We are excited to introduce the all-new (Keep Connect) KC VPN feature. It is designed to provide our users with convenient and secure network access from anywhere. Whether you’re working remotely or need to access your home or office network on the go, KC VPN ensures seamless connectivity without the need for complex configurations or technical expertise. With built-in NAT traversal capabilities, it eliminates the hassle of port forwarding or router modifications. Our development team has been working diligently to develop and fine-tune this feature. While it is brand new, we are continually working with ongoing adjustments and improvements to enhance its functionality.
To make use of the KC VPN, you need to have the following:
- An active Keep Connect Cloud Service Enterprise Subscription.
- A firmware upgrade is required to our latest version containing this feature. The firmware should be installed manually via Web Portal local to the unit. Download Firmware.
Please also note that this feature is accessible through the Keep Connect App. In line with this, an updated version of the Keep Connect App is being published to App Stores.
KC VPN feature offers two Connection Methods: Auto Mode and Direct Mode
Auto Mode
In Auto mode, establishing a connection is easy. You may follow these steps:
1. Make sure that your Keep Connect (or Power Pal) device is set to Auto mode.
2. Once you are done, navigate back to the Device Screen within the Keep Connect App. Select “SET” to enter your app-side parameters such as your password and tunnel type.
3. Type in your password. Please take note that this password is the one that you used when setting up the Keep Connect device initially. It is local to the device and is not the same password that you use for your Cloud Services account.
4. Choose your Tunnel Type.
LAN Traffic Only – Your app will know the IP/Mask of the local LAN that you Keep Connect is on and will only forward that traffic through the VPN tunnel.
All Traffic – Your app will direct all IPv4 traffic through the VPN tunnel where it will come out of the Keep Connect device and continue on as if that’s where the traffic originated from.
Once you’re done, hit Save and you should be connected.
Direct Mode
To connect in Direct mode,
- Send the relevant settings back to your Keep Connect device from the “View/Change Settings” screen in the app.
- You’ll need to also set the port that the traffic will be sent to at the public IP of your Keep Connect device (which the app inherently knows).
How Does KC VPN Work?
Our VPN is built to allow our users to access their remote networks easily without requiring extensive user setup typical to most VPN solutions. Most routers at home and customer locations perform NAT (Network Address Translation). Accessing devices within a NAT network typically requires setting up port forwarding within the router settings that forwards a certain port on the public-facing side to a known internal IP address on the private network.
While this can still be done with our Direct mode, our Auto mode handles this without requiring router modifications. Once enabled in Auto mode, the Keep Connect device reaches out to our Signaling Server. It then registers itself for discovery by the platform. The app then reaches out to our Signaling Server as well. When a match is made between a Keep Connect and the app, the authentication process is performed and the connection is established. All traffic flows through the Signaling Server as if each device (Keep Connect and the App) were accessing basic services on the web allowing the NAT to be effectively navigated.
Our Direct mode requires more setup by the user (Port Forwarding on the Router) but keeps traffic flowing directly from the app to the target Keep Connect. This would improve performance by eliminating the flow through the Signaling Server.
The connection speed of our VPN typically ranges around 2 Mbps. Don’t forget that we’re talking about a smart plug here! While it may not be suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or large file downloads, it provides an optimal and reliable performance for interacting with connected devices. So, when it comes to managing your smart plug or other similar devices, our VPN ensures a seamless and efficient experience. It allows you to conveniently control and monitor your devices remotely.
Is KC VPN Feature for You?
As KC VPN aims to simplify having secure network access, you may wonder if this feature is right for you. Here are a few use cases where KC VPN can be incredibly helpful to our valued customers and users:
Remote Work
In an increasingly remote work landscape, accessing office resources securely becomes a part of our day-to-day work life. KC VPN feature allows you to connect to your office network and access files, servers, and other resources with ease, regardless of your location. Whether you’re working from home, a coffee shop, or a co-working space, KC VPN ensures a secure and seamless connection to your office network.
Home Network Access
Have you ever needed to access your home network while you’re away for travel or a week-long business trip? KC VPN makes it effortless to connect to your home devices, such as printers, NAS drives, or security cameras, from anywhere in the world. Whether you need to retrieve an important file or check on your home security system, KC VPN provides a secure pathway to your home network.
Customer Support and Troubleshooting
If you provide technical support or troubleshooting services, KC VPN can be a game-changer. With the ability to establish secure connections to your customers’ networks, you can remotely diagnose issues, configure devices, or provide assistance without the need for physical access. KC VPN simplifies the process, allowing you to offer efficient and effective support to your customers.
Multi-Location Connectivity
For businesses with multiple locations, KC VPN streamlines network connectivity between sites. Whether you need to access centralized servers, databases, or shared resources, KC VPN ensures secure and reliable connectivity between your different locations. It simplifies network management and facilitates collaboration across your business or organization.
Enhanced Data Privacy
KC VPN encrypts your network traffic, providing an additional layer of security when accessing the internet from public Wi-Fi networks. This is particularly important when handling sensitive information, such as financial transactions or personal data. KC VPN shields your data from potential threats which helps in maintaining your privacy and security.
These are just a few advantages of being able to use KC VPN. By providing secure and hassle-free network access, KC VPN empowers individuals and businesses to stay connected and productive, regardless of their location.
Need More Help?
If you have any questions or require further assistance with the KC VPN feature, please feel free to reach out to us. You may visit our website at www.johnson-creative.com or start a live chat and one of our dedicated support team will be in touch.
