new interface. This process enables the SafeLinx Client to dynamically select networks and seamlessly roam without breaking session integrity.
  • The SafeLinx Client automatically roams between networks of different priority to maintain connectivity. If the network with the greater priority becomes unavailable, the client establishes a connection to one of the lesser priority networks that is available. A network can become unavailable because a network adapter was moved, a cable disconnected, or in the case of some wireless networks, because the device is out of range. For IP-based networks, cable disconnect and 802.11 range events require that the underlying operating system supports a feature known as media sense. Windows operating systems since Windows 2000 support media sense.
  • When more than one network is configured as an available network connection, the Roaming window displays information about roaming between networks. To view information about roaming between networks:
    1. Right-click or tap the antenna icon in the status area of the taskbar on your desktop.
    2. Click or tap Roaming on the menu.
  • The Roaming window displays information about:
    Configured networks
    Displays a prioritized list of all networks configured for the active connection, the network name, and its status.
    Enabling/disabling automatic roaming
    Automatic roaming enables the SafeLinx Client to determine when to roam to the next available network in the list. This feature exists because the Active status of the connected network changes to Out-of-range or Unavailable. Then, the SafeLinx Client manages which network becomes the Active connection by automatically selecting the next Available in the prioritized list of configured networks. The SafeLinx Client automatically determines when a higher priority network in the list other than the one listed as Active becomes Available. The SafeLinx Client roams to the higher priority network.
    Setting the active connection
    Manually select a specific network from the list of configured networks to become the active connection. This option is only available when automatic roaming is disabled.
    Excluding/including a network
    Manually exclude or include a network from the list of configured networks for roaming.
    Suspending/resuming
    On connections that support short-hold mode, you can manually set your connection to suspend or resume. For Dial connections, this option is only available when automatic roaming is disabled. For IP connections that use the dial-up networking interface, you can suspend or resume the connection with automatic roaming enabled or disabled.
  • For more information about using the Roaming window, see the online help. For a description of how to access online help, see Getting online help.
  • When you configure a connection for more than one IP network (IP, WiFi, 1xRTT, Broadband), you can choose to prioritize the list of networks. Or, you can choose the Default Local IP Interface.