VPN configuration in WIndows XP - security?

Question

Dear All,

We are having two offices and each office has seperate internal networks of windows XP computers operating as WORKGROUP, with each computer in both the networks having addresses such as 192.168.x.x

The networks are connected to internet by means of a DSL connection.

Now, we want to share a folder in one of the computers (say 192.168.0.5) in branch 'A' so that persons in branch 'B' are also able to read/write.

Both the offices are small and around 10 computers in each office.

Now my question is,

a) what changes in configurations are to be done for sharing for the above purpose.
b)Is 'VPN over internet' option in XP can be relied for security for office networks.
c)If not, what other options are available, and how to configure the systems.

I will surely vote for best answers..

thanks/regards,

Answer 1

I would setup a hardware VPN from office B to office A. There are a bunch of products out there that will do this (check Cisco's Pix Firewall) but they will cost money and you may have to do a lot of research on configuration. This would be best because it would be transparent to your users.

If you trying to do this for as little money as possible....

Look into a DSL router with VPN connection. http://www.netgear.com/Products/VPNandSSL/WiredVPNFirewallRouters/FVS318.aspx Then you would have to have people from office B connect to the VPN and they could connect to the share.

http://support.real-time.com/windows/vpn/windows_xp_vpn.html#connect - this will show you how to setup the VPN on the computers in office B.

If you do this then....
a) I think you would need to change the IP address schema so they are not on the same subnets. (if office A is 192.168.1.x then change office B to 192.168.2.x)
b)I wouldn't trust Windows for VPN access
c)I would go with the Pix firewall (actually thats what we use in my office)

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

The "free" XP VPN is ok however it will only allow 1 connection!
The security of it all depends on how secure the usernames and passwords are on the system. With good passwords it is secure..

I would say to use a VPN router and connect both systems. There are several small office solutions from Linksys and the linksys VPN client is farily stable. You can even connect outside the office if needed which allows your users to check from any internet connection. This is a more secure method in most cases unless you use a real VPN server.

Here is a great article on one of Linksys VPN Endpoint routers. (endpoints make a server unnecessary for VPN setup)
http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/linksys-etherfast-cable-dsl/4505-3319_7-20292080.html
and if you go HIGHER end for more connections check the
Linksys RV042. A much better solution.

Also the Netopia R9100 DSL Router has a VPN endpoint which I just saw available on ebay cheap! These are really nice for small offices. They let you use the Windows VPN clients!!!!
http://item.express.ebay.com/Computers-Networking_Routers__NETOPIA-R9100-ROUTER-HUBS-w-VPN-and-8-ports_W0QQitemZ260186794836QQihZ016QQddnZComputersQ20Q26Q20NetworkingQQadnZRoutersQQptdiZ310QQddiZ1192QQcmdZExpressItem

Or just do a search for VPN Endpoint Router

Hope that helps

Merry Christmas and God Bless

Answer 4

first of all, Norton positioned's virus's on your laptop so which you nonetheless purchase the product. I also have a relatives member who wrote application for it. Secondly cisco products are on the industry immediately and VPN is equipped in.

Answer 5

I suggest making use of VPNPower to unblock internet sites. I have been with them since 5 years. http://www.vpnpower.net

Answer 6

My spouse and i recommend employing http://www.vpnpower.net to unblock internet sites. I am using their services for more than 3 years without issues.

Answer 7

buy this program called PC anywhere and that would be the best way for you