Router as VPN client

It cannot be a client but it might be possible as you can, with a lot of work, set up a site-to-site VPN using two Windows servers, however this has not really been a common scenario since Windows 2000.  The process usually uses L2TP/IPSec and requires active directory integration, RADIUS, demand dial routers (in Windows), routing, certificates, and more.  In the past 10 years VPN routers have become so inexpensive and easy to configure that site-to-site with a Windows server has pretty much disappeared.  Also using a pair of VPN routers is more secure in that it uses proper IPSec and moves the point of connection to the perimeter of the network.  In addition the router is a dedicated device to handle encryption/decryption improving performance slightly.

If interested the following is a white paper with the simplest of site-to-site configurations if you want to try to incorporate, but server to router is definitely not a well-documented process.
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?DisplayLang=en&id=14429

My home router is a Cisco LinkSys RV042 and I have tunnels connected to my key clients. But there is a hardware VPN at the client end.  It is straightforward to set up (IPSec VPN) but there are numerous settings and ALL have to be correct or no connection.  This is a site to site connection.

I have not tried this as client to site with Server VPN but it might work. It would take some setup as noted in the prior post.

... Thinkpads_User

If you need any help setting up the Juniper SSG5, post it to the forum or here and we can walk you through it - It's a little daunting at first, but after you do it a few times, it works great.

The nice thing about the Juniper is it is so incredibly "configurable" and the flexibility and things you can do with it eclipse any of the Linksys products. Also, if you buy the wireless version, you can do all kinds of fun things like creating separate Wireless networks that are able to or are not able to traverse the VPN.

Good luck and keep us posted

If you are familiar with Drayteks, stick with them, thay have great products and would work well for you.

Thanks for all the information. I've had to put this little project on hold for the time being but should hopefully get time shortly to resurect it.

RobWill - you suggested sticking with Drayteks, which would be preferable. Could you just clarify which models will act as a VPN client?

Thanks,
Chris

You would have to check with a sales rep or on-line.  We can't get Drayteks here so I am not that familiar with the different models.  However I have done a lot of support cases with clients using Drayteks, read manuals, and provided feedbac  They seem to have great features, and are very stable.