Pro vs Server

[Guest]

I am setting up new computer where 3-4 people are going to accessing data on
the computer remotely via a VPN connection. They will be sharing some basic
MS office documents and a small database.

The question is, will XP Pro surfice for their needs or do they really need
the cost of say small business server. How many people can remotely connect
to a XP Pro system.

Thanks,

 

[Chuck]

I am setting up new computer where 3-4 people are going to accessing data on
the computer remotely via a VPN connection. They will be sharing some basic
MS office documents and a small database.

The question is, will XP Pro surfice for their needs or do they really need
the cost of say small business server. How many people can remotely connect
to a XP Pro system.

Thanks,

Ben,

You can have up to 10 simultaneous connections to a Windows XP Pro server. This
could be anywhere from 5 to 10 individual computers, depending upon access.
Your example of 3 to 4 people will probably work.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/server-availability-affected-by.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/server-availability-affected-by.html

However, there are other reasons why SBS, and a domain, might be a good idea.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html

 

[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

With that said, if you want to use an XP box as a VPN server you could use
OpenVPN a free SSL VPN solution or as noted upgrade to a SBS or Windows 2003
Server solution.

If your interested in the OpenVPN solution see these links which include
working examples of server and client configuration files, etc...

http://tinyurl.com/gae6k

Another alternative may be to purchase a VPN end-point type router for the
office. Examples include these from Linksys. Note other manufacturers like
ZyXEL make these also...

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14923848
--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)


Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
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