VPN possible with this setup?

[Bandsaw]

I'd like to set up a simple VPN at our golf facilities to distribute weather information. Here's the setup:

Five sites, all have DSL service with Netopia/Cayman 3346 routers. All sites have a W2K pro PC.

Main site has a static IP. The PC at the main site (W2K pro) is connected to a satellite dish for the weather information stream. It has some "server" software for the weather information system.

The 4 other sites have client software, and really only need to see a database on the "server" PC via a mapped drive.

I've started testing with one site, and I can ping the main site by IP but not by name.

My questions:
- Can I get away with W2K pro as the OS at the main site, or should it be W2K Server?
- Do I need some VPN software?
- Does the Netopia/Cayman 3346 router work for a VPN?

Thanks to all who may have suggestions...
-- Tim

 

[ChicagoTechNet]

if you ceate a domain network with internal DNS and WINS, it should take care the name resolution issue. otherwise, use lmhosts.

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

http://www.ms-mvps.com

 

[MattWray]

You will need something to host the VPN itself. It doesn't look like those routers support router-to-router, just pass-through. So you will either need a VPN router or server at the host site.

When you ping, are you pinging the public IP? Your router probably NAT's so you will not be able to ping beyond until you get the VPN up and running...

Thanks,

Matt Wray

GFH

http://www.sss-steel.com

 

[gacollier]

I know the Cayman 3500 (3546) support IPSec/IKE tunnels, so I'm guessing the 3300 does as well. Unfortunately, you'll need to purchase the "Safeharbor VPN IPsec tunnel" upgrade for the router. They do offer a $200 service charge for setting the routers up for you as well. You need to make sure your internet connection at all sites are real Internet IP's not NAT'ed IP's from your ISP. With that in place, you should be good to go. I'd call Netopia to find out the details. You could always convert your Cayman routers to strictly "switched" mode and run a VPN appliance at all sites as well. (i.e. Linky RV082 or simliar). As far as naming is concerened, are you trying to ping the name of the Cayman at each site, or a system on the LAN end?

 

[gacollier]

Bandsaw,

Sorry, I realize that we didn't answer your original post. Win2K can be setup as a VPN server, but it will only accept one VPN connection at a time. If you want more connections you'll need to move to Win2K Server, or use a VPN appliance. A less expensive option might be to look at Linux.

Good luck. Post back if you have further questions.

Greg