Using XP as a VPN server

[tina.lands]

I have a desktop running XP that is connected to the internet via a DSL
modem, with a static IP. I have read a bunch of entries here that kind
of help, but none are complete for my situation.

I want to enable this XP machine to allow incoming connections via VPN.
I have about 7 users who may want to connect to the machine via VPN. I
would love it if more than one person could do so at a time, but it is
not necessary right now.

How to I set up the XP network configuration to allow other pcs to
connect via VPN?
Do I really need a router to do so? (it would save a start up company
money if we didn't have to)
What do I need to consider if using XP Home *vs* XP Pro, I don't
remember which they ordered with the pc?


In the future, if we want more than one VPN connection to happen
simultaneously, what do I need to do? Would I then need a router?

Thanks!

 

[Sooner Al [MVP]]

XP will only accept one (1) incoming VPN connection at a time. Reference the
XP Resource Kit...

"Incoming Connection Types

By creating an incoming connection, a computer running Windows XP
Professional can act as a remote access server. You can configure an
incoming connection to accept the following connection types: dial-up
(modem, ISDN, X.25), VPN (PPTP, L2TP), or direct cable connection as shown
in Table 25-1. On a Windows XP Professional-based computer, an incoming
connection can accept up to three incoming calls, up to one of each of these
types. This can be an effective, low-cost option in a telecommuter's home
office or a remote office to which the corporate network occasionally needs
to send data."

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/c25621675.mspx#EBE

Otherwise your choices are...

1. A broadband (cable or DSL) VPN end-point type router (IMHO this is your
best solution for minimal cost)

2. A server class OS like Windows 2003 Server or Small Business Server (SBS)

3. An open source VPN solution like OpenVPN (I use this for secure remote
access to my home LAN). I have links to OpenVPN information on my small
networking page at...

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/LAN/The_Illustrated_Network.html


--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)


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