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General discussion

VPN hardware

Mar 29, 2007 4:13AM PDT

I need to set up a VPN connection on a network that currently has a broadband router installed. Do I need to add a VPN router to the network? If so, do I have to replace the current router? Is there a VPN Server software solution for this situation?
The network is all XP Pro.
Thanks in advance.
CN5

Discussion is locked

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Can't tell. Here's why.
Mar 29, 2007 4:22AM PDT

No VPN server was noted. Some need the VPN router as well as some routers only support a single VPN connection. More detail about your choice of VPN server could help.

Bob

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VPN Server
Mar 29, 2007 5:02AM PDT

Thanks, Bob;
I think you can tell I am new at this. I don't know if I need a hardware server or can I use a software server. Are there software servers?
If I need a hardware server is it added to the existing network or does it replace the current router?
Also, as is usuallyy the case, cost is a factor
Thanks for your help.
CN5

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Maybe you think it's VPN?
Mar 29, 2007 5:08AM PDT

Since you can't name the VPN server software maybe all you need to do is describe what you are trying to do.

Bob

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VPN access
Mar 29, 2007 9:18AM PDT

I am trying to connect to one computer in my client's network. We use a VPN connection with our other clients. This is done because the software and database exist on the client's network.
The client is understandably concerned about 1) cost and 2) security.
Currently, nothing is in place to accomplish this goal. That is why I cannot be more specific about hardware or software VPNs
I have client software for two VPNs for other clients in my office. Unfortunately, they do not talk to each other. But we work around that.
Basically, I am just looking for the most cost effective secure solution to this problem.
Again, thank ou for your interest and help.
CN5

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That doesn't sound like a VPN to me but...
Mar 29, 2007 9:45AM PDT

A remote control system. Since you have such working now, duplicate your working system.

The reason I write this is that very little software works over the usual VPN connection unless we install it on our machine and the vpn mapping to the remote drive is where the database is. I can't count how many times I encounter "VPN" being called such when it's just software like PCAnyWhere, TightVNC or others.

http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=pf&pvid=pca12

Bob

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VPN hardware or maybe not
Mar 29, 2007 12:49PM PDT

You might be right that my other connections are not true VPN. Possibl more like RTS. The reason I don't duplicate them is I don't know what software exists on the server end of the link. They were installed by the clients IT contractor.
One system uses WatchGuard Technologies Mobile User VPN on my end of the connection. I don't know what is on the other end.
The other system, the IT guy had me download a Cisco VPN client from some university. I am not even sure it is legal. Again, I don't know what software is on the server side.
I need to know what software is used and how to get the information ;through any router security.
Thanks again.
CN5

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Sadly I can't guess what VPN server they have.
Mar 29, 2007 11:01PM PDT

As it stands we don't know enough to nail it down. More research is required. Or you plow ahead and ask them to install remote control software...

Bob

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Not sure if you are still watching this...
Apr 11, 2007 2:18PM PDT

It sounds like you are connecting to a Cisco PIX router in one case and and another router in the other case. Each has a hardware component at your clients site, and you are using a proprietary piece of software to connect from your site. Netgear also has the same type of setup using their VPN/Firewall router and a VPN client software.