Need VPN that Works

[win286]

We have a stable WinNT 4 server that serves up files, hosts exchange 4.x , backs up to tape, and tries to provide VPN over DSL. Hardware is dual 600MHz P3's, 512MB RAM and SCSI RAID5 (34GB total avail). There are about 7 local users and 1-2 remote.

We are having problems with our VPN not working properly with many of the same problems most people post about WinNT server and Win2k clients. Not authenticating on the first try, slowness, disconnects, etc...

Is it worth the effort to upgrade this server to Win2k since it is our production system and we don't intend to replace the whole server? Or should we just use a third party product (hardware or software)? And what products would you recommend for one to two VPN users.

TIA,

 

[247admin]

I put quite a spiel up under the "Need VPN Setup Advice" thread in this forum.

I looked at a Windows based VPN before we went with a hardware based IP VPN.

We put in a complete VPN solution, but due to time constraints (30 day project deadline) used an outside firm to configure it to our specs.

Hardware cost was approx $6k
Consulting cost was approx $6k

If you had enough time and staff you could roll it out for the cost of one server!

Lastly, if you'd rather stick with running a server based VPN, let me suggest looking at

http://www.smoothwall.org

for a firewall that runs on pc hardware that is very easy to configure. I performed testing on this and was very happy with the results.

cheers!

 

[win286]

Thanks for the reply. That's a bit of a budget buster for one or two users. I'm actually looking at a lowend vpn/router appliance. Does anyone have experience with these?

Thanks again,
DMS

 

[awo]

VPN/Firewall appliance have dropped in priced significantly. Netscreen sells its 5XP VPN/Firewall appliance for $450/list price. Check out

http://www.netscreen.com.

This device could be placed at dedicated location and your remote users could use the Netscreen VPN. Netscreen recently over took both Checkpoint and Cisco for market share in VPN/firewall appliance space. A Netscreen re-seller could help with the setup.

 

[win286]

Thanks for the info, haven't seen this one. I'm currently looking at NetGear. We still are required to support that old M$ PPTP and Netscreen doesn't list that as supported.

Thanks,
DMS