Hi Everyone I need some help implementing VPN in our new network. We 'upgraded' to the new SBS 2003 domain about 6 months ago. Now we are looking to implement VPN. However, the main issue came from our realisation that the 'CONNECT T SMALL BUSINESS SERVER' remote connection that is automatically configured by the SBS server does notv work properly. The requirements for this remote connection (VPN) is that a few employees needs access to the data on the server. Thus, they need a secure connection from home and be able to see the data on the server (mapped drives on their laptops). Remote desktop won't really work, because we don't have static desktops in the office. We all use laptops and none of them stays connected to the network thoughout the night because we either store the laptops or take it home. Our current network design is Internet connection to Netgear DG834 router > patch panel switch and then everything connected to the switch - both server and laptops. Any ideas? I've already tried google to gain some more insight but to no avail. It only confuses me more. We also don't have a static IP yet from our ISP. This is to be sorted asap if this is necessary. Thanks in advance

If it were me, and I had the budget available, I would go with hardware VPN devices and not a software solution.

Hi Curt R Thanks for your reply. When you say 'have the budget' and 'hardware VPN devices', what would you suggest? Which hardware vendor and typical budget for a small business of about 20 employees? And if I go with a vendor, do they themselves do the installation and setup or will I have to do it myself? Thanks

OK...I think you have a LOT of studying to do... First google "sbs2003 best practices"...There will be a number of hits... Start here... http://www.sbsusers.net/techinfo/SB... http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/... http://www.petri.co.il/ There are more sites dedicated to SBS 2003... Basically, running SBS 2003 is NOT the same as running 2003 Server...because of the integration of SBS, there are a number of setup requirements before SBS can give you full functionality...there are certain requirements that you must have in place before you can use some of the SBS functions, like Exchange Server, for example... Also, you don;t have a static IP from your ISP, so you need a DNS forwarder, like www.no-ip.com or similiar... For example, DHCP must be run from the server and not the router...this means 2 NIC cards... There are ports for VPN that must be opened in your router...and some routers do NOT play nice with VPN connections, particularly if you are using SBS2003...and I do not know if your Netgear is one of them or not... I suggest you first study up on SBS2003, perhaps get a book on the server...this is a good one... http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t... And after you are a bit more familiar with the SBS process, then post back and we'll try to help...