PPTP and IP Sec connection

IPsec has been deployed widely to implement Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
IPsec supports two encryption modes: Transport and Tunnel. Transport mode encrypts only the data portion (payload) of each packet, but leaves the header untouched. The more secure Tunnel mode encrypts both the header and the payload. On the receiving side, an IPSec-compliant device decrypts each packet.

For IPsec to work, the sending and receiving devices must share a public key. This is accomplished through a protocol known as Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol/Oakley (ISAKMP/Oakley), which allows the receiver to obtain a public key and authenticate the sender using digital certificates.

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, a new technology for creating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Because the Internet is essentially an open network, the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is used to ensure that messages transmitted from one VPN node to another are secure. With PPTP, users can dial in to their corporate network via the Internet.

humm hows the PDA going to connect to the LAN. Thats the biggest question. [I'll assume that public security for the LAN is in place and breach of LAN security is not an issue]

Once that is answered, next question is how sensitive is the data? If your not worried about data, then PPTP [assuming the PDA access is over the Internet] remote access prolly is easiest way. If your worried about security either data or someone sniffing a packet and finding out user names, passwords, or stealing data, then use IPSec VPN in. Either way PPTP IPSec over VPN into your network is a Private Network connection in. IPSec is just way more secure due to encryption.

I would assume that the PDA is connecting via the Internet. If so, then I thought your question would be how. There is good software for Pocket PC called Movian, that supports most of the top VPN packages, i.e. Contivity, Netscreen, Cisco, etc.

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