In: Root » Computers and technology » Windows XP » How to setup Virtual Private Networking
Imagine if you could take your networking one step further. Instead of wires or even a wireless network, what if you could create a secure network connection over the Internet into your private network itself? You’d be able to enjoy the benefits of using your private office network anywhere in the world . . . as long as an Internet connection was handy. Such is the reality of Virtual Private Networking and the emphasis, of course, is on the words private and secure. (It’s one thing to have access to your files from across the country, but giving that same access to an interested hacker is another thing entirely.) Your data is protected by encryption when it passes over the Internet, so for all intents and purposes, your connection is as well protected as a correctly configured wireless network. VPN places you squarely back into the realm of client/server networking, where the VPN client is the PC that you’re using remotely and the VPN server is the machine on the network that you’re connecting to. (If you’re unsure whether your office network is set up for VPN, ask that dashing system administrator.) In this section, I demonstrate how to set up your laptop PC (or a remote desktop) as a VPN client under Windows XP, with the following assumptions (based upon how VPN is used most often in real-world situations): - You’re using either • A broadband connection to the Internet or • Another company’s network Internet connection VPN over a dialup connection is the definition of the word frustrating, and I don’t recommend it. - Your network administrator has provided you the IP address of the VPN server. - You’ll use your regular network username and password to log in. Follow these steps to create and use a VPN connection: 1. Choose Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> New Connection Wizard, and then click Next on the first wizard screen. 2. Select the Connect to the Network at My Workplace radio button and click Next to continue. 3. Select the Virtual Private Network connection radio button and click Next to continue. 4. Type a descriptive name that will help you keep track of the connection, such as MLC Books VPN Client, and then click Next. 5. On the wizard screen, type the VPN server address provided by your network administrator (such as 157.54.0.1), and then click Next to continue. Note that this can also be in the form of a host name in good ol’ English (like mlcbooks.com). 6. If you’d like to add a desktop shortcut for your new VPN connection, select the Add a Shortcut to This Connection to My Desktop check box. 7. Click Finish. Windows XP creates the connection. If you need to make changes to your VPN connection properties for example, if your network administrator gets all high and mighty and changes the IP address of the VPN server choose Start -> Connect To. Right-click your VPN connection and choose Properties from the shortcut menu that appears, which will display the VPN Client Properties dialog box. From here, you can make any necessary changes. When you’re ready to use your VPN connection and you’re hooked up to the Internet during your travels double-click the VPN connection shortcut on your desktop or choose Start -> Connect To and choose the VPN entry. Windows XP will prompt you for your username and password via the Connect VPN Client dialog box. As always, I’m a bit paranoid about enabling the Save This User Name and Password for the Following Users check box because anyone using your (unattended) computer could simply log on as you. Click the Connect button to begin your VPN session, and you’ll find that you can now access all the network resources that you’re accustomed to on your office PC. Now tell me that technology ain’t grand! |
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