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We install and
configure VPN's
Make
secure wide area networks via the internet. We design both
"site-to-site" and "client to home network" VPN's.
There are several ways to share
your data (or other files) with folks outside your local area network. I’ll
discuss two here:
VPN and Terminal
Server.
In a VPN (Virtual
Private Network) an outside machine is connected to your net and given an
IP address in the same subnet as your existing network.
This can be done into your
site from a computer running VPN software. if you are hosting a VPN
you'll need VPN hardware.
Examples:
We recently connected a security firm's database back to the monitoring
computers from 6 miles away; think of this VPN as a very long network cable.
Another job gave an energy firm access to a service program via a web page
that ONLY they could see.
in our most recent use of VPN we allowed roaming field reps
access to an MS Access database. This is an inexpensive method, as it uses
only your existing equipment and a VPN
server
Note that certain modifications
must be done to the data file, and that the usefulness of the idea depends
upon connection speed and reliability. If your field people are on weak or
slow connections you run the risk of data corruption in an Access file. A
better method would be Terminal Server.
Two good choices for small office
VPN devices: the Cisco ASA and the Sonicwall TZ100
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