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VPN HELP

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by matrixcsl

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Hi

We would like to set up a VPN between 3 offices, with ADSL telecommunications. What is the best/most cost-effective ADSL router to enable us to do this please? We have read about PIX FIREWALL products, do these handle everything e.g. firewall, security, routing etc???

Do we need client/server software also, as well as the hardware? If so, what is good please?

Any help would be much appreciated.

10 replies

by cg it

well, you don't actually need a router to setup a Virtual Private network between sites. Some routers happen to have VPN capabilities built in that allow them to create the connection between each other. Users on each LAN then make use the created connection to pass data.

You don't mention what type of network[s] are being used at each site. That makes a big difference in how to setup communications between each other. Especially if they are Windows Active Directory based networks.

by cg it

you also don't mention if the ADSL service has static or dynamic IP addressing which is also of primary concern when determining how to setup communications and maintain those communication channels.

by cg it

ok W2K servers non Active Directory at all 3 sites, all 3 sites have ADSL.

You can use Windows 2000 Routing and Remote access server at all 3 sites. That would put VPN servers available 24/7 listening for inbound VPN traffic. Then if your concerned about security you could use Microsoft's ISA server, PIX Firewalls, Symantecs Gateway security appliance or Ciscos 1700 series routers to secure the lines as long as they allow PPTP or L2TP passthrough traffic.
You could, if you can fit it in the network infrastructure, a consumer level VPN End Point router that includes PPTP L2TP passthrough where the 3 routers establish and maintain the VPN tunnels over the DSL lines AND the routers provide firewall service.

by matrixcsl

Thank you, your response haas given us the right ideas. We have found a reasonably priced router with built-in dhcp/firewall/vpn & adsl modem that will do the trick. Just have to worry about configuring the thing now!!!!

by matrixcsl

Windows 2000 servers all running/providing DHCP
Clients are Windows 2000 Pro
Not running active directory

by net designer

We use Netopia's 7200 SDSL routers (installed by ISP and free for us). For ADSL, I think, Netopia has different models that offer what you need:
http://www.netopia.com/equipment/routers/4500/index.html
Did you consider getting cable service instead of ADSL? Service is cheaper, faster and routers are also cheaper.

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