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Router settings for VPN connection

Hi there,

I currently run a small network of a Windows 2003 server and several XP workstations. All of these devices connect to the Internet through a router that provides broadband access.

I would like to be able to access my Windows 2003 server from the Internet via v VPN. I have read how I can setup Windows 2003 accordingly with remote access, etc, and my ISP has provided me with my static and reserved IP address that I can use to do this.

My question is, what do I actually need to do on the router to do this? Currently, it has an IP address of 192.168.0.1 which the other devices use as their gateway. Do I need to program the router somehow with the IP address that my ISP has provided for me so that it can be "seen" from the outside world, and then I do some sort of port forwarding to route it to my Windows 2003 server (192.168.0.100)?

Can anyone help me with some steps here please?

Thanks!

Pete

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Rob Williams

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peterkennedy

ASKER

Hi Rob,

Thanks so much for this. This is excellent information.

The router we are using is a:

Netgear Cable/DSL Prosafe VPN Firewall
Model: FVS 318

If you can provide intructions/locations on this model that would be awesome.

Thanks!

Rob Williams

Sure, see below:
1) You need to set up your ISP on the "basic settings" page of the router
2) The Netgears actually have 2 steps for this part. You have to define the PPTP service, and then do the port forwarding. Complete instructions are available at:
http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/Netgear/FVS318/Point-to-Point_Tunneling_Protocol.htm
3) Seems on the FVS318, GRE is enabled by default or when the PPTP service is created. In other words you don't have to manually do anything with GRE to enable it

Good luck,
--Rob

peterkennedy

ASKER

Hi Rob,

Thanks so much for your help. This is exactly what I need.

I had a basic, high level idea of what needed to be done but didn't want to inadvertently open ports or break something!

Thanks again!

Pete

Rob Williams

Thanks Pete.
I was actually looking at one of these today and on the Firmware version the client had, the PPTP service already existed, so you didn't have to create a custom service, just enable it, as in the link above. Perhaps yours will be the same. Just check the "drop down list" under port forwarding first.
Good luck,
--Rob