Going to be travelling, need some help with VPN

ahsia

Golden Member
Oct 3, 2000
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I will be travelling often for the next year or so, and I want to set up a VPN so I can access my machines where ever I go. This is mostly so I can access my files on my server, and backup data as needed. My machines will most likely be on a router. I am hoping to get a static IP address from my ISP, but it could be DHCP. I don't know if that affects anything.

What is the easiest and most secure way to set up something like this? Would it be possible to access both my machines remotely? I am somewhat of a VPN newbie so I need all the help I can get. Thanks!
 

ITJunkie

Platinum Member
Apr 17, 2003
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For stability reasons, it would be better to get a static IP from your ISP. As far as what VPN solution to use, what server OS are you running now?

There are literally hundreds of ways you can go in setting up a VPN. The money, or lack thereof, available is usually the deciding factor on which solution to deploy.

More info please...
 

Boscoh

Senior member
Jan 23, 2002
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Pretty easy to do with home networking gear whether or not you've got a static IP. Static IP's make things easier, but if you've got a dynamic IP then you need to look into a service called Dynamic DNS. Basically, through the use of a program on a PC or a builtin function of a router it will monitor your IP and update the DNS record of yoursite.com or whatever the domain is. Most new home routers out there should do Dynamic DNS and give you the option of using several different providers.

VPN is pretty easy to do too. If you get a router that supports L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) + IPSec then you can setup Windows natively to connect to the VPN. You'd either use your domain name if your home connection has a dynamic IP, or you'd enter your static IP. If the router doesnt support L2TP + IPSec and only supports plain IPSec then you'll have to download a client. You should be able to get one (maybe at a price) from the provider of your home router in that case.

There is another protocol called PPTP that you could use too. I dont like PPTP, I think it sucks in general and sucks especially in security. However, if it is your only option, then you can do it. And I think Windows can do PPTP natively as well.

Netgear seems to have some solid home-market VPN routers these days. A buddy of mine picked one up a few weeks ago and I set it up for him. Wasn't bad for a home box. I cant remember which model though, it was one of the newer ones.

Hope this helps.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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1. If static address will cost more you can save your money by using Free DNS service?

Link to: How can I find My Home Personal Computer/Server on this "Huge" Internet World?

2. If you are going to use remote spots with DialUp you might be better off not using VPN.

Using VNC with Encryption, and strong Password might be a good alternative.

More details here: Ultr@VNC (Remote Control for your Network/Internet) - Installation, and Settings

All of the above is free; it takes less than an Hour to set it Up.

You can try it Now and start to use it.

:thumbsup: