Settings up a VPN for my home network

I'm looking to set up a VPN to my home network so that I can use Remote Desktop on my computer to access my computers programs and resources from other locations. I have a fast broad band cable connection and windows XP Pro installed on this system. I also have a linksys router. What do I need to do to get this thing set up and working? I've used remote desktop before no problem's there, I just need to figure out how to connect to my home LAN from other locations. I've thinking from school, friends houses and my wirelss PDA in the future. I believe I need help with the router settings I've looked at it and not been able to determine what I need to do. If you have an experence setting one of these up please share.

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

As a side question, for windows remote desktop what is the default port, and in the regedit what is the folder I go into to change this default port to something else to make it harder to hack?

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

issue #1 you might want to address is whether you have a static or at least semi-static ip for you home LAN. most people do not unless you're paying for a business level ISP subscription in which they give you a dedicated IP address. there are ways around this of course, and sometimes you're lucky enough to have a provider that gives you a semi-permanent IP anyway.

 

what you need to do is turn on port forwarding for the right ports, and probably get something like http://dns2go.deerfield.com/ to be able to statically connect to your computer since you most likely wont have a static IP

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

I have a cable modem so long as we don't lose power I will have the same IP address so I have the same address for weeks at a time. If I have to check the new address sometimes I'm ok with that.

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

Hi DaGreek,
I agree with the other guys, the most important thing is to get setup with a static IP at home. You can do it with software like what was linked to here, but it's easier with a static IP. Since these services like dns2go have an annual or monthly access charge, it may be cheaper and for sure easier to call your provider and see what they charge for a static ip address. I have a local wireless service provider and since I bought the premium service I get 2 static and 10 dynamic IP addresses included, I just looked them up and they offer static IP as an ala carte add on for only $2.00/month; so your provider may do something like this as well.

Good luck
Jack

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" (Ben Franklin)
http://pbase.com/joneill

 

Having a static address is something I'm willing to look into but my first concern is setting up the VPN to determine how useful it really is for me to have to my home PC. Sense I can count on my IP being the same for weeks or months right now I will leave it be till I decide the service is worth the minor expense of paying for the static IP. I'm thinking the static IP is really only important for connecting to the local lan at my home correct? So if it were to change next time I was home I could look it up and use the new IP until it changes again. Sense I have a cable modem that is on 24/7 I will have the same IP for awhile until I lose power or turn off the modem correct? So in the short term this is not the main problem for me to get things set up.

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

You don't need to setup a vpn to use remote desktop really. as long as you forward the ports "open the ports" in your router then you should be able to connect from anywhere. the default port is 3389. If you would like to change it, here is the microsoft article..

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q306759

let us know

Sharp AL27, Athlon 64 2700+ 60Gb hdd, 512Mb mem, 64Mb vid, superbright lcd. DVD +-/RW. Great choice for business use.

www.pc-proz.com

 

I agree, you do not need a VPN connection to desktop share you just port forward in your linksys router to a internal static IP address
Say you are using PCanywhere, you need to find out what port number the software is using (ie..3395) and forward that to an internal IP address (ie.. 192.168.1.100) If you feel you would like the connection more secure, you will need a new router, the linksys does not have VPN.

I use the Netgear FVS328 at office and a Netgear FVS318 at home. I create a hardware VPN connection that way all my PC's are on the same network (Files, printers ext.) now my home connection is cable so I do not have a static IP, I use the service that Is in the netgear router called Dynamic DNS (www.dyndns.org) the router detects my ISP IP change and updates the DNS Servers within Minutes.
oh and the service is free.

I suggest this soulution if you need a secure encrypted connection.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by DaGreek

 

yeah, but it will usually re-lease that same IP back to you once it has expired....I've had the same dynamic WAN IP for as long as I can remember.

-----------------------------------
Scott

Network Guru Extraordinaire