Low-cost VPN routers for 3-way VPN network

[augiem]

I've been researching low-cost (sub $200) Cable/DSL VPN routers in hopes of setting up a secure 3-way VPN. I would be using this router as a server to host the VPN, and connect to it with one computer via software (Win2K/XP VPN) and with a 2nd network using another identical router. EG: Router 1 -- Router 2 & SW VPN client.

Essentially, I want to do secure 3-way webconferencing and file sharing. But I do want a router that supports more than 2 tunnels for future expandibility.

I've looked at routers from Linksys, Netgear, D-link, Zyxel, TrendNet, SMC, Multitech, and Xterrasys.

Capabilities I need:

• client-to-LAN capability (software VPN to router)

• LAN-to-LAN (router to router)

• Multiple LAN/Client Interconnectivity (3+ way networks)

• Obviously STABLE VPN connections

Preferable:

• L2TP _server_ support for client-to-LAN connection

• Fast processor allowing good throughput through VPN

• AES encryption would be nice

• NetBios support for file browsing

I have disqualified Linksys because of MANY negative reviews of their VPN routers (mostly due to random rebooting, etc) and my past experience with their hardware. Zyxel's models supporting more than 2 VPN tunnels are too costly, and I just can't find squat on Xterrasys.

D-Link DI-804HV: $60 Currently my top choice (L2TP, PPTP, 40 tunnel)

• Does this router support SWclient-to-router connections? (multiple?)

(Sorry if this is a stupid question -- are L2TP and PPTP only needed for SW clients? I wasn't sure if this was the case, or if IPSec works in conjunction with these protocols)

• What kind of bandwidth does this support through VPN?? No info. If it has a good processor, this would probably be my choice

• NetBIOS??

Trendnet TW100-BRV304: $99, has a fast processor [20.2Mbps(SmartBits) vpn]

• Website mentions L2TP passthrough, but nothing about L2TP server

• Would be my 1st choice, but I cannot find ANY user info on newsgroups, anandtech, broadbandreports, etc.

• NetBIOS??

Netgear FVS318: $120 New firmware addes AES encryption (woot!) Almost perfect but...

• SWClient-to-Router seems to be limited to NetGear's SW Remote Access

• Apparantly does not support PPTP or L2TP

• I see a LOT of bad press about random reboots, lockups, disconnects

• Apparantly no "keep-alive" function.

• Relatively slow bandwidth (1.2 mbps VPN I believe)

If ANYONE out there can give me some experience/info on the Trendnet router or even Trendnet's reputation in general, I'd appreciate it.

Of those three (or even Linksys I guess), which router do you think could handle my desired setup the best? Or would these low-cost home VPN routers even work for a 3-way VPN network? I don't have any VPN experience (except 1-1 WinXP SW VPN), so I'm not even totally sure this is possible without a linux/Winserver.

Oh, does it even matter about L2TP & PPTP



Thanks a million,

Augie

 

[cmetz]

I use a lot of the Linksys BEFVP41s and as long as you use those only they work great (interoperability mostly works too, but that's where their UI is a major headache). Other Linksys VPN routers currently sold are not so good. If you're just plain anti-Linksys, can't help you, but if you're willing to try something new those do work well and are about $100 each. The BEFVP41 supports IPsec tunnels from the Windows XP built-in IPsec client, but that's a painful way to do things in practice.

The Cisco PIX 501 would solve your problem well, but is about $500.

 

[ToeJam13]

I can't vouch for any of the VPN/Firewall combos on the market. I can, however, add an alternative.

The MPPP package for BSD allows you to terminate PPTP VPN tunnels on your BSD box. The number of tunnels is only limited by your memory and CPU.

I use FreeBSD on a K6/500 system, and I've been able to have about five friends VPN into my network for multiplayer FPS games via my 384/768 DSL line, even with SPI filtering enabled.