I’m starting the process of setting up a VPN into our office. I want to provide remote access to certain (but not all) employees regardless of where they are – home or on the road – simply by using the existing Internet backbone as the gatewayinto the office. We have a broadband connection at the office end, and some employees have DSL, satellite or broadband at their end, but some still have only 56k dial-up. I have an initial question that I haven’t seen addressed in the documentation I’ve read thus far. Perhaps picking the brains of my distinguished peers will help me decide the best direction to pursue.
I realize that a VPN server with RRAS installed is required at my office, but what are the pros and cons of using my existing PCD (which is also the primary office file server) or BDC (which is also the backup file server) as that VPN server versus using a dedicated machine? I’d like to use my existing PDC or BDC to avoid the need of buying more server software, but if there are compelling arguments against it, then that’s what I’d do. (By the way, Windows 2000 Server is the flavor of OS.) Also, if it makes any difference, I do not currently have a Web site, but would possibly like to integrate one into the process. If I do, should I host it myself, or could/should I let my ISP host it? (Or is that a different issue entirely?)
This initial question/discussion may lead to further questions, but for now I’ll just leave it asstated. If there are any differing opinions to my stated plans and assumptions, feel free to share. If you have anything to add that is outside the scope of the initial question (but concerning VPN), please do so. What are some other questions I should ask or other issues I should consider?
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