Using VPN to print to branch offices

[TimL123]

My organization is wanting to be able to print documents to our two branch offices. All three offices have a peer to peer network running. Would we be able to print using a VPN session? I guess my main question is do we have the necessary equipment to do this or not?

 

[John Lewis]

Probably.

Do you have the VPN connection established?

If not, you will need a broadband connection and something to act as a VPN server at each location. You probably have it, but you need to provide more details.

 

[TimL123]

Yes, we have the broadband connection. What would we use to act as the VPN server?

 

[John Lewis]

Many broadband routers have the capabilty, if you already have those it would be worth checking. Post your model numbers for more help there.

All modern versions of Windows (NT, 2K, XP) have the ability to act as a VPN server for one connection, Server versions of Windows can handle several connections at once.

VPN servers are available for Linux in several forms.

 

[markku]

The easiest way is to install VPN-routers, like Linksys BEFVP41 to every office and establish IPSEc tunnels between offices.

Every printer should be equipped with HP print servers.

After this every printer in every office is accessible for remote TCP/IP printing for every user.