LINKSYS WRT54G Router and Outlook 2003 with SBS2003

[stiffguy]

Hi:

I have SBS 2003 running on my server. I have only one physical server which has the file server, web server and exchange server. This server is connected to SMS router SMC 7004 AVWBR. MY sever is connected through wire and not wireless. Also I have Ports 110,25,80,3389,445 and 1720 opened on the router.

I have enabled the firewall on the SMC router.

Now my client is sitting on the web which is also connected to a LINKSYS router.

When I start outlook ( which is configured for the Exchange Server ), it displays the error message "Exchange Server unavailable".

If I disable the firewall on the Server side ( SMC Router ) then outlook 2003 works fine. Also if I enable the firewall and put the server machine on the DMZ, then also outlook 2003 works like a charm.

My question is two folds.

1. If I enable firewall and put the server machine on the DMZ, is it dangerous?

2. or If I disable the firewall and NOT put the server on the DMZ , is it better than point 1 above?

3. how to make outlook 2003 to work by enabling the firewall and also not keeping the server on the DMZ >

I have been struggling with this for the last few months and no body could help me so far.


I would appreciate if any one can come up with a great plan to make it work.

thanks in advance..

 

[fs483]

Create a VPN connection from your client behind the LInksys to your Server. Then when the VPN is activated, open outlook and you should be ok. Ports for VPN are PPTP (1723) and GRE (can't remember port number).

 

[stiffguy]

Hi:

I can;t do outlook unless I connect trhough VPN. I have opened all the req. ports on the router. Looks like you have not read my posting. I may have forgotten to put 1723 but I have opend that also. And GRE is a protocol and not a port #.

thanks