connecting 2 lans via vpn

[eanda10]

Can anybody advise what is involved in connecting 2 lans via vpn
the situation is like this I company is looking to expand the closest avail. space is 3 floors below our current space and there is noway of running a fiber cable in between the 2 spaces how can I go about connecting this remote space to my current space via vpn the new space will have a approx. 20 machines

is there a way for all these machines to connect to my main network without each user needing to establish a vpn connec tion?

 

[ChicagoTechNet]

yes, setup vpn to vpn, for example, setup two linksys befvp41 VPN routerz.

Robert Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Windows, Network and How to at

http://www.ChicagoTech.net

 

[John Lewis]

While a VPN over the internet is an option if both sides have internet access, I would not overlook other options here.

I would pursue some kind of hard wired connection in this case. While you may not be able to drop fiber, there is almost certainly unused copper in the building. How you go about using it would depend upon how old the copper is, how cleanly it was installed and who owns it.

If the copper is of sufficient quality, you might be able to get up to a 100mb connection. It really could be as simple as getting a coulple of pairs patched together.

If the quality is not quite that good, you should still be able to get 2mb by using a FRAD (frame relay access device) on each end of the circuit. Most will allow a 'head to head' connection, generally for testing but it is possible to get an ongoing connection working that way. Nice thing is there is a glut of used equipment out there as more and more people go to VPN over broadband to replace frame over longer distances. I have used this method over a distance of about 2 miles with good results. Other equipment might work, I just happened to have FRADs around at the time. Many DSL modems should be able to do the same thing.

The next issue would be getting the pairs set up. Really depends upon who owns the copper. In a large building, the local telephone company may be involved. Rules are different from state to state, but the FCC says that they have to rent the wire to you.

If you do go one of the hardwired routes, be sure to put voltage protection equipment on the lines, you never know who is going to mess with the wires or what kind of noise you might pick up.

This might sound like some work, but long term you will have better bandwidth without being at the mercy of your internet connections.