VPN on a peer to peer

[DigitelD]

Customer has a peer to peer network with a Westell DSL router that is plugged into a Nortel BES50 10/100 switch. There is no server. I am not an IT guy so forgive me for my ignorance. What is the best way to set up a VPN with this configuration. The customer is about 1 1/2 hours away and we are their telephone system vendor. I appreciate your help.

SHK Certified (School of Hard Knocks)
NCSS

 

[pulsar1]

You did not indicate if there is a firewall appliance involved that might have VPN capabilites. If not, it would seem that your best bet is to add a small inexpensive applicance that will allow you to make a VPN connection. Sonicwall makes one that would do the trick for under $500.

 

[DigitelD]

No, there is no firewall device. What I listed in my post is all they have. Can a Windows VPN be done with this setup?

SHK Certified (School of Hard Knocks)
NCSS

 

[PainOfDeath]

It's unclear what their objective is. What are they trying to use the VPN for? Connecting two offices? Or do they want users to be able to VPN in from out of the office? If so, how many users?

 

[brianinms]

Bridge their Westell DSL modem and connect it to a Cisco ASA and configure your remote vpn on it.

 

[burtsbees]

Or ditch the dsl modem and get a Cisco 837.

Burt

 

[DigitelD]

Their objective is to give us, their Telephone system vendor, remote access to the system. I didn't know if there was a way to setup a VPN somehow without a Cisco router.

SHK Certified (School of Hard Knocks)
NCSS

 

[burtsbees]

You need some sort of VPN server, like a Windows box, Cisco ASA (which I recommend---the 5500 series, or even an older PIX), or SonicWall. The device must be capable of handling VPN's, not just "pass-through"---an actual VPN server device that does everything.
A Cisco 837 is the cheapest, but not necessarily the best, route. This can replace the MODEM altogether and act as the VPN server at the same time. It will do what you need, pretty well too.

Burt