[Ti] VPN router that works well with Panther

[Paul Russell]

On Apr 1, 2004, at 9:39 PM, Michael wrote:

> Hello List,
> I would like to access a small office LAN from home using my Ti 
> running Panther.  I wish to be able to access their Mac running 
> Panther, a Windows file server and possible print to a Windows-based 
> RIP.  I believe all that requires using VPN.
>
> Is anyone successfully doing this? If so, what are some 
> recommendations for the broadband router that would have to be put on 
> the LAN to play well with Panther/TiBook?
>
>

You need to know what kind of VPN you need to access. There are two 
main kinds that I'm aware of - IPSec and some other horrible 
Microsoft-oriented thing with a lot of P's in the name (PPTP or 
something like that ?). And then within each kind there are variations, 
e.g. with IPSec there are different authentication methods etc.

Mac OS X has VPN support built-in for _some_ kinds of VPN - take a look 
at Internet Connect to see what's available. If this doesn't handle 
your particular kind of VPN then you may need to buy a third party VPN 
client. My employer uses Contivity VPN switches and SecurID token cards 
and so I had to buy a client from Apani (formerly Netlock) for around 
$100. It works reasonably well. (MacOSX VPN supports IPSec but not 
SecurID authentication :-().

The one remaining issue is support for your VPN protocol of choice in 
your broadband router. Almost all current routers support IPSec for one 
client. Typically this is enabled by default and you don't have to do 
anything special. If you have an old router which doesn't support IPSec 
or if IPSec tunnelling is not enabled then you may have to deal with 
this accordingly.

Good luck,

Paul