VPN Question

[coolwater]

I have lots of questions regarding VPN. We have a Vb6 applications made for a school. We have developed admissions, grading, accounting and class management modules running on windows XP machines. We use SQL server 2005 for our database running on windows 2003 server configured as a domain controller for the entire system. Our school is branching out and one of the requirements is to connect remote clients to our SQL Server. The only way i can see this is to use VPN in which i don't know anything about. This will be the first time we are going to use this kind of technology.

These are my questions.
1. Are VPN connections fast?
2. Do i really need three servers to set up a VPN? (1 domain cotroller, 1 VPN server, 1 authentication server)
3. Are there other solutions?
4. do I need to subscribe to a commercial telco for VPN?
5. Can I use a 2 mbps DSL to DSL line for VPN?

Any comments is highly appreciated. thanks

[RobDog888]

You dont need 3 servers for a VPN. Actually you can setup a router with a VPN if it supports it.

VPNs are a bit slower then just open port http and even a little more slower if you are using an encryption key.

Yes, there are other solutions like free VNC client and server but its, IMO, not as secure as its free.

Yes, you can use PTP tunneling for one routers VPN to be connected to another sites routers VPN. Then each workstation only connects to the router and its transparent to the user.

[coolwater]

tnx Robb. Can I ask you what brand of routers are best suited for VPN? At least this way we can save money not buying additional servers. Again tnx, I've been using your advice countless of times in this forum. You saved my ass so many times. lol. tnx man.

[RobDog888]

Glad to help anytime.

Well you definately do NOT want to get a Netgear router. They are built for home use. Perhaps a Zxwall router would fit your business needs. They are super powered as the internal chips can handle several VPN connections. As you increase your VPN connections the load on the router will increse which can possibly slow down your "internet experience".

Now if you use a PTP connection between two routers then its only a single VPN to single VPN connection but your bandwidth will still be the same as the same amount of data will be being transmitted.

http://shop.rotronic.ch/shop/artikel...6&SprachCode=2

They have a smaller unit too but I think for the PTP DSL connection you have to get a special service from your ISP (if htye offer it).

You have to analyze your connections, data, and costs to see which way is the best way to go.

[coolwater]

txn man. will do.

[coolwater]

is this model ok? http://www.iglobe-phils.com/zywall70.html. I live in the philippines.

[RobDog888]

I think so but its probably expensive Handels up to 20 connections and dual internet lines for redundant internet support. It may be overkill but only you know if its too large or too small.

Remember there is a special VPN client setup that takes a liccense or such. I dont know enough about it but a network admin can tell you more.

[coolwater]

i see. tnx man.

[coolwater]

I've been searching the web for vpn technologies and from what I've learned there are two kinds of VPN: PPTP and IPSEC. Some say IPSEC is more robust and secure than PPTP. I've also read that if I use Microsoft products is should use PPTP. In my case what is the best VPN should I use PPTP or IPSEC?

Note: i will only use the VPN for client-server access. Internet connection or web browsing is not needed due to employee productivity issues.

[zynder]

Try using CISCO Systems VPN Client. The transport is IPSec/UDP.