I have new employees that will need to connect (securely) to a server in my home. I assume that a VPN is required, which I assume requires a dedicated line. Anyone know if those assumptions are correct, and if so, how to go about getting a dedicated line and how much it would cost? Thanks
What do you mean exactly by a dedicated line? Do you mean a static IP address? I've used a VPN to connect from my house to the server at my office. All it requires is an internet connection on both ends (preferably broadband).
A dedicated line is not needed which is what virtual in virtual private network implies. There are several small vpn devices from linksys and other companies that will do the job. I don't have much experience with them so I can't tell you which is best. Sorry I couldn't be of much more help.
depends on what you mean by "connect to your computer". Could you get away with telent sessions? Or maybe PCAnywhere? In addition, you don't neccessarily need a dedicated line/ip address b/c you can use one of those no-ip services where they give you a named address rather than a number address.
Depends on what kind of info you are passing around and how many people will be hitting your network.. If you want to go on the low end you can get the linksys/netgear hardware route, you could up that to a firebox SSL VPN that works very well or jump it up to Cisco 3000s if you want something more top of the line with more macular control options.. http://www.watchguard.com/products/fb-ssl.asp Great VPN for the price about 2500.00 You could also go the software route if you want www.gotomypc.com
All great info and helpful, but I should have been a little more specific. Sure, I hope to utilize a file sharing/server/printers, but most importantly is for employees to connect to my SQL Server with very sensitive information. So something like PCAnywhere would not suffice, but the Firebox might. Da-Glyde, So that would work if I only have a cable modem connection to the internet?
Hmmm, if all you're trying to get to is a SQL server, VPN is probably a major pain in the ass for that. Does MS SQL typically serve off of one port? If so, you might want to try tunneling it over SSH. WAY less overhead than VPN. Check this site out for ideas. It's not exactly a how-to, but maybe it will get your mind wrapped around the concept. http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/zhoupf/teaching/csg102/SQ-connect.htm
If both sides have a broadband connection and/or routers, you shouldn't need anything else. I can't vouch for Windows security on VPN connections, but if you do have routers on both ends, theyll usually have permanent firewalls to give you protection. If you go that route, look into port forwarding and port triggering. Its not difficult to configure if you know a bit about computers.
