Both iPhone software versions 2.x and 3.x support three types of remote access VPN connectivity: L2TP, PPTP and IPSec (see picture below). The IPSec option is actually a Cisco VPN client software for communicating securely with Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA 5500 Series Firewalls).

Cisco states that only ASA and PIX firewalls support the iPhone Remote Access VPN. Cisco IOS routers with IPSec capability and the older VPN3000 Concentrators DO NOT support the iPhone VPN feature.

This feature enables teleworkers to connect remotely to their Enterprise central network via secure VPN tunnel using their Apple iPhone. The VPN can use both Wi-Fi and Cellular Mobile Data networks for setting up the tunnel. The authentication methods supported for establishing the secure remote VPN tunnel are:

• Password
• RSA SecurID
• CRYPTOCard
• Certificate

Regarding the configuration on Cisco ASA appliance, this is exactly the same configuration as a normal Cisco IPSec VPN client software. You need to configure an IP Pool for the iPhone to receive IP address from. This pool range will then have access to the internal network behind the ASA.

Related posts:

1. Cisco VPN Client Requirements
2. Cisco VPN Client Setup
3. Overview of Cisco ASA VPN Technologies
4. Cisco SSL VPN and ASDM Configuration – Port Conflict
5. VPN Config Generator-Software to create Cisco VPN Configurations
6. Passing non-IP Traffic over IPSEC VPN using GRE over IPSEC
7. Lan-to-Lan IPSEC VPN between two Cisco Routers