Setting up a VPN

[richardlayne]

I'm sure it's possible, but just checking to make sure. I'm a rookied when it comes to vpn's so bare with me. Is it possible to have a vpn set up without actually being connected to the internet? Basically just having the vpn port opened on the router which I believe is 1224.

[DVNT1]

It is possible to have a VPN without going through the Internet and also going through NAT, but that depends on the VPN software limitations. Which ports are required for a VPN also depends on the VPN software.

[richardlayne]

Software? I thought you could do this through windows without any additional software? Would it be better to use software for a vpn? Basically I'll be dealing with 98 clients, and my vpn server is gonna be a windows xp home edition computer.

[DVNT1]

Psst... Microsoft's Windows VPN client is still software.

Btw, I personally haven't used the Microsoft VPN so I can't provide answers on it based on experience.

[blubomber]

you can connect to a VPN server from inside the network. That is how i did some testing of my VPN server on my network was to first connect from the inside.

You should check out Microsoft's Knowledge base to find out how it is done if you are unsure. I have not done a VPN connection with XP home has the server. But XP should have wizard to help you and open the proper ports to allow client connections.

Out of curiousity, why are you doing it this way? What are you trying to accomplish? I am just curious.

[richardlayne]

I'm doing this for work. We have a couple different locations that right now have to dial into the server to get access. There's already T1 lines in use at all of those locations being used by other people. Basically we're going to place a switch in each of those locations and run cat5 to the client computers. After that we hope to get everything in place at the main office so they'll be able to connect thru the vpn server. The dial up just isn't stable enough so we'd like to go with a vpn thru a T1 line.

[MDS]

Sounds like you will need to use pptp in order to do what you are wanting. Just do a search on Point-to-Point Tunneling or take a look here

[meese]

The win98 machines need to be Second Edition (win98se) to use VPN. To make a 98 box a vpn client you need to" Add New Windows Components" and select VPN client. Its under networking components or something. I don't have a win98 box here to look at. I do at work though.

And XP can act as VPN server: http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networ...vpn_server.htm

[MDS]

Is this what you are talking about doing?

[richardlayne]

Yes thats basically what I'm doing or am trying to do Thanks for all the replies and help guys I really appreciate it.