Ranger0900
join:2003-12-27
Fort Collins, CO
| Plan a VPN
Ok I work around my town, repairing and setting up computers. I would like to keep my files I use for drivers and such on my home server, but want to be able to access them and change them. (I assume FTP is out of the question)
questions
1. from my laptop from where ever I am, as long as I have internet access how can I access my home network and the file server?
2. What hardware will I need? (I am changing to Comcast HSI in one week so I know I won't have a static IP, but do know that they don't change them that often.) |
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JimPletcher
Premium
join:2004-04-05
Enola, PA
1 edit | You won't need a VPN for this.
I did the same thing (for a while) with an FTP server at the home office.
Even with a dynamic IP you can use DynDNS.
I eventually narrowed down the files I needed off-site to a few CDs worth (& closed the FTP ports).
If you're serious about VPN as an alternative, look into a Firewall that can serve as a VPN endpoint (I like ZyXel, but others work too). Then all you need is VPN client software on your laptop & a free DynDNS account. |
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SoonerAl
Old Enough To Know Better
Premium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
2 edits |  reply to Ranger0900
A very secure and easy way to do that is to use WinSCP. Install a SSH server on your home PC and connect with WinSCP via the SSH tunnel. See this page for screen shots...
»winscp.sourceforge.net/eng/docs/screenshots
You only need TCP Port 22 open on any firewall/NAT/router you have at home and you can use a dynamic name service like DynDNS or No-IP.com (which I use) to access the home machine using a fully qualified domain name... Easy...and totally encrypted end-to-end...
»winscp.sourceforge.net/eng/index.php
»sshwindows.sourceforge.net/
--
"When all else fails, read the instructions..." |
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Ranger0900
join:2003-12-27
Fort Collins, CO
| reply to Ranger0900
»www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe···3&depa=0
or this
»www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe···7&depa=0
Do you have an opinion of which one?
Or does it matter?
I need it to hide my users for HSI too, will those do it too?
Thanks for the advice |
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JimPletcher
Premium
join:2004-04-05
Enola, PA
| Check the LinkSys forum for advice in choosing between the two you've selected. They (should) have more experience with each than you'll find here.
Any router will hide your users.
If you're not planning to use an end-point VPN router, you could even use an inexpensive Wireless router, & disable the wireless function.
It might be a good idea for you to start with a basic router (NON-vpn) & try the FTP or WinSCP options as a learning experience before tackling VPN. |
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Anav
Sarcastic Llama? Naw, Just Acerbic
Premium
join:2001-07-16
Dartmouth, NS
| reply to Ranger0900
If you do consider the VPN route, I would consider a ZyWALL 2 router at home (two tunnel endpoint router, one for a permanent work office and one for the road for example) and for the road a portable VPN device.
»ZyWALL P1 (New Product)
--
Ain't nuthin but the blues! "Albert Collins". Leave your troubles at the door! "Pepe Peregil" De Sevilla. Just Don't Wifi without WPA, "Yul Brenner" - (Llama Works Equipment ) - |
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Ranger0900
join:2003-12-27
Fort Collins, CO | reply to Ranger0900
pretty awesome little thing there... Where do I get one?
Thank you all for your help also, I most certainly appreciate it! |
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pmkdatabase
join:2005-01-10
20150 | reply to Ranger0900
Please don't take this the wrong way - I'm strugging with the pros/cons of software VPN vs. appliance VPN.
Why didn't anyone sugggest setting up the home computer as a VPN server?
Also, why not run VNC on the home computer? |
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SoonerAl
Old Enough To Know Better
Premium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
| said by pmkdatabase  :...why not run VNC on the home computer? I run UltraVNC and XP Remote Desktop through a SSH tunnel...It works very well...
»theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/R···SSH.html
--
"When all else fails, read the instructions..." |
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Ranger0900
join:2003-12-27
Fort Collins, CO | reply to Ranger0900
SOONERAI!!!
That is the best guide I have read so far!!!!
Think I shall try that with a linksys router!!
Thanks |
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vito
join:2001-11-28
Gilbertsville, PA
 ·Teliax VOIP
| reply to Ranger0900
you could also install SSL Explorer
»www.sshtools.com/products/enterp···orer.jsp
Open source SSL Vpn server Client.
You can publish RDP sessions for your self.
It also lets you get to your windows share with in the app.
Take a look, i have been testing this for a bit, end the project is looking promising.
--
»www.itresourcekit.com Forget about it... FWD#=94982 |
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pmkdatabase
join:2005-01-10
20150 | reply to Ranger0900
What is the feeling about the security of SSH vs. PPTP and L2TP?
Thanks,
Peter |
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