Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client is the newly introduced SSL-based VPN client, the next generation of SSL VPN client software. Cisco AnyConnect VPN client provides remote users with secure VPN connections by using the SSL protocol.

Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client solution is available on the following:

• Cisco ASA 5500 Series security appliance running software version 8.0 and later

• Cisco IOS Software Release 12.4(15)T and later

The Cisco AnyConnect is the next-generation SSL VPN Client, replacing the older SVC software.

When using Cisco IOS Software release prior to 12.4(15)T, you should be dynamically loading the older GUI of SVC software when establishing a web-based SSL connection to the SSL server.

However, when using Cisco IOS Software Release 12.4(15)T or later, you should be dynamically loading the newer GUI of Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client software when establishing the connection.

The AnyConnect client supports Microsoft Vista, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Linux, or Macintosh OS, providing all the benefits of a traditional SSL VPN client and extending enhanced functions support unavailable to a regular clientless SSL VPN connection. Most notably, the AnyConnect client supports the next-generation IPv6 protocol over an IPv4 network.

As illustrated in Figure 18-2, the AnyConnect software client can be automatically downloaded to remote users with any SSL-based browser and dynamically loaded using Java, ActiveX, or .exe files.