Offline folders, routing & synchronisation etc

[MC]

Hi, a little advice appreciated on the following scenario:-

User has a desktop (XP pro) and a laptop (98), works on both and needs
access to their files from both, would also like to have the synchronisation
of the files automated when the laptop is in the office.

I suggest offline folders might be the best option. That sound ok at this
point?

Now the added complication - the laptop may never go to the office! The
desktop is on the company lan behind a router. The laptop connects usually
through a wireless LAN at another site, sometimes a commercial hotspot,
sometimes dial-up. How can (if at all) the offline folders work through the
2 routers? By putting the desktop in a DMZ with a fixed IP? something like
that?

I understand this is more of a routing question but couldn't find a good
group!

TIA

MC

 

[allan grossman [mvp]]

Hi -

Rather than putting the laptop in a DMZ I think I'd give
some thought to using virtual private networking
instead. Establishing a VPN between the laptop and the
trusted network shouldn't be particularly difficult but
that's just my $0.02.

Hope this helps -

 

[MC]

I'd need some sort of static route / dyndns set up to reach the desktop
though wouldn't I?

 

[allan grossman [mvp]]

Hi -

Only if you wanted to access the laptop by hostname. If
you know the laptop's IP address you should be able to
hit it without going the dyndns route ;-)

Hope this helps -

 

[JR]

I think you need to look into setting up a VPN (virtual
Private network) to get this accomplished.
check here for more details.
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/