Q. Why is Cradlepoint making this change?
A. WAN transformation has accelerated the transition from traditional VPNs to new zero-trust based approaches. To meet this demand for a more modern WAN security architecture, zero-trust-based security services are being developed and delivered through NetCloud Exchange. NetCloud Exchange and its Secure Connect service, provides Auto VPN customers with enhanced scalability with a far greater number of supported tunnels, enhanced simplicity through reduced configuration, support for overlapping IP addresses and optional name-based routing, and enhanced security by delivering on zero trust concepts that are consistent with the NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
Q. What change will customers see in NetCloud?
A. Existing customers that had enabled Auto VPN prior to Feb 15, 2023, will see no change until February 15, 2024, when the feature is deprecated and will no longer be accessible in NetCloud Manager. New customers that wish to enable the Auto VPN feature after February 15, 2023, no longer have that option.
Q. What happens to existing Auto VPN networks and configurations?
A. After the deprecation date, all configurations created by the Auto VPN feature will remain intact at the local device level and those associated VPN networks will continue to function. Customer will not be able to modify the last configuration created by Auto VPN, and each configuration contains a TTL that will expire at an unknown date. Customers are encouraged to migrate away from the Auto VPN configurations as soon as possible.
Q. Will Cradlepoint allow existing customers to renew their NetCloud service plans to continue Auto VPN use?
A. Auto VPN is just one of many features in the NetCloud service plans, and as such deprecation of one feature will not prevent customers from renewing their NetCloud service plan. Customers will need to understand that the Auto VPN feature will deprecate within their service duration.
Q. Does this change the level of support provided by Cradlepoint for existing Auto VPN customers?
A. Cradlepoint’s global support and R&D organizations will continue to offer the same level of support for all existing Auto VPN enabled customers until February 15, 2024. After that date, the Auto VPN feature and associated configurations are no longer supported.
Q. Will there be any changes to the capacity or performance of Auto VPN for existing customers?
A. No, Auto VPN will continue to offer the same functionality, performance, and scale capacity as it does today for all existing customers until the deprecation date.
Q. After February 15, 2023, can an existing Auto VPN customer add a new router to their Auto VPN network?
A. Yes, an existing Auto VPN customer may add a new router to their Auto VPN network up until the feature is deprecated on February 15, 2024.
Q. What are the alternatives to Auto VPN offered by Cradlepoint?
A. NetCloud Exchange Secure Connect will provide secure, encrypted zero-trust-based communications between compatible Cradlepoint routers and the NetCloud Exchange Service Gateway. It can be used to support secure connectivity for sites, vehicles, IoT devices and remote workers. Contact your Cradlepoint Authorized Partner or sales team for more information on available alternatives and migration plans.
Q. Will exceptions be made to approve new Auto VPN customers?
A. No, there is no exception policy. Please see your Cradlepoint partner or sales professional for more information about NetCloud Exchange security services.