Network browsing over VPN (RAS to RAS) connection

[Dan]

Hi,

I have two networks linked over a PPTP connection. The connection works
perfect from the IP point of view (I can ping any machine from any machine
over the VPN tunnel).
I can open NBT resources from one side to another (for example I can open
\\john from one side of the link, by typing its name on a machine on the
other side).
The only issue I have is that users cannot see each others' computers over
the link by going to Network Places on the desktop. The 2 domains do not
appear from one side to another. However, if you know a machine name, you
can open it directly by typing \\machine_name ....

Any ideas on how to make the domains visible over the link for users to see
all computers in Network Places?

(To be precise, we are talking about an active directory domain company.com
on one side, and a subdomain branch.company.com on the other. All AD
services such as sysvol and dns replication work ok over the VPN link, the
domain uses mixed mode and of course dymnamic DNS/ no WINS)

Thanks

Dan

 

[Bill Grant]

You have really answered your own question. Browsing is an NT4 legacy
application which relies on broadcasts and Netbios names. If the two sites
are linked by a VPN connection, broadcasts are out. You have the equivalent
of two sites connected by a router. Browsing won't work in a setup like that
without WINS. WINS is the only practical way for the browse masters in each
site to see each other and merge browse lists.