Establishing an IPSec connection requires the functionality of a VPN gateway on each side of the communication line. An intelligent Internet access router, e.g. Quadro, delivers this function, but also PCs or workstations can be equipped with VPN gateway functionality. One of these VPN gateways may have a dynamically allocated IP address and is turned then into a "Road Warrior". Road Warriors are able to reach e.g. their corporate network via authentication at the company's VPN gateway device. This VPN gateway device has to have a fixed IP address for Internet access, because every IPSec Connection partner needs at least one VPN Gateway device with fixed IP address. So, a road warrior is nothing else but a special form of a VPN Gateway - a VPN Gateway with a dynamic IP Address.
When Quadro is connected to the Internet with a fixed IP address, it will be set up to act as a VPN gateway. Quadro is then prepared to establish an IPSec connection with another VPN gateway device, but also allows access to Road Warriors. A notebook /laptop used by a traveling employee could also be a Road Warrior. Access to their company's intranet via an IPSec connection can be obtained regardless of their location.
Quadro can also be set up to act as a Road Warrior. If a home office is connected to the Internet via Quadro with PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol) and dynamic IP addressing, setting up Quadro as a Road Warrior will allow an IPSec connection to the corporate network.