Windows XP Networking Question (with Linksys Home VPN router)

[James McCoughlin]

Hi everyone,

I have two friends who work at a non-profit from their homes, and they want
to be able to share a windows file folder and printers at two different
houses, like as if they were on a single LAN. We bought one (Linksys
WRV-54G) VPN router
(http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=565)

I've set up simple home LANs before, but never Linksys VPN. Would anyone
have any simple directions by any chance to get these computers talking to
each other through the Linksys VPN router? The directions didn't really seem
to get much into actually saying "how" they connect, but mostly about the
security settings, PKI passwords, etc.

In short, 3 questions:

1) Is it possible to share drives/printers over the VPN network?
For example: "Only" Sue's printer and drive sharing would connect
to Beth's VPN router and computer, while everything else (i.e.: Sue's
internet web surfing) should not try to connect to the web via Beth's VPN
[Exactly how would I set that up at Sue's house?]

2) Is it recommended to have a Second Linksys WRV-54G VPN router at the
other house? ...or does Windows XP have something built-in that makes this
not required?

3) To get a "very basic" network going... what are the steps to at least
getting one computer to ping the other through the VPN? ( <-- if question 3
is too long of an answer, don't worry about answering it then) ;-)

Thanks so much!
.....much appreciated!!

jmc

 

[Jeffrey Randow (MVP)]

The following article at Broadband Reports has some discussion about a
third party VPN client that works with that particular VPN router:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,10015585~mode=flat

Once you are connected, you would be able to do # 1 as long as you
don't reset the default gateway (this procedure varies depending on
what client you use...)

Jeffrey Randow (Windows Networking & Smart Display MVP)
(e-mail address removed)

Please post all responses to the newsgroups for the benefit
of all USENET users. Messages sent via email may or may not
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Remote Networking Technology Support Site -
http://www.remotenetworktechnology.com
Windows XP Expert Zone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone

 

[Jeffrey Randow (MVP)]

Sorry - posted before the other questions were finished...

As for #2, you could probably do a network bridge with the two
routers, but without knowing more about the WRV54G, I can't give you a
definitive answer.

As for part 3, once you have the VPN up and running, you should have
network connectivity (i.e., ping should work - ping privateipaddress)

Jeffrey Randow (Windows Networking & Smart Display MVP)
(e-mail address removed)

Please post all responses to the newsgroups for the benefit
of all USENET users. Messages sent via email may or may not
be answered depending on time availability....

Remote Networking Technology Support Site -
http://www.remotenetworktechnology.com
Windows XP Expert Zone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone