VPN? VLAN? need help

jere_harless · 11-22-2006, 03:39 AM

i want to have a couple friends of mine be able to be part of my network, so we can play network games, share files, ya know do network stuff, but without having to put all our computers together in one place( this means a 60 mile drive for one friend.) which would be better, a VLAN or VPN, and whats the best and most secure way to do it?

Will.Spencer · 11-22-2006, 05:28 AM

You are definitely describing more of a VPN than a VLAN.

There are lots of ways to build a VPN. One of you will have to run the VPN server, while everyone else can be VPN clients. Do any of you run Unix?

jere_harless · 11-22-2006, 05:48 AM

no we none of us run unix, all xp home/pro users, is that a problem? lol

Will.Spencer · 11-22-2006, 09:45 AM

The problem is that the VPN server interface on Windows XP is limited to one simultaneous connection.

So, where do we go from there? Lots of options:

Install Windows 2003 Server
Install some other VPN server application on XP
Install Linux (or some other Unix)
Use some hardware box as the VPN server, such as a LinkSys WRT54G with a full firmware replacement

jere_harless · 11-23-2006, 07:37 AM

what would thos programs be?

and can i do a firmware update on an older model lynksys router( still broke lol)

Will.Spencer · 11-23-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jere_harless

what would thos programs be?

A VPN server application that runs under Windows XP?

Hmmm... I can't think of a free one! I wonder if there is a (non-Microsoft) free VPN server for Windows XP?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jere_harless

and can i do a firmware update on an older model lynksys router( still broke lol)

Check your WRTG54 version on the DD-WRT Linksys WRT54G/GL/GS/GX page.

DD-WRT supports both OpenVPN and PPTP.