Development setup – Set up VPN

Our API services are accessible using a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN). This guide explains how to create a VPN connection between your official URL and the Contis API system.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection between a machine and network. It is an IPSEC, site-to-site connection for exchange of encrypted data between two endpoints.

VPN Setup process

Step 1

After you sign up for a card scheme your Contis Project Manager (PM) will send you a VPN setup form. The form contains network configuration information for the Contis Datacentre.

Step 2

You provide your network’s configuration information and send the form back to Contis PM.

Step 3

Our networking team validates and checks the connection. Networking issues, if any, are resolved.

Step 4

We then send you a PSK (Pre-Shared Key) to authenticate the connection between your IP/server and that of Contis.
How long will it take?

It will take 15 days to set up VPN connection from the date you provide your network configuration parameters to Contis Networking team.

Password exchange

We use a two-factor authentication process when exchanging password. Our networking team generates the PSK and a file-generated password. The file is compressed emailed to your technical lead or manager, as described in the VPN form. The password for the file is then sent via SMS to the manager’s mobile phone.

VPN Disaster recovery

You will get two separate VPN setup forms for Beta or Staging and Live. Beta or Staging can use the same VPN connection.

During VPN setup for the Live environment, you will also complete a disaster recovery form that has your network’s configuration details, which in the event of disaster will ensure continuity of API service.

Notes about VPN setup

Acceptable Diffie-Hellman PFS
DH 1, DH 2, DH 5, DH 14, DH 15, DH 16, DH 17, DH 18, DH 19, DH 20, DH 21

Acceptable Hashing Algorithms
SHA1, SHA2, SHA 384, SHA 512

Using a private IP address

In an exceptional case, if you or your client do not have the public IP, Contis CTO authorizes VPN connection with a private IP.