Win XP VPN Server

[SteveC]

Hi, I have set up my PC at home as a VPN server. It resides on a two PC
network and serves as the default gateway for a shared internet connection
(ADSL). Obviously I'm using private ip addressing on the network. How can I
connect to my VPN server from a remote location, bearing in mind I need a
valid host name or IP address (obviously I get a different IP each time I
dial up).

I've heard there are a couple of utilities available to work round this, but
don't know what they are.

Cheers, Steve.

 

[SteveC]

Think I've solved part of it - can use the static LAN ip address. But I
guess I need to configure my Norton firewall to allow the VPN through -
anyone any experience of this?

Cheers, Steve.

 

[Sooner Al]

For the PPTP VPN open TCP Port 1723 and enable "PPTP Pass Through" (GRE Protocol 47) on any
firewall/NAT/routers you use to share the ASDL connection. If you use the XP Internet Connection
Firewall (ICF) forwarding TCP Port 1723 automatically enables GRE Protocol 47.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;309524
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;241251

As far as addressing is concerned...Look at using one of the dynamic DNS services that map a fully
qualified domain name to the ISPs DHCP assigned IP address. Typically a small program runs on the PC
and contacts the dynamic DNS services server on a periodic basis. The IP is mapped to the name and
that information is propagated over the public internet. Call using the fully qualified domain name.
I use a *FREE* service from No-IP.com

http://www.no-ip.com

Others, some free some $$$$, are listed here...

http://www.remotenetworktechnology.com/ow.asp?Remote_Network_Home/Connections

As an FYI, here is how I do this very thing, ie. VPN access to my home network. Ignore the parts
about the PocketPC in your case...

http://www.oecadvantage.net/ajarvi/PpcVPN.html

 

[Sooner Al]

As long as the firewall is configured to pass the VPN traffic, then you should be good to go...

 

[SteveC]

Thanks mate, I'll have to flick through your documentation - it's Norton
firewall I'm using, but guess principle is the same.

Cheers, Steve.