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The Broadband Router
Features Guide
VPN Functions
V.P.N. =
Virtual
Private Network
If you connect to your office from home over the
Internet, you are probably using a VPN. A VPN allows secure communication
between computers or networks over a public network like the Internet.
Loads of routers claim VPN support, but the support varies.
VPN PASSTHROUGH
Most routers will support some kind of VPN pass
through. That means that you can make VPN connections through your
network, out the router, and to a VPN endpoint like your workplace. Almost
all the routers support the two primary VPN protocols, PPTP and IPSec to
varying degrees.
Some questions you need to keep in mind if you use
VPN software are:
How many VPN connections
can the router handle at one?
Some routers handle only 1 VPN connection, others 4, others 32.
Does your computer need to
be in the DMZ to use your VPN software or does the router support true VPN
passthrough?
Forcing your computer into your DMZ to engage a VPN is a
bad situation that you do not want to get into. It leaves your computer
exposed to the Internet.
VPN ENDPOINT
A VPN endpoint is a device or program that people
running VPN Client software can connect to. A VPN endpoint is also called
a VPN Server. Windows 2000 Server and the Server versions of XP have VPN
servers that use the PPTP built in. Running a VPN endpoint would allow you
to connect to your LAN from anywhere in the world securely.
VPN Endpoint Software If you plan to run VPN
software, find out if your computer needs to be placed in the DMZ to run a
VPN server. Most often, the answer is YES. Some routers don't support
running a VPN endpoint at all.
VPN Endpoint in the router? A few routers exist that
contain VPN endpoints right in the router itself. This is a VERY cool
feature and will become more prevalent in 2002. In 2001, it is only
present in some business class routers.
Why is having a VPN endpoint in your router
cool? First off, none of your computers need to be exposed to the internet
NOR do they have to run expensive VPN server software. If you and your
friend want to connect your networks together across the internet, you
would simply point your router VPN software at one another and BANG - you are
connected to the same VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK. Perfect for sharing files,
playing games, etc etc...
Warranty and tech support
What kind of warranty does the router have? If it
breaks, how long will you be without one? What if you don't like it?
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between
routers and router companies. A few of them try to differentiate
themselves by offering 30day money back guarantees and I have even seen a
48 hour turnaround for broken equipment. These options of course come at a
premium but it is nice to have the option sometimes.
The End (for now)
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