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Internet remote access to NT server

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by jnbtz

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I am looking for a cost effective solution to accessing an NT 4.0 server via the Internet. This site has Internet access via cable modem (roadrunner). The users would like to access data stored on their server via their roadrunner acounts from home. They do not have a public IP address, which I would need for a VPN solution. I am open to suggestions.

7 replies

by trurod70

What VPN software are you using? Ususally you dont need to have a public ip address on workstations. You need one for your server but you can translate the public to a private ip in the firewall.

by jnbtz

I would be using the standard windows VPN client. I am aware that the workstations do not need a static IP address. The issue is the server does not have a public IP address. Nor do they have a hardware firewall. Thank you, I do appreciate your answering my question.

by shmaltz

I assume your problem is that the Server doesn't have a Static IP address (since I know that RoadRunner doesn't give a Static IP address), or that the server is on a site that uses NAT which doesn't give you the option to expose your computer.
There are 2 ways to work around the first problem:
1. Since the IP address dosn't change that ofter you can have them email the IP or notified the IP address every day.
2. Find a DNS hosting company that has Dynamic DNS hosting (which means the IP address of the host can change). Then have your server register with the DNS Sever whenever a change is made to the IP address, That way your clients can connect by using the Host name instead the of the IP address.
Please note: In most cases you may berequired to register a domain name for this to work. But if you know someone that has a domain name registered already and they use a Dynamic DNS server you can ask them to create a record just for your server.
To work around the second problem: You will have to use something called PAT (Port Address Transolator). Which will be able to send all request made to the VPN Port to the VPN server, even if the VPN Server doesn't have a public IP address.

by jnbtz

Thank you for answering my question, sorry for my delay in responding to you.

There are numerous issues at work here. I may have not given quite enough information in my question. They work with three series of IP adresses. One is their local LAN. The second is their VPN to another office (they connect to the other sites' public IP address). and thirdly their Roadrunner internet access. Their server has a static IP address for their local LAN. They do not have a proper firewall. They don't seemed overly concerned about exposing their server. I do.

Thanking you for taking the time to answer this.

by curlergirl

Depends what you mean by cost effective. I have not tried the service myself, but there is a company on the Internet that does this for you. Go to: www.gotomypc.com and check it out. I think it ranges from about $10.00/mo. for 1-2 PCs on up. Hope this helps!

by jnbtz

Thank you for answering my question, sorry for my delay in responding to you.

I think this could be a very viable solution to their needs.

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