Networks

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Basic networking between two locations

0 helpful
10 replies

by ski4life_69

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
A small company has 2 offices, with only 2 PC's at each office. They want to be able to share data between the two offices. All PCs are running Windows XP and both locations have cable internet. What would be the cheapest and least complicated way to do this? I was thinking about using the built in VPN feature in Windows XP, but have never used it before and was wondering if that would be the best way to go, or if a VPN router and firewall should be purchased.

10 replies

by oz_media

MS XP is far from secure and you're right in having security concerns.
If you're looking to spend the least money, a VPN router and firewall is defina=itely a good idea.

If you have a bit of a budget (not big $$$) look at 3-com's solutions, theyhave decent quality behind most switches and routers. You will find much cheaper products via retail stores (Future Shop, Staples, Office Depot or whatever is in your loacal arean).

Good luck, nice to see someone with the heads up to doubt XP. Good show!

by rawright

I'd strongly recommend using a hardware VPN/Firewall appliance such as the SonicWall SOHO3 or TELE3 (http://www.sonicguard.com/default.asp?source=google). If that's not in the budget, the built-in VPN capability of XP is adequate, if not the most secure. It's a heck of a lot better than nothing, and will probably defeat all but the most dedicated hacking attempts.

by deadly ernest

I gather that you want a low cost option. Then the first question is what are you using as your cable modems and what are their capabilities.

Some cable modems do have security features that can assist you in maintaining your security and in establishing a more secure VPN link. I have worked in an organisation where they had two cable modems that had some routing capability, Network Address Translation, and VPN software installed. They just set up the gear to establish VPN links between the sites and route traffic for that sub-net through the VPN using a packaged encryption application. The traffic for the Internet got routed to the normal ISP connection.

by pfu

Buy two low cost end-points VPN routers, like Netgear FVS318, setup VPN between two offices. IKE needs at least one static IP. Use manual VPN if both site are on dynamic IP. (less secure but VPN still works great)
Go to Netgear WEB site download the FVS318 or FVL328, there are example for VPN connections.
Good luck
Philip

by pfu

THe FVS318/FV328 also has a feature to pass traffic over the VPN tunnel. NetBIOS communications allow functions such as Network Neighborhood browsing.

I had used the FVS318 on VPN connections before.
It is just too low cost to be true.

This discussion is closed to new replies.