---
title: "Remote Access VPN"
slug: "remote-access-vpn"
updated: 2026-05-13T07:51:35Z
published: 2026-05-13T07:51:45Z
canonical: "docs.serversaustralia.com.au/remote-access-vpn"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.serversaustralia.com.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Remote Access VPN

FortiGate firewalls support several different VPN connection types depending on your requirements. This section explains the differences between the available options and when each should be used.

---

## IPsec VPN

IPsec VPN is a traditional VPN connection type focused on performance and stability.

### Best for

- Business environments
- Frequent or long-term VPN usage
- Higher performance requirements

### Advantages

- Reliable and secure
- Better performance in some environments

---

## Free FortiClient vs Managed FortiClient (EMS)

FortiClient is available as either a free VPN-only client or a centrally managed enterprise version using FortiClient EMS.

### Free FortiClient

Includes:

- IPsec VPN
- Basic VPN connectivity

Best for:

- Small businesses
- Standard remote access

### Managed FortiClient (EMS)

Includes:

- IPsec VPN
- Basic VPN connectivity
- More robuse options for your VPN including Always On, and Always Connect functionality

Best for:

- Larger organisations
- Managed environments

---

## L2TP/IPsec VPN (Windows Built-in VPN)

L2TP/IPsec allows Windows devices to connect using the built-in Windows VPN client without installing FortiClient.

### Best for

- Environments where software installation is restricted
- Basic VPN connectivity

### Advantages

- No additional software required
- Uses the built-in Windows VPN client

### Considerations

- Fewer features than FortiClient
- Limited troubleshooting and advanced options