Remote Printing via VPN - How to establish a point-to-point connection from the remote printer?
I could use some advise with the following issue. We have a Remote Office connecting to the Main Office via PPTP VPN. Remote Office systems are XP Pro., Main Office system is SBS 2003. Both offices use SMC 80132g-CCR cable modems for Internet connectivity. We have no problems with RWW or VPN connectivity. The problem I need to find a solution for is the Main Office uses proprietary Unix based software, (which runs fine from the Remote Office). However, printing from this software must be directed to a network ready printer with a static IP (which are in place). The remote workstations establish a point-to-point VPN connection. How do I establish a point-to-point VPN connection from the remote printer? The printer cannot be shared from a workstation or GUI interface. Any thoughts on how to resolve or get around this issue would be greatly appreciated. We are trying to stay away from the expense of a T-1 solution.
Thanks!
Chip
Thanks!
Chip
ASKER
Hi Plemieux,
Thanks for the response. I think you answered my question. We are using the Microsoft PPTP client on the remote workstations. Each workstation establishes it's own VPN connection. I'm not at all familiar with Cisco configuration. Can you recommend other routers that can provide site-to-site capability that are a little more user friendly? GUI interface for the non-techie types J
Thanks,
Chip
Thanks for the response. I think you answered my question. We are using the Microsoft PPTP client on the remote workstations. Each workstation establishes it's own VPN connection. I'm not at all familiar with Cisco configuration. Can you recommend other routers that can provide site-to-site capability that are a little more user friendly? GUI interface for the non-techie types J
Thanks,
Chip
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ASKER
Plemieux, Thanks for taking the time and for the great advise. I'll look at the Cisco solution.
Chip
Chip
No problem... In your research, check for the Cisco 800, 1800 series routers, PIX firewalls, or the new ASA devices.
In other words, do you have a remote access VPN solution or a site-to-site VPN tunnel?
In your case, it seems like you'd need a site-to-site tunnel. With a Cisco router at each office, you can setup an IPSec VPN from each public IP to reach the other public IP. Once the tunnel is established, you have full private IP connectivity between the sites. At that point, it doesn't matter what you want to access (printing, directory access, etc.) as long as it's IP-based.
Let me know if that's what you mean and if you need help with this setup. However, no T1 is necessary as long as both sites have Internet connectivity.