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VPN Setup

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by r.giskard

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I have a client that wants to allow his employees to log-in from home. His work network is a 'File & Printer Sharing' network with no servers. They use a LinkSys Router/Gateway for internet access at work. They have a static IP address provided withthe DSL service

He wants a firewall to prevent unauthorized access. I'm thinking a hardware box at work and a software solution for the home computers. He does not want to pay for a box at each employees home.

I'm also thinking to move everyone to a file server. I'm not sure if I can get everyone to the right work computer from home using 'File & Printer Sharing'.

He will have no more than 10 employees logging in from home. These are the same people that have computers at work.

I'm not a network Tech, but I can follow good instructions very easily.

7 replies

by mshavrov

First of all, you should understand what you want to accomplish. For your current situation I would suggest following scenario:

1. You install VPN Server at your main location (office). I would suggest Cisco VPN 3005 Concentrator. It will allow you to connect up to 100 users. It's kind of pricy (3000 on Cisco's website), but I have seen them on EBay for about 600-700. Theoretically you may install server with Firewall/VPN software, but not sure if it will be much cheaper.

2. On users PCs at "home" you install VPN Client. In case of using Cisco VPN, you may download Client software from Cisco's website for free (also it should come as part of VPN bundle). If you will use another VPN server, you have to install appropriate software.In general, it's "Remote Access" solution, similar to "Dial-In".

Good luck.

by mbatty

The outline design you describe is the right approach and the network solution offered above is robust. There are cheaper VPN servers around, but Cisco has a wide knowledge base. YOu could also look at a Cisco PIX to provide the Firewall/VPN server as the numbers are small.

From a PC networking point of view ther are still a couple of things to consider. You do not mention how the users at home are going to connect to the Internet and who the machine at home belongs to. With ten users is they are using their own machine the support issues may not be too big. But be aware they every user will be different and they might be used for other things. You should insist on personal firewall and Anti Virus software.

With regard to the 'File &Print Sharing', it may work but you will probably have to have some sort of WINS service running. File & Print uses Netbios protocols which are layer 2 only. They can work over IP, but you need to have a Netbios Name to IP address resolver. I think your idea of setting up a FIle Server is much more likely to succed. It will also provide data backup and integrity capability

by isys

"I'm not a network tech..."

So look at Sonicwall. The SOHO model scales up to 50 users and has VPN capability. They have a demo on their site that shows how the console operates. I have a Pro VX and SOHO3/25, and the console is exactly the same.

I can't comment on the other responders, but I have never been able to use Microsoft networking (file and printer sharing) work on a VPN.

Some home ISPs will jack the rates for VPN access.

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