Tips to Set Up a Virtual Private Network

Many companies are considering a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to cover their Internet applications and databases, the same set-up concerns. Want to know the most efficient and economic approach "from here to there." It also attempted to assess whether to go with a wireless connection from site to site or user's approach. Plus .... Want an idea of the best options for that hardware.

For this learning opportunity along let's set-up arealistic real-life example .... and resolve any issues surrounding this scenario.

Here goes:

She has 10 branches spread far enough .... each with multiple users .... you want to connect to a central location.

For this scenario, here are my suggestions for the most common set-up refers to face .....

First ..... a-to-site connection to the site is the best way to talk to router VPN endpoint for each other two, we can allconnecting your computer behind each router, a difference in pay (for example) $ 35 or more for each loaded on a client computer. Depending on what you buy, the router, set up some pre-installed with PPTP and IPSec VPN client already installed, is that they are.

Subsequently, the type of network connection if you use them is critical. Such as cable, xDSL, T1, or DS3. Depending on the size of user base your data (number of users for each location and load on the network), you should checka T1 line as the backbone. You can enlarge any time if necessary (for a legacy T1 or DS3), or where this came from (Fractional T1). This level of dedicated bandwidth circuit offers greater security, stability and scalability ..... not to mention QoS (Quality of Service) and SLAs (Service Level Agreement), a provider of form, that these layers of circuitry. This makes sense economically.

Remember to determine the budget for hardware-gauge, and although it is expectedfor people with a trip that need remote access. The first I next address. The cuts will also contribute to your decision circuit above.

For the courage of its network joint decisions ranging from Linksys, Netgear and SMC; Zywall is another option, and then OpenVPN, the script is based. The decisive factor is always "costs" and "simple configuration." Then again, what if you do not mind a bit 'of work (and you should not if you're in the game on the network) a overtime is necessary and very useful with some solutions.

Okay, here are some ideas for the hardware ......

Linksys SOHO / SMB department turnkey solution, there are hardware devices below. Many IT managers Newegg.com use of a source, because they have good prices (in my opinion).

1) WRV54G - "strong" undervalued. Supports 50 IPSec VPN tunnels and five IPsec VPN clients QuickVPN on board, you can update 5-50 clients (yes, there is real> VPN). NAT-T/GRE not support, you can not configure a Microsoft VPN server with this device.

2) WRT54G router with DD-WRT VPN firmware problem 24B. It supports both client and server OpenVPN. This is very safe and stable. Far less expensive line with VPN hardware direction of what I found.

3) RV016/042/082 - all supported by at least 5 IPSec VPN tunnel (or higher) at least 5 customers QuickVPN(With an upgrade option as WRV54G). Support Unit NAT-T/GRE has onboard PPTP server with 5 clients and allows you to configure a VPN client-server Microsoft behind it for a further PPTP/L2TP (128 total).

4) WRVS4400N - Supports up to 5 IPSec VPN tunnels, 5 QuickVPN customers (no upgrade option as of yet), and supports NAT = T / GRE. You will also have port-based VLANs, IDS / IPS services, the notification e-mail, User Define-enabled access control lists that define the position includesupport services for LAN connections for IPv4/IPv6 QoS and WMM advanced video / audio. Yes, I am bias in this case. I have friends like this and is testing the products look old Linksys.

Just visit the site and read Linksys.com Router / VPN Solutions for Business Area series routers.

Finally, the solutions are free software:

1) Single Wall - with an old PC needs two network cards (for starters), download the image on your computer, burnon a disc to go on and win.

2) Smoothwall - such as single wall

3) SSL Explorer - SSL VPN solution

4) openvpn - script-based VPN

In general I prefer hardware solutions, so that I inclined to a router, which will either go to a PPTP server on board, or the ability to support NAT-T/GRE. With the hardware reduces the load on a workstation / server VPN host, but not all software solutions are less effective.

Now that you haveit. Some practical tips for installing VPN to give you a practical business sense decision based on common concerns that face. The only thing left to do is roll up our sleeves and "just do it."

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